Ryan Ward Part of Renewed Focus On Tight Ends | WVU Football All 105

All 105 is a West Virginia Sports Now series profiling each member of the 2025 WVU Football Roster.

The WVU football program offered Ryan Ward out of high school, but he ended up committing to UNC during his initial recruiting cycle. He played four games for the Tar Heels in 2024, just enough to preserve a redshirt year, then hit the transfer portal following the spring practice period this offseason.

A 6-foot-4, 240-pound tight end, Ward will likely wait in the wings behind established veterans like Grayson Barnes and Jacob Barrett this season. However, with head coach Rich Rodriguez planning a renewed focus on the tight end position this season, Ward could still pick up some snaps.

84 • Ryan Ward, redshirt freshman tight end

Last year: Ward appeared in four games with North Carolina in 2024, preserving a redshirt year.

Stats: N/A

Post-camp outlook: Rich Rodriguez said that he plans to use tight ends more than he has in the past, which could open up reserve snaps for Ward.

Projected role: Expect Ward to serve as a reserve in 2024 behind established receiving and blocking tight ends like Grayson Barnes and Jacob Barrett, respectively.

Accolades, highlights: All-State honors in his native New Jersey in high school.

Coverage Links:

UNC Transfer Ryan Ward Commits to WVU Football, Boosting TE Room