Cam Ward’s Journey from Underdog to Titans’ Top Pick
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The 2025 NFL Draft was a night to remember for Cam Ward, a young quarterback whose journey to the top of the draft board was anything but conventional. As Ward approached NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, his confident smile told the story of a player who had defied the odds. Starting his collegiate career at a school that had never produced an NFL draft pick, Ward’s rise to the No. 1 pick was a testament to his determination and talent.
Ward’s journey began at Incarnate Word in San Antonio, where he played in front of just 6,000 fans on game days. Despite being a zero-star high school prospect with only one college offer, Ward never doubted his potential. “I’ve had the dream since I was a little kid,” Ward said after being selected. “I had bigger aspirations than being just a draft pick. I just think I just wanted it more. I have a true love for the game of football and believe if you put in hard work with God on your side, a lot of stuff can take care of itself.”
After two transfers and five college seasons, Ward’s dream came true when the Tennessee Titans selected him as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Ward, 22, initially declared for the 2024 draft but reversed his decision after receiving feedback that he would be a midround pick. This only fueled his determination, and over the past year, he embraced his identity and worked tirelessly to improve his game.
Ward’s final college season at Miami was nothing short of spectacular. He passed for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns, setting single-season records for the school. His performance earned him the Davey O’Brien Award, given to the nation’s top quarterback, and he finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting.
The Titans are now counting on Ward’s playmaking ability and leadership to transform their franchise. Tennessee’s belief in Ward was so strong that they turned down a trade offer from the New York Giants that included the No. 3 pick this year, a first-round selection in 2026, and multiple other picks, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
“I just think if you identify a franchise quarterback, there’s really not a price that you can pay for that,” Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said. “That’s the most important position in all of sports. He’s a young quarterback and he still has a lot of things to work on, but I think the intangibles with him, his work ethic, his want to become better, we felt comfortable with that.”
Ward’s Early Confidence and Determination
Ward’s confidence in his future success was evident even when he graduated from Columbia High School in West Columbia, Texas. Despite averaging only 12 pass attempts per game in a wing-T offense, Ward believed he would be the starting quarterback as a freshman at Incarnate Word, even though the incumbent starter had just set a single-season program passing record.
“All I needed was a chance to play in a quarterback-driven system,” Ward said at the NFL combine in February. Under coach Eric Morris’ high-flying offense, Ward passed for 2,260 yards and an FCS-leading 24 touchdowns in six games during the COVID-shortened season. He also won the Jerry Rice Award, given to the most outstanding FCS freshman.
Ward’s cousin, Quandre Diggs, who played safety for the Titans last season, said, “He’s always had confidence, a natural chip on his shoulder. It’s because he works hard. You could see that since when he was young.”
Guidance and Growth
While at Incarnate Word, Ward was introduced to personal quarterback coach Darrell Colbert Jr., a former quarterback at SMU and Lamar University. Colbert’s work with Ward’s cousin, Kyron Drones, stood out to Ward’s father, Calvin, who sought Colbert’s services to help Ward take his game to the next level. Colbert became Ward’s personal quarterback coach after his freshman season, and they’ve worked together ever since.
“He’s helped me stay on track to where I wanted to be football-wise,” Ward said at the combine. “He’s taught me to win from the pocket.”
After two seasons at Incarnate Word, Ward transferred to Washington State to follow Morris, who was named offensive coordinator for the Cougars. Over his two-year career at WSU, Ward completed 65.5% of his passes for 6,698 yards and 48 touchdowns, earning an honorable mention for the All-Pac-12 team in 2022 and 2023.
“This is a kid who, since I’ve known him, has always believed that he would be in this situation,” Colbert told ESPN.
Choosing Miami and Making an Impact
After careful consideration, Ward chose Miami over schools like Florida State, which ended up getting a commitment from DJ Uiagalelei. Ward consulted with his parents and an agent while being heavily recruited by Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson. Ward’s presence was felt immediately, helping lift Miami to its first 10-win season since 2017.
One of Ward’s defining moments came during Miami’s 39-38 come-from-behind win at Cal in Week 6. Despite a challenging start, Ward rallied his team to victory, showcasing his resilience and leadership. “We played Cal and I had some bad plays,” Ward said. “But I was able to get back on track and make some plays in the second half to win the game.”
Ward’s ability to inspire his teammates was evident in his approach. He told them they couldn’t score 25 points on one drive, so they needed to take it play-by-play. Miami’s scoring drive covered 92 yards and left 26 seconds on the clock, sealing the win.
“He’s just a super confident human being,” Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo told ESPN. “That’s such a super important characteristic as a quarterback. I’ve never seen somebody come inside of a building and change it the way he has.”
Ward’s Confidence and the Titans’ Future
Ward was considered the consensus top QB prospect according to ESPN’s draft analysts, but there were still mixed feelings regarding him and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders among scouts. Ward, however, remained confident in his abilities. “If you don’t draft me, that’s your fault,” Ward said. “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.”
During Miami’s pro day, Ward impressed Titans team president Chad Brinker and Borgonzi with a 50-yard pass to Restrepo. “I’m solidifying it today,” Ward said to Brinker and Borgonzi. “It was a cool moment,” Brinker said. “Cam, he’s confident. But I wouldn’t say he’s cocky. There’s a fine line between the two and he carries himself the right way.”
With the Titans averaging only 18.3 points last season, Ward is expected to lead an offensive resurgence under coach Brian Callahan. Last year’s quarterbacks Will Levis and Mason Rudolph combined for 3,621 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. The Titans know their future depends on having an upgrade at the position, but Ward will have to earn it on and off the field.
Ward admitted at the combine he’s not a “rah-rah” type of player. He instead pointed to his self-motivation and confidence as assets to his lead-by-example approach. Ward believes the unconventional path he’s traveled is something no other player can bring to a franchise.
“It’s the leadership ability and the way he’s able to make those around him better,” Callahan said. “There are a lot of guys that can play the position, but the guys that transcend have a unique ability to connect with their teammates and then raise the level of everyone around him. I think that’s what he has shown at every stop he’s been and hopefully that continues here.”
Originally Written by: Turron Davenport
