Though it only lasted a single season, the Cam Ward era at Miami was nothing short of electrifying. The Hurricanes’ superstar quarterback may have caught some heat for sitting out the second half of the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl, but let’s not forget the monumental impact he had on the program in such a short time.
Thanks to NIL, Coral Gables was gifted with one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football, and Ward delivered in every way imaginable. He didn’t just come to play—he came to shine. After eyeing the NFL draft and receiving a solid grade, Ward chose to return for one more season, and boy, did he put on a show for America.
Despite finishing outside the Heisman race, Ward’s resume speaks for itself. He earned First-Team All-American honors, took home the 2024 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, and became the first Hurricane to win the ACC Player of the Year. He shattered Miami’s single-season records for passing yards and touchdowns, set the NCAA Division I all-time passing touchdowns record, and became the first athlete in history to post seven consecutive 300-yard games. His season stats: 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions—cementing his place as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Miami history.
Ward’s performance not only redefined Miami’s offense but also set him up to potentially be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, or at the very least a top-five selection. The controversy over his bowl game absence? It’s nothing new in college football, with stars like Malik Nabers also sitting out to protect their futures. Had the Hurricanes won, no one would’ve batted an eye.
Cam Ward may be gone, but his legacy as an all-time great Cane will forever be etched in history. This season will be remembered not just for the records he broke, but for the unforgettable excitement he brought to Miami’s football program.
