Dec 28, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) gestures during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

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Cam Ward confronts ‘quitter’ claims after Pop-Tarts Bowl drama, fires back ahead of 2025 NFL Draft

Cam Ward fires back at critics, eyes 2025 NFL Draft.

Cam Ward isn’t here for the noise. The Miami Hurricanes quarterback, who skipped the second half of their 42-41 Pop-Tarts Bowl loss to Iowa State, has no time for scouts questioning his loyalty.

“OK, you’re either going to draft me or you’re not,” Ward said Monday night before accepting the Davey O’Brien Award for the nation’s top college quarterback. “If you don’t draft me, that’s your fault. You’ve got to remember you’re the same team that’s got to play me for the rest of my career, and I’ll remember that.”

Cam Ward stands by Miami Hurricanes decision and fires back at critics questioning his commitment

Ward sparked controversy by sitting out the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl after breaking the NCAA Division I career touchdown record with 156 before halftime. Fans accused him of quitting on the Miami Hurricanes.

Ward, projected as a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, didn’t back down. He said the decision was made with Miami’s coaching staff, prioritizing both his future and the team’s goals.

“I just think we all got what we needed out of it,” Ward explained. “They seen things that they think they need to work on … for this season coming up. And they also knew, you know, what I had on the line.”

I can't believe this is a real thing. Cam Ward should be the first QB drafted, hands down imo.

If a team passes on him because he didn't play the entire Pop Tart Bowl…the fucking POP TART BOWL…I hope that team suffers for decades. Insane he even has to discuss it. pic.twitter.com/Igk4eY3Ufr
— The Degenerate (@TheDegenWeekly) February 18, 2025

Ward admitted the call was tough but didn’t hold back about teammates who also opted out.
“It was a hard decision, especially when some guys on our team didn’t play who I thought should have played,” he said.

Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal backed Ward, calling the backlash “a false narrative” last month. Ward agreed, adding the outcome shaped the public’s reaction.

“If I could do it again, I’d do it the same way,” he said. “If we had won the game, they wouldn’t have said nothing. That’s usually how it goes. You just got to take it on the chin and keep pushing.”

Cam Ward’s record-breaking college career proves his value ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft

Ward’s numbers do the talking. Across three programs—Incarnate Word, Washington State, and Miami—he built a legendary career, shattering records and rewriting history.

NCAA Division I Records:

Total touchdown passes: 158 (3rd all-time)
Total passing yards: 18,189 (3rd all-time)
- Incarnate Word: 6,908 yards
- Washington State: 6,968 yards
- Miami: 4,313 yards

Miami Hurricanes Single-Season Records:

Passing yards: 4,313
Completions: 305
Touchdown passes: 39
Completion rate: 67.2% (also a Miami career record)

In the Pop-Tarts Bowl, Ward threw for 190 yards and three touchdowns, putting Miami ahead 31-28 at halftime. The second half saw Emory Williams take over at quarterback, leading to Miami’s one-point loss.

The Hurricanes have since added former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck through the transfer portal.

Ward remains undecided about throwing at the NFL Combine but confirmed he will participate in Miami’s Pro Day.

The Davey O’Brien Award ceremony came weeks after Ward received the Manning Award, an honor shared by 2023 Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. Daniels, who was drafted No. 2 overall and led the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship, is a source of inspiration for Ward.

“To see him succeed is motivating for not only myself but all of the other quarterbacks,” Ward said.

Cam Ward

Natasha Bose

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