Tag: Cam Ward

Where does Jackson Arnold rank in early 2024 Heisman odds according to Fan Duel?

Jackson Arnold is already getting some preseason Heisman buzz before his first year as a starter.

If you think [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] is going to win the [autotag]Heisman[/autotag] in 2024, now is the time to bet on it. You probably won’t see the odds this low again if he has the season you think he’s going to have.

Arnold is heading into his first year as the starting quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners. The sophomore quarterback showed flashes in games last year. Even though his bowl game was soured with all of the turnovers, he showed in that game why people are so high on him and his ability.

He’s definitely got all of the makings to be Oklahoma’s next great quarterback and Heisman contender. Arnold’s going to have plenty of opportunities to show out against several high-quality opponents.

So where does Arnold land in 2024 Heisman odds according to Fan Duel Sportsbook? Let’s take a look at the early contenders.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3006″ ] Fan Duel

Miami turns around their QB room with two transfers

Miami has a QB capable of putting the Canes in the ACC title picture.

In just eight days, the Miami Hurricanes transformed their quarterback room from a perceived weakness to an undoubted strength.

This turnaround began with the addition of Reese Poffenbarger on Jan. 8 and was further solidified by securing Cam Ward on Saturday. On Jan. 1, Ward released a video on X with his intentions to enter the NFL Draft. Less than two weeks later he announced his commitment to Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes.

Poffenbarger, an impressive talent from the University of Albany, has shown his prowess in the FCS. He emerged as a third-team All-American, leading the division with 3,603 passing yards and 36 touchdowns.

His significant contributions propelled Albany to an 11-game winning streak and a semi-final appearance in the FCS playoffs. Poffenbarger’s stats are notable.

Career Stats (2022-23):

59.8% Comp | 6,613 Yards | 7.9 YPA | 60 TDs | 17 INTs

He will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Then, Cam Ward’s surprise commitment to Miami added another layer of excitement. After a successful stint at Washington State, where he threw for 3,736 yards and 25 TDs in 2023 alone, Ward’s decision to join the Hurricanes instead of entering the NFL draft is a game-changer. His experience and talent elevate the quarterback room many levels better than it was just a week ago.

Miami’s quarterback roster now boasts not only Poffenbarger and likely preseason Heisman hopeful Cam Ward, but also talents like Jacurri Brown, Emory Williams, and Judd Anderson. This depth provides a healthy competitive environment Cristobal craves, essential for growth and performance.

The offense, under Shannon Dawson, has already seen improvements, jumping from an average of 23.6 points per game in 2023 to 31.5 in 2024. The addition of Poffenbarger and Ward is poised to further enhance this upward trajectory.

The return of top ACC wide receivers Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George ensures that Miami’s offense has the tools needed for a successful season. The pressure will be higher than ever for Mario in year three at Miami. With this lineup, the Hurricanes are not just addressing past weaknesses but are setting the stage for a powerful offensive showcase in the upcoming season.

The Hurricanes have not just filled a gap; they have added a potential Heisman candidate at quarterback that promises excitement and high-level performance in the season ahead.

The Cam Ward draft decision wheel keeps on spinning

Quarterback Cam Ward has decided to transfer again and removed his name from 2024 NFL draft eligibility

It’s been hard to keep up with quarterback Cam Ward and his future. The quarterback for Washington State for the last two seasons has struggled to commit to any decision.

After declaring himself into the 2024 NFL draft recently, Ward has shifted his plans once again. Now, the 21-year-old has opted to pull his name from the draft and instead transfer to Miami.

It’s the second time in a little over a month Ward has decided to transfer. He initially entered the transfer portal in early December, but then pulled his name when he declared for the NFL. Now, he’s found his third college home in four years with the Hurricanes.

Ward began his college career at Incarnate Word, where he played for two years before moving onto the Cougars program. He was projected as a middle-round pick in the 2024 draft before opting to continue his college career in Miami.

QB Cam Ward leaves transfer portal and declares for the 2024 NFL draft

Washington State QB Cam Ward leaves transfer portal and declares for the 2024 NFL draft

The future path of former Washington State quarterback Cam Ward has taken another turn. After earlier entering his name in the transfer portal to play another season of college football, Ward has changed his mind. Instead of transferring, the 21-year-old will enter the 2024 NFL draft.

In a social media post on New Year’s Day, Ward left no doubt about his intentions.

“What’s up, this is Cam Ward,” he said. “And I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL draft.”

Ward threw for nearly 7,000 yards in two seasons with the Cougars. He previously transferred to Washington State from Incarnate Word, where he also posted incredible passing production in two seasons.

Ward’s NFL draft stock is difficult to ascertain at this point. Prior to his transfer portal announcement earlier this offseason, Ward was generally projected as a high-upside talent in the middle rounds.

Cam Ward to enter NFL draft, is now off the board as a possible USC QB

Cam Ward will not be a USC Trojan (or a Miami Hurricane).

The quarterback portion of the college football transfer portal has a lot of plot twists left to account for. Plenty of schools do not have fully-established quarterback rooms. They need a passer for 2024, either as a starter or as a backup. USC likely doesn’t need a starter after Miller Moss staked a claim to being the No. 1 guy with his performance in the Holiday Bowl, but the Trojans do need a backup. We’re all wondering if Lincoln Riley can convince a backup-caliber quarterback to come to USC and fill out the room behind Moss.

Cam Ward is not a clearly better quarterback than Miller Moss. He has his moments, but he has not been relentlessly consistent. Ward was being pursued hard by Miami. Florida State and USC were in the picture to varying degrees, but in the end, it was either Miami or the NFL draft for Ward.

Monday, the decision came down: Ward is going to the pros. We can all put to bed the possibility that Ward will be a USC quarterback in 2024.

Visit our friends at Fighting Irish Wire, Buffaloes Wire, and Ducks Wire.

Transfer portal quarterback market continues to change, with USC surveying its options

More plot twists emerge in the portal.

The transfer portal quarterback market is constantly changing. Remember when Oregon seemed to have Cam Ward on its radar screen, with the Ducks ready to bring him to Eugene?

Our friends at Ducks Wire wrote about the distinct possibility that Dan Lanning might bring Ward to Oregon:

“This portal entry is significant for Oregon Duck fans because there is a chance Dan Lanning and Will Stein be in the market for a new QB this offseason. With Bo Nix leaving for the NFL, the 2024 QB1 spot is open. Ty Thompson, Austin Novosad, Michael Van Buren and Luke Moga are expected to compete for it. At the moment, Thompson has the best chance of that group to get the starting job, but it would not be a surprise to see the Ducks get a veteran QB out of the portal to compete for that starting spot.

“Don’t be shocked if Ward ends up being that guy.”

That quickly changed when Dillon Gabriel entered the portal. Oregon pivoted to Gabriel and then locked up Dante Moore for 2025 behind Gabriel for 2024.

The market changes quickly. USC has been courting Kansas State transfer Will Howard, with Cam Ward reportedly in play for Miami and Florida State. Now that Jayden de Laura is in the portal, will any of these schools — or others we haven’t even mentioned yet — change their intended top QB targets in the portal? We shall see.

Visit our friends at Fighting Irish Wire, Buffaloes Wire, and Ducks Wire.

Report: A big-time Wisconsin transfer portal target to visit Miami tomorrow

Report: A big-time Wisconsin transfer portal target to visit Miami tomorrow

A report from a few weeks ago connected the Wisconsin Badgers with former Washington State transfer quarterback Cam Ward. Yes, that Cam Ward that beat the Badgers each of the last two seasons.

Ward is the No. 3 quarterback in the portal, ranked behind only former Oregon State QB Aidan Chiles and former UCLA QB Dante Moore. Given his track record at Incarnate Word and Washington State, dual-threat ability and experience against top competition, it’s easy to understand why he’s such a highly-touted transfer.

There are no reports of an official visit to Wisconsin as of now. But there was one earlier today from 247Sports’ Chris Hummer that Ward will visit Miami this week.

The initial report named Wisconsin as a school to watch alongside Ohio State, Oregon, USC, Florida State, Washington and Miami. If Wisconsin prioritizes Ward, it will need to beat out many other top programs for his services.

Dillon Gabriel to Oregon lends clarity to USC portal QB situation (for now)

Is it down to Cam Ward and Will Howard, or is there a third portal QB candidate for USC?

The suspense didn’t last long. After Blake Shapen of Baylor transferred to Mississippi State on Friday, it seemed likely that Dillon Gabriel would transfer to Oregon. On Saturday, that’s exactly what happened.

Ducks Wire has more on the story:

“For those who are confused about how Gabriel still has eligibility remaining after having played in five seasons already, the former Oklahoma QB utilized a medical redshirt in 2021, giving him an extra sixth year.

“Throughout his career, Gabriel has been prolific when it comes to putting up numbers. He’s thrown for almost 15,000 yards in his career, with a 125-26 TD-to-INT ratio in those five seasons. Most recently, Gabriel threw for 3,360 yards 30 TDs, and 6 INTs while also rushing for 12 TDs.”

Gabriel to Oregon would seem to suggest that USC’s transfer portal quarterback search is down to two primary candidates: Washington State’s Cam Ward and Kansas State’s Will Howard. Will a third candidate emerge? Stay tuned. USC might not wait much longer before a commitment occurs in the portal.

Visit our friends at Fighting Irish Wire, Buffaloes Wire, and Ducks Wire.

With Dillon Gabriel in play for Oregon, Cam Ward speculation heats up at USC

Will Howard might be first in line, but Cam Ward isn’t completely removed from the picture at USC.

If Dillon Gabriel is likely headed for the Oregon Ducks in the transfer portal, that would change what other programs are able to do in the portal. Cam Ward was previously viewed as an Oregon target, but when Gabriel entered the portal, Oregon’s outlook changed. One has to wonder if USC’s outlook has changed as well.

Lincoln Riley has paid a visit to Kansas State transfer Will Howard. It is reasonable to think that Howard is USC’s top transfer portal quarterback target, though that isn’t a confirmed fact. If, however, Howard isn’t the top quarterback target for Riley and USC, Cam Ward could be the other prominent name under consideration.

There is certainly a lot to think about, and people are discussing Cam Ward as a possible USC quarterback: