WATCH: Miami Hurricanes QB Cam Ward throws ceremonial pitch for Marlins against Red Sox

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward threw the ceremonial first pitch before the Miami Marlins faced the Boston Red Sox at LoanDepot Park. The Red Sox secured a 7-2 victory that night, with Rafael Devers and Masataka Yoshida playing pivotal roles in their third consecutive win after a three-game slump.

Ward, who transferred to Miami following two successful seasons at Washington State, took the mound at noon for the Marlins-Red Sox series. His pitch veered slightly off target, resulting in a ball, but it did reach the plate, where UM alum and Marlins first base coach Jon Jay caught it.

Meanwhile, optimism surrounds the Miami Hurricanes football team as they gear up for a promising season. Head coach Mario Cristobal has high expectations for quarterback Cam Ward, believing he will be instrumental in their success.

“He’s helped us evolve,” Cristobal said. “You’re not limited with him. He can do a lot of things. He’s got a tremendous capacity, a super high football IQ and his ability to improvise is sometimes better than the designed play.”

According to Cristobal, Ward's intelligence and systematic approach ensure that even when a play call isn’t perfect, he can still make it work.

Cam Ward chooses Miami Hurricanes over the NFL Draft

Former Washington State Cougars quarterback Cameron Ward. (IMAGN)

In 2023 at Washington State, Cam Ward, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 220 pounds, had an impressive season. He threw 25 touchdown passes and ran for eight more scores, with just seven interceptions.

After the season ended, Ward announced on Jan. 1 that he would enter the 2024 NFL Draft. However, less than two weeks later, he changed course and decided to transfer to Miami to play under Mario Cristobal.

Cristobal, known for his work with Justin Herbert at Oregon, helped Herbert balance aggressive playmaking with smart game management and is now tasked with refining Ward's skills. Ward himself reflected on his decision, saying in April:

“That was probably one of the hardest decisions I had to make, from thinking I was ready for the NFL Draft to knowing I’m still not done yet in college,” Ward said. “There’s still food left on the table for myself, for this team.”

Looking ahead to 2024, Ward aims to work his magic with the Miami Hurricanes. Can he develop into a top prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments section below!