Auburn enters mix for No. 1 transfer QB Cam Ward as decision nears

Washington State quarterback Cam Ward is expected to make a decision on his future in the near future. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, a new suitor has garnered Ward’s attention.

“Reported last night that Washington State QB Cam Ward was narrowing down decision to Miami or NFL but schools were making a late effort to get involved,” Nakos wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Sources have indicated Auburn is in mix and the Hurricanes are starting to explore other options. Very fluid recruitment.”

According to On3 Industry Rankings, Ward is the No. 2 player in the transfer portal and the best available quarterback.

Ward spent two seasons at Incarnate Word, an FCS program. While there Ward was selected to the FCS All-American Second Team, named Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year and was a Walter Payton Award Finalist, an honor given to the most outstanding offensive player in FCS Football.

After transferring to Washington State in 2022, Ward didn’t slow down. Ward tallied 3,735 passing yards this season, the fifth-most in the country. He also tacked on 25 passing touchdowns and eight rushing scores while throwing just seven interceptions.

Cam Ward’s decision is right around the corner

Now, Ward is ready to try his luck in a new environment and ESPN’s Pete Thamel believes his decision is imminent.

“Spoke this morning to Calvin Ward, the father of Washington State transfer QB Cam Ward,” Thamel wrote on X. “He said this morning that his son is expected to choose between college football and the NFL in the next day. Calvin Ward said his son remains 50-50 on his decision. ‘It’s imminent.’

“He’s visited Miami and FSU and has still been engaged with multiple other schools, as sources told ESPN that list now includes Auburn, which has engaged in recent days. There’s still potential for new schools that haven’t emerged publicly to enter the mix.”

In December, On3 director of scouting and rankings Charles Power explained Ward’s massive appeal.

“Cam Ward is an interesting scenario,” Power said. “He’s the guy who’s played a lot of football at varying levels, was really good at Incarnate Word and has played two years at Washington State. I think he’s continued to get better. He really got off to a pretty hot start this year before kind of leveling out once against Pac-12 play.

“He has a good combination of experience and developmental upside. He’s not a guy who was super polished coming out of high school. He didn’t have a bunch of pass attempts. I think he’s on an upward trajectory.”