Cam Ward selected 1st pick overall in 2025 NFL Draft

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Miami, FL – Cam Ward became the third-ever Miami Hurricane to be selected first overall in this year’s 2025 NFL Draft, chosen by the Tennessee Titans. He joins quarterback Vinny Testaverde (1987 Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and defensive tackle Russell Maryland (1991 Dallas Cowboys). The occurrence marks a successful end to the Heisman finalist’s collegiate journey and the beginning of a new one in the pros. What makes the achievement all the more impressive is that he wasn’t a four or five-star recruit coming out of high school. Reporting has revealed he was a zero-star.

Ward is part of a handful of overlooked recruits who went in the first round. Josh Allen and Aaron Rodgers are two such examples. The former Hurricane’s playmaking ability convinced Tennessee that he fulfilled their biggest need. Titans coach Brian Callahan utilizes a similar passing system and will be tasked with harnessing Ward’s experience under pressure. Callahan will also need to balance the risks his new quarterback likes to take in the pursuit of big plays. Let’s explore Ward’s brief era in Miami.

Well-deserved triumphantly capping off one journey and starting another. I wish him the best in the NFL. Take good care of him. He should do right by you.#TitanUp || #GoCanes pic.twitter.com/g8j9btnkYr

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) April 25, 2025

He is H1M

In the beginning, at least as far as UM fans are concerned, Cam Ward announced that he was entering the 2024 NFL Draft. However, projections had him going in the mid-to-late rounds. Some experts said he was a third-rounder; others were more skeptical, stating Ward’s selection would’ve been on day three (rounds 4-7). Upon learning of this, the former Washington State quarterback made the unexpected decision to not only forgo the draft but to play for the Miami Hurricanes, beating out Florida State and even Ohio State among others. This was a major turning point for the program. For the 2023 season, Ward threw for 3,735 yards, including 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions, complemented by eight rushing TDs. His impact was immediate, causing a seismic shift in the depth chart. By easily capturing QB1, he made any other signal caller, Emory Williams included, irrelevant.

.@theACC offensive and overall player of the year is a Miami Hurricane 🙌#GoCanes | @cameron7ward pic.twitter.com/8cR7yHnJnH

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) December 5, 2024

At the time, I discussed how Reese Poffenbarger and Jacurri Brown were decent depth pieces. Unsurprisingly, they turned out to be footnotes. Ward produced a memorable 2024 season at Coral Gables, unleashing his raw athleticism, explosive arm, football IQ, and leadership skills, tallying up Heisman-level numbers that kept him deep in the conversation all season. Despite amassing 4,123 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, his performance was not enough. Although Cameron was a finalist, Travis Hunter won the Heisman Trophy. Ward was also snubbed for the Maxwell Award. Regardless, he earned a string of accolades worthy of his stature:

• Davey O’Brien Award: Awarded to the nation’s top quarterback.
• Manning Award: Presented to the nation’s top quarterback (includes bowl game performance).
• ACC Player of the Year: He was the first player from Miami to receive this honor.
• ACC Offensive Player of the Year: The first Miami player to win this award.   
• First-Team All-ACC: Recognized as the best quarterback in the conference.
• Consensus All-American: Earned First-Team All-America honors from all major recognized selectors

Where the path of the one ends

There was no National Championship. No college football playoff. There wasn’t even an ACC title game appearance. Unfortunately, one of the team’s main weaknesses (the defense) was exploited to the fullest, preventing what could have been a championship run for the ages. The ending was painfully disappointing, but I still think it was a fun season. Looking back, these were my top three wins in no particular order.

First TD of the 2024 season? Cam to Cam🎯

📺: ABC#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/gFRH7y5WUU

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) August 31, 2024

At Florida (41-17): Fans were officially introduced to Cam Ward. Miami made a strong week 1 statement at Gainesville as Ward led the way, throwing for 385 yards and three touchdowns, his first to ninth-year tight end Cam McCormick. Ward was the first Miami quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards in his first Hurricanes start since at least 1980. Folks were a little miffed at his lackadaisical demeanor, but he was only showing he was cool under pressure.

Just another day in the office for Xavier 💼@XavierRestrepo1 totaled for 163 yards on seven receptions to average 23.3 yards per touch@CanesFootball | @MiamiHurricanes | @drpepper pic.twitter.com/BiGpYTxs20

— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) October 6, 2024

At Cal (39-38): This proved he was “The guy”. Trailing by 20 points in the fourth quarter, the Miami Hurricanes scored three touchdowns to complete the 39-38 rally over the Golden Bears in what became Ward’s first Heisman moment. It was the Hurricanes’ largest comeback victory since 2003. I will admit, I went to bed towards the end of the third quarter. It was here that the fans learned never to count out the Cardiac Canes.

Cam Ward: 239 Yards, 4 TDs, 0 INT

A Heisman performance. #GoCanes pic.twitter.com/XWvSv7yp2t

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) October 19, 2024

At Louisville (52-45): The Hurricanes usually struggle coming out of a bye. Not only did they win, but they did so on the road against a good opponent. Cam Ward threw four touchdowns in a wild shootout and became the first quarterback in program history to throw at least 300 yards and three or more touchdowns in the first seven games of the season.

Final thoughts

I am overjoyed to see Ward get selected first overall. It was a successful ending to a great college career. The decision to stay another year at the collegiate level showed that it was an immensely wise choice and is an example of the potential a player might achieve in improving their prospects. I remember how excited the fans were. I hadn’t seen that level of hype in years. Talk of ACC titles, the college football playoff, and some even dared to say natty.

Making @Cameron7Ward the No. 1 pick ☎️

Draft room call presented by @Verizon pic.twitter.com/lgsJPJux9q

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) April 25, 2025

Coach Mario Cristobal did not develop Cameron Ward, however, he played a big role in vastly improving his draft stock. Cristobal pried a guy away from the NFL. Having witnessed his feats, I saw firsthand how much hope he instilled at Coral Gables. No matter the score or how bad the defense became, the Captain kept his team in the game. Ward always tried to make something happen, sometimes a little too hard, making costly mistakes, but you cannot deny that he carried this team. He showed his character in times of great tragedy. He (and his teammates) supported Mark Fletcher, Jr. when he lost his father. Ward also supported the victims of Hurricane Milton. Despite being here for only a year, Ward, without a doubt, left his mark, launching himself high into the list of the best quarterbacks the Canes ever had. I wish him the best.

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