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 made him the No. 1 pick of 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.
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 Predictions and College Success
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 thrived, passing 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, noted Ward’s confidence and work ethic. “He’s always had confidence, a natural chip on his shoulder,” Diggs said. “It’s because he works hard. You could see that since when he was young.”
While at Incarnate Word, Ward began working with personal quarterback coach Darrell Colbert Jr., who helped him refine his skills. “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 had become the 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.
Choosing Miami and Proving His Worth
After careful consideration, Ward chose Miami over other schools like Florida State. His decision was influenced by Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and consultations with his parents and an agent. Ward’s impact was immediate, helping Miami achieve its first 10-win season since 2017.
One of Ward’s defining moments came in Miami’s 39-38 come-from-behind win at Cal in Week 6. Despite a rough start, Ward rallied his team from a 35-10 deficit to victory, showcasing his resilience and leadership.
- Ward’s leadership and confidence were key to Miami’s success.
- He was thought to be the consensus top QB prospect according to ESPN’s draft analysts.
- Ward’s message to teams was clear: “If you don’t draft me, that’s your fault.”
During Miami’s pro day, Ward impressed Titans team president Chad Brinker and Borgonzi with a 50-yard pass, solidifying their decision to draft him. “Cam, he’s confident. But I wouldn’t say he’s cocky,” Brinker said. “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.
Ward’s unconventional path and leadership ability make him a unique asset for the Titans. “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
