Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward is rapidly building his case as an early first-round NFL draft pick and has also entered the Heisman Trophy conversation, leading his team to a perfect 7-0 start this season.
Ward transferred to Miami from Washington State, where he spent two seasons, and has flourished under the guidance of head coach Mario Cristobal, now in his third year.
The Hurricanes have taken a big step forward from their 7-5 campaign last year, with Ward’s arrival providing the spark needed to lift them to sixth in the latest AP Poll.
The West Columbia, Texas native has become one of the most efficient quarterbacks in college football. Through eight weeks, Ward leads the nation in passing yards (2,538) and total touchdowns (27), making him one of the top prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.
While Ward’s talent is clear, questions remain over where he ranks among the elite prospects and which franchise will make him their cornerstone on draft night.
In CBS Sports’ latest 2025 mock draft, Ward is the highest-rated quarterback and is projected to join the Carolina Panthers, who are picking second overall.
CBS Sports projects Colorado’s Travis Hunter to go first overall to the New England Patriots, with Ward following at No. 2 as the Panthers look for a long-term solution at quarterback.
He would arrive as a potential successor to Bryce Young, the former Alabama standout who was taken No. 1 overall by Carolina in 2023.
Young signed a four-year, fully guaranteed rookie deal worth $37.96 million last year, but his rookie season was a struggle. The Panthers finished 2-15, and Young managed just 2,877 passing yards with 11 touchdowns to 10 interceptions, completing only 59.8% of his passes.
He was benched after Week 2 in favour of veteran Andy Dalton but is back in the starting role this week as Carolina, now 1-6, faces the Denver Broncos.
“Unless there is a grand awakening from the former No. 1 overall selection, fans should not be surprised if the Panthers return to the rookie quarterback well this offseason,” CBS Sports analyst Josh Edwards wrote.
At Miami, Ward has transformed the Hurricanes’ offense, which ranked 31st nationally last season but now sits atop the standings.
As the season progresses, Ward has more chances to strengthen his draft credentials, starting with Saturday night’s ACC showdown against rivals Florida State (1-6).