Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward is building an impressive resume as a potential early first-round NFL draft pick next year, and the senior has also found himself in Heisman Trophy contention while leading the Hurricanes to a 7-0 start.
Ward spent two seasons at Washington State before transferring to Miami under third-year head coach Mario Cristobal. While the Hurricanes are much improved this season in all aspects after finishing 7-5 last year, the change at quarterback has propelled Miami to a No. 6 ranking in the AP Poll.
Ward is one of the most efficient passers in the sport. The West Columbia, Texas, native leads the country in passing yards (2,538) and total touchdowns (27) through eight weeks.
Ward’s talent is undeniable, but questions remain where NFL teams have him ranked among other top prospects and which franchise will take a chance on draft night.
According to CBS Sports’ latest 2025 NFL mock draft, Ward is the highest-ranked quarterback and is projected to replace a disappointing former No. 1 overall pick in the NFC South.
CBS Sports projects the 6-foot-2, 223-pound passer to land to the Carolina Panthers at No. 2 overall behind Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter (New England Patriots).
This would mark Ward as an eventual replacement for Bryce Young, who went No. 1 overall in the 2023 draft out of Alabama. Young signed a four-year, fully guaranteed rookie contract worth $37.96 million in 2023.
The Panthers finished 2-15 in Young’s first season. He completed just 59.8% of his passes for 2,877 yards with 11 touchdowns to 10 interceptions.
After being benched for veteran Andy Dalton after Week 2, Young is back at the helm this week as Carolina (1-6) takes on the Denver Broncos (4-3).
“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,” Josh Edwards wrote.
Albeit at the collegiate level, Ward has shown that he has the skillset and poise to improve an offense. Miami ranked 31st in total offense last season and sit at No. 1 in the country this year with Ward holding the keys.
There is still a wealth of opportunities for Ward to solidify his draft stock before the time comes. The Hurricanes will travel to rival Florida State (1-6) on Saturday night for an ACC battle.
