Cam Ward's ascent from an unranked recruit to the No. 1 overall pick epitomizes the argument that stars don't define you as a player. We have seen this before with success stories such as Josh Allen or Baker Mayfield, but it will never get old.
Ward began his collegiate journey at Incarnate Word as a 0-star prospect coming out of high school. But — as you might later notice a pattern with these stories — Ward was able to find success despite being overlooked. And not just modest accomplishments either. Ward dominated in his first season, earning the Jerry Rice Award (great award to win based off the name alone) as the top FCS freshman. In a shortened season he threw for 2,260 yards and 24 touchdowns. Incarnate Word may have only went 3-3, but Ward averaged four passing touchdowns and 377 yards per game — something big was brewing.
As a sophomore, with a full season of play, Ward turned up the heat throwing for 4,648 yards and 47 touchdowns. This time it translated to wins for Incarnate Word as they finished with a 10-3 record and a Southland Conference championship. Ward, who was somehow a 2nd team all-conference selection, took home Southland Offensive Player of the Year honors (not a bad consolation prize).
Transferring to Washington State to face better competition and improve his draft stock, Ward made the jump from FCS to FBS. During his time with the Cougars, Ward was sharp, with 48 touchdowns and a mid-60's completion percentage. Not feeling like he was getting the draft buzz he deserved, and continuing to bet on himself, Ward made the decision to end his college career at Miami. In the 2024 season at Miami he set program records with 4,313 passing yards and 39 touchdowns, completing 67.2% of his passes.
His performance earned him ACC Player of the Year, First-Team All-American honors, and a fourth-place finish in Heisman voting. Ward, from counted out to counted on, will look to stay true to what got him to the NFL.