Cam Ward Stands Firm on Bowl Game Exit, Sends Clear Message to NFL Teams
Cam Ward’s final moments on the college football field remain a hot topic—but not for the reasons he would prefer. After a record-breaking first half in Miami’s Pop-Tarts Bowl matchup against Iowa State, Ward made headlines when he chose not to return for the second half. That decision has sparked lingering criticism, but the star quarterback is making it clear—he’s moving forward with no regrets.
Ward was in Fort Worth, Texas, on Monday night to formally accept the Davey O’Brien Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top quarterback. While celebrating his achievements, he was asked about the bowl game controversy once again. His response was both confident and defiant.
“OK, you’re either going to draft me, or you’re not,” Ward said. “If you don’t draft me, that’s your fault. You’re the same team that’s going to have to play me for the rest of my career, and I’ll remember that.”
Ward’s comments highlighted his frustration with how his decision has been portrayed. He left the Pop-Tarts Bowl after throwing three first-half touchdown passes, raising his career total to a Division I record 158 passing touchdowns. Miami led 31-28 at halftime but ultimately fell to Iowa State 42-41 without their star quarterback on the field.
Ward insists the narrative would be different had Miami held on for the win. “If we had won the game, they wouldn’t have said nothing,” Ward said. “That’s just how it goes. You take it on the chin and keep moving.”
His point reflects the reality of modern college football, where bowl games outside the College Football Playoff often hold little value for top players destined for the NFL. Opt-outs are now common to avoid risking injury, though Ward’s case stands out because he played one half before exiting.
Ward’s approach to the scrutiny surrounding his decision is now part of his pre-draft evaluation. NFL teams are paying attention not only to his on-field production but also to how he handles tough questions. The bowl game debate is likely to surface in meetings with team executives leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, and Ward’s unfiltered response in Fort Worth provided a glimpse into his mindset.
Ward’s performance in his lone season at Miami was nothing short of spectacular. He threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns with just seven interceptions, finishing fourth in Heisman Trophy voting. His journey to Miami included two standout seasons at FCS school Incarnate Word and two more at Washington State, showcasing his versatility and resilience at every level.
As the 2025 draft class takes shape, Ward is viewed as one of the top quarterback prospects, alongside Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Both are expected to be in the mix for top-10 selections, with several NFL teams eyeing quarterbacks as future franchise cornerstones.
Ward knows questions will keep coming, but he’s ready to face them head-on. Whether teams are convinced or not, one thing is clear: Ward is betting on himself. And if he has his way, those who pass on him in the draft will live to regret it.
