Miami Hurricanes’ Cam Ward continues to ascend amongst the 2025 NFL Draft quarterback elites with another eye-opening performance in the team’s thrilling 38-34 victory over Virginia Tech Friday night.
With a four-touchdown performance, Ward not only helped improve Miami’s record to 5-0 on the season, but he also helped solidify his current Heisman Trophy odds and his NFL Draft stock continues to rise. Although he threw two interceptions, Ward’s overall performance showcased a laser arm and his dual-threat ability as he showed athletic in escaping the pocket and scrambling for one of his four touchdowns on the night.
Cam Ward showing off his NFL level touch and velocity
Impressively, the one attribute he showed off was his mix of velocity and touch, highlighted in back-to-back throws to tie the game at 7-7 in the first quarter:
Back-to-back TOUGH throws and a TD from Cam Ward to answer after his opening drive fumble 🔥
— ESPN (@espn) September 28, 2024
📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/wbmXLl9Wwt
What was also impressive about Ward in that game-tying score was his ability to shake off the opening drive fumble to bounce back with such a prolific drive.
In all, the Hurricanes quarterback completed 24-of-28 passes for 348 passing yards with the four touchdowns scored on the night. Yes, there were mistakes, but the true marksmanship of an elite college QB is that ability to shake it off and lead a team to the win. The razzle and dazzle he showed in the pocket just magnified a 2025 NFL Draft prospect everyone is now paying attention to.
2025 NFL Draft: 3 teams in early position to draft Cam Ward
All eyes are on Georgia’s Carson Beck, Texas QB Quinn Ewers and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, but Ward is giving NFL teams in need of a quarterback a reason to shift from either of those top QBs with remarkable performances Week to Week in the FBS. Through Week 4, Ward has passed for 1,792 yards with 18 touchdowns and 4 INTs, 2 of which coming against Virginia Tech. At this rate, Ward could find himself as a top 10 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Which teams are in position to target Ward?
Tennessee Titans: The Titans currently have the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. If they decide to move on from Will Levis, Ward is an option. His dual-threat ability will remind longtime fans of Steve McNair. The question will be whether the team would select Ward over either Beck or Ewers at that spot.
New York Giants: Another team who could move on from a first-round QB, the Giants currently hold the No. 4 overall pick, which could be higher after a Thursday night loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Ward could be an option for the Giants, but Beck would be favored as he has similar traits as Drake Maye, a QB in the 2024 NFL Draft the Giants were enamored with.
Carolina Panthers: The Panthers are saying all the right things when it comes to 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, but with an opportunity to draft a talent like Ward, Carolina will take a chance with another highly drafted QB. They’ve had success with one Cam (Newton), so maybe lightning will strike twice with another man named Cam.