Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward is making a strong case for himself as a potential early first-round NFL draft pick next year. As a senior, he has also entered the Heisman Trophy conversation, leading the Hurricanes to a 7-0 record. After spending two seasons at Washington State, Ward transferred to Miami to play under third-year head coach Mario Cristobal. The Hurricanes have shown significant improvement this season compared to their 7-5 finish last year, and Ward’s presence at quarterback has helped elevate Miami to a No. 6 ranking in the AP Poll.
Ward is among the most efficient passers in college football, leading the nation with 2,538 passing yards and 27 total touchdowns through eight weeks. While his talent is clear, NFL teams are still determining where he stands among other top prospects and which team might select him on draft day.
In CBS Sports’ latest 2025 NFL mock draft, Ward is ranked as the top quarterback and is projected to take the place of a disappointing former No. 1 overall pick in the NFC South. The mock draft predicts the 6-foot-2, 223-pound Ward will be picked by the Carolina Panthers at No. 2 overall, following Colorado’s Travis Hunter, who is projected to go to the New England Patriots. This would position Ward as a future replacement for Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick from Alabama. Young signed a fully guaranteed four-year rookie contract worth $37.96 million but struggled in his first season, leading the Panthers to a 2-15 record with a completion rate of just 59.8% for 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
After being benched for veteran Andy Dalton after Week 2, Young will start again this week as Carolina (1-6) faces the Denver Broncos (4-3). According to Josh Edwards, if Young does not show significant improvement, fans should expect the Panthers to look for a rookie quarterback this offseason. At the college level, Ward has demonstrated the skills and composure needed to enhance an offense, as Miami, which ranked 31st in total offense last season, now leads the nation.
Ward still has ample opportunities to further solidify his draft stock. This Saturday, the Hurricanes will take on their rival Florida State (1-6) in an ACC matchup.
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