5 underrated ACC QBs to watch out for in Week 4 ft. Cam Ward
The ACC schedule is in full swing as the calendar turns to Week 4. While there were only four conference games over the first three weeks, that will change this weekend as there are another four such games. The ACC has been strong in the early portion of the year as the 17 teams in the conference have combined for a 35-13 record that includes a 31-9 mark outside of conference play.
Here's a closer look at five ACC quarterbacks to watch out for this weekend.
5 underrated ACC QBs to watch out for in Week 4
#1. Cam Ward
Cam Ward initially joined the FCS-level Incarnate Word Cardinals as an unranked prospect in the 2020 recruiting class. He spent two seasons starting for the program before spending the following two seasons under center for the Washington State Cougars.
Ward joined the Miami Hurricanes via the transfer portal ahead of the 2024 season and has been among the best quarterbacks in all of college football so far this season. He has thrown for 1,035 yards, 11 touchdowns and just one interception while completing 73.0% of his passes. He also added 46 rushing yards and a touchdown on seven carries. The Hurricanes (3-0) will visit the South Florida Bulls (2-1) in Week 4.
#2. Eli Holstein
Eli Holstein initially joined the Alabama Crimson Tide as a four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class. After redshirting his true freshman season, he joined the Pittsburgh Panthers via the transfer portal.
He has gotten off to a strong start, throwing for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions. Holstein has completed 67.6% of his passes while adding 96 rushing yards on 29 carries. He will look to lead the program to a 4-0 start as they face the Youngstown State Penguins (1-2) in Week 4.
#3. Kyle McCord
Kyle McCord initially joined the Ohio State Buckeyes as a four-star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class. He joined the Syracuse Orange via the transfer portal ahead of the 2024 season. In just two games, he has thrown for 735 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception while completing 69.4% of his passes. McCord and the Orange (2-0) will look to remain undefeated when they face the Stanford Cardinal (1-1).
#4. Thomas Castellanos
Thomas Castellanos initially joined the UCF Knights as a three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. He subsequently joined the Boston College Eagles via the transfer portal after one year. He has accounted for 589 passing yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions so far this season.
Castellanos has completed 64.8% of his passes while adding 97 rushing yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. The Eagles (2-1) will face the Michigan State Spartans (3-0) this weekend.
#5. Maalik Murphy
Maalik Murphy initially joined the Texas Longhorns as a four-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. He joined the Duke Blue Devils via the transfer portal in the offseason. He has played well, throwing for 801 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. Murphy will look to lead the Blue Devils to a 4-0 start when they face the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (1-2).