The transfer portal has changed the way college football programs succession plan at the quarterback position. It's no longer essential to recruit elite high school prospects at regular intervals. Now top programs can reload by picking up whatever quarterback is looking to level up.
This year, Cam Ward looks like one of the most promising quarterbacks on the market. The Washington State star who transferred in from the FCS level in 2022 has thrown for more than 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in each of the last two seasons.
Ward entered the transfer portal but could still declare for the NFL Draft. If he opts for another year in college, these are the programs to watch.
3. Washington Huskies
Michael Penix is a perfect example of a quarterback who took his game to the next level after transferring. He's now a sure-fire Heisman Trophy finalist and projected as a first-round pick in the draft. Ward could look to follow the same trajectory under Kalen DeBoer.
DeBoer developed Penix into an elite quarterback. If Ward comes to Washington, he'll have the chance to carry the torch.
The Huskies have good reason to pursue him too. Dylan Morris, a four-star in the class of 2018, is still on the roster but he's not the most inspiring choice to take over for Penix.
Bruce Feldman of The Athletic has already named Washington as a likely suitor for Ward.
2. USC Trojans
USC has one of the most intriguing quarterback openings in the country with Caleb Williams all but certain to depart for the NFL as the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft.
Lincoln Riley is the best of the best quarterback gurus in college football. He has produced multiple Heisman Trophy winners, multiple high first-round draft picks and multiple NFL starters.
If Ward wants to follow the Jalen Hurts model, putting on the cardinal and gold would have to be an attractive option. If he wants to increase his brand power in the NIL space, Los Angeles is a great place to do it.
Bruce Feldman also highlighted USC as a potential landing spot for Ward, but the bigger question is what Riley and the Trojans want to do. They have 2023 five-star Malachi Nelson and long-time backup Miller Moss, who is expected to start the bowl game. Is Riley content with those options? Or will he aggressively pursue the biggest name on the West Coast? He'll have to if he actually wants to land Ward, who will have many other programs going all out to land him.
The one thing that's clear is that Ward fits the mold of a Riley quarterback. It could be a match made in heaven for the Trojans.
1. Oregon Ducks
The third team Bruce Feldman referenced as a suitor for Ward is the Oregon Ducks, who need someone to replace Bo Nix.
Like Penix, Nix needed to come to Oregon to unlock his true potential as a quarterback. He was a revelation over his two seasons with the Ducks despite playing under two different offensive coordinators. Now he's out of eligibility and the Ducks are expected to look for another elite transfer to guide their offense.
Ty Thompson, a four-star prospect from the class of 2021, served as Nix's backup in 2023 but there seems to be skepticism that he's the future of the program.
Oregon has been linked to most of the major quarterback transfers in the market. Ward is an obvious fit for Dan Lanning's team and probably stands as the most attractive option on the table with his passing ability and mobility.
In Eugene, Ward can expect to contend on the national stage while cashing in with copious NIL opportunities. The Ducks don't skimp on NIL.
But what about a dark horse program that could swoop in and pick up Ward instead....
Dark horse: Texas A&M Aggies
Even before Ward entered the transfer portal, the trio of former Pac-12 schools were mentioned as potential landing spots, but interest in the former Washington State quarterback will extend nationwide. So we can't count out a program like Texas A&M.
Ward is from Texas originally. He started his career in San Antonio at FCS Incarnate Word. If he wants to go back to his home state, the Aggies would have to be an intriguing option just a couple of hours away from West Columbia where he went to high school.
Texas A&M can't tout their quarterback development the way USC, Oregon or Washington can. But they have a proud booster base that is willing to splash cash to better the program. If it's NIL money Ward wants, he can get it in College Station.
There are other options who look likely to call on Ward from Ohio State to Miami. He's going to have plenty of options. Heck, if Quinn Ewers decides to leave for the NFL, even Texas may get involved.
For now, it looks like the West Coast teams are at the top of the pecking order with programs like Texas A&M potentially shaking things up.
