After Ohio State’s Kyle McCord entered the transfer portal, there’s speculation that the Buckeyes might find a worthy replacement in another talented quarterback, according to FOX color commentator Joel Klatt.
Klatt not only mentioned McCord but also highlighted Cameron Ward and Dillon Gabriel as his top-rated quarterbacks during what he described as a “wild” transfer portal period. Klatt specifically sees Ohio State as an appealing destination for Washington State standout Cameron Ward.
“Cam Ward’s a sensational player. He’s going to be coveted, there’s no doubt,” Klatt remarked. “I think he would fit really well at Ohio State.”
What do you think of @joelklatt’s top 3 transfer portal QBs? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/cScHt5bIwk
— The Joel Klatt Show: A CFB Pod (@JoelKlattShow) December 6, 2023
Ward’s impressive stats include accounting for 33 touchdowns and an average of 7.7 yards per pass attempt in the previous season. He achieved a career-high completion rate of 66.6 percent in his fourth collegiate season, his second with the Cougars.
It’s worth noting that Klatt isn’t the only one linking Ward to Ohio State. Cameron Teague Robinson of The Athletic identified Ward as the “top player on Ohio State’s list,” and ESPN’s Tom VanHaaren reported the Buckeyes’ interest in Ward, as well as Duke’s Riley Leonard.
With a year of eligibility remaining, Ward has the potential to keep Ohio State in contention for the 2024 title, while the program nurtures incoming five-star recruit Air Noland.
If Ward were to join Ohio State, he would be stepping into the shoes of McCord, who had a stellar season, leading the Buckeyes to an 11-1 record with 3,170 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. Klatt believes that Ward could be a valuable addition for another program, offering an upgrade at the quarterback position.
Klatt also speculated that Dillon Gabriel could potentially find a new home at Oregon. Gabriel had an impressive 2023 season, notching 30 passing touchdowns and 12 rushing touchdowns during his time with Oklahoma.