Ward leaves the program after two seasons as the Coug starter.
Washington State quarterback Cam Ward will be entering the transfer portal as a grad transfer while evaluating his potential at being drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. Ward announced the news on Friday morning via his social media.
— Cameron Ward (@Cameron7Ward) December 1, 2023
After two seasons as the leader of the Cougar offense, Ward will opt to spend next season either in the pros or using his final year of eligibility elsewhere.
In the age of NIL, this doesn’t come as a big surprise to see Ward looking to capitalize on two successful seasons at WSU, whether that be a promise of an NFL contract or falling back on a big NIL deal. He will be a highly coveted QB in the portal should he decide to stay in college.
Ward transferred to WSU in 2022, coming from FCS Incarnate Word as one of the top rated QBs in the portal. In his two seasons on the Palouse, Ward threw for 6,963 yards, 48 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He also ran for 13 touchdowns.
The departure of Ward likely opens the door for redshirt freshman John Mateer to take over the reins. Mateer appeared in 11 of 12 games this season, mostly as a gadget player in trick-play packages. He ran for two touchdowns in the opening game vs Colorado State and threw for two against Northern Colorado on in relief for Ward.