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

On the heels of a strong official visit, transfer tight end Ryan Ward has committed to West Virginia. Ward previously posted “Almost heaven?” on social media about his experience with the WVU football staff.

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Ward is unproven at the college level, but was highly recruited out of high school. Ward has three years left of eligibility.

Take me home country roads… I’m home Morgantown💙💛 LET’S WORK!!!@RealCoachRod @ChuckLillie @NYSEandeasy @CoachTTrickett @CoachLPorter @Coach_Dressler @HunterAssad1 @rhett_rod @CoachWeinreich @CoachRGarrett pic.twitter.com/7qKi1vUVsN

— Ryan Ward (@ryanward__1) May 7, 2025

Ward was a three-star prospect out of Rutherford High School in Rutherford, N.J., ranking as the nation’s No. 9 tight end and the No. 12 player in New Jersey by ESPN.

He was an all-state, three-time all-conference and two-time all-county selection throughout his high school career.

Ward officially entered the transfer portal on April 25 and has three years remaining of eligibility, something that makes him an attractive option to Rich Rodriguez and his staff as a player they can develop.

Find more coverage of WVU football recruiting at WV Sports Now.

For a related story, keep tabs on who the Mountaineers have added from the spring transfer portal.