The Hurricanes are busy this week, trying to recruit their next quarterback via the transfer portal.
Miami hosted former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard on Monday and former Washington State quarterback Cam Ward on Tuesday, according to multiple reports. They are two of the top candidates to replace Tyler Van Dyke, who left via the portal, as UM’s starter next season.
Neither quarterback would be eligible for the Hurricanes’ bowl game against Rutgers on Dec. 28, but either veteran would set Miami up nicely for the 2024 season.
Both quarterbacks had strong 2023 seasons at their former schools.
Howard, who spent four seasons at Kansas State, passed for 2,643 yards and 24 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. He can also be a threat in the running game, rushing for 351 yards and nine touchdowns this season. Howard had a 78.1 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus with a 71 passing grade and a 79 running grade.
Ward spent two years at Washington State after transferring from FCS Incarnate Word. He racked up 3,736 passing yards with 25 touchdowns and seven picks in 2023. He also scored eight rushing touchdowns. Pro Football Focus gave him an 81.1 offensive grade with a 78.6 passing grade.
The Hurricanes are not alone in trying to enlist the star quarterbacks this offseason. Florida State, USC and Ohio State have been mentioned as possible landing spots for Ward, while Texas A&M could secure Howard. Several other top transfer quarterbacks have already announced their new destinations, with former Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel replacing Bo Nix at Oregon and former Duke star Riley Leonard heading to Notre Dame.
Miami could be a prime position for a transfer quarterback with one season of eligibility, like Howard or Ward. The Hurricanes are coming off a 7-5 season but had one of the nation’s top offensive lines. Two of those linemen, Javion Cohen and Matt Lee, are headed to the NFL, but at least two, Anez Cooper and Francis Mauigoa, are expected back. Left tackle Jalen Rivers could also return if he does not choose to leave for the pros.
The Hurricanes have two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster: sophomore Jacurri Brown and freshman Emory Williams. Williams made two starts this season but suffered a season-ending arm injury against FSU, but will likely be healthy for spring football. Brown has not played all season but is expected to start in the Pinstripe Bowl. Miami has one quarterback committed in the 2024 class: three-star prospect Judd Anderson, who would likely start his career behind the returning quarterbacks and a transfer.
Either Ward or Howard would be penciled in as the starter to begin spring practice.
Miami could also return several of its top offensive weapons. Running back Henry Parrish Jr. and wide receivers Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George are draft-eligible but could return to UM. None have announced their future plans. If they stay at Miami, the Hurricanes will have their leading rusher and top two receivers returning.
Additionally, the Hurricanes will return standout running back Mark Fletcher Jr. and promising wide receivers like Ray Ray Joseph and Robby Washington. Miami also expects to bring in top 2024 recruits like Joshisa “JoJo” Trader and Ny Carr, who are both rated four-star prospects in 247Sports’ composite rankings.
