ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. Claps Back At College Football Coach

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated May 14, 2025 6:57 PM ET

Longtime ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. isn't ducking any smoke from Miami's Mario Cristobal.

After the Canes coach went to the ACC spring meetings and told reporters that he spoke to "a million people" about first overall pick Cam Ward ahead of last month's NFL Draft but "never heard from" Kiper, the veteran network personality took to social media to call Cristobal out.

"Mario Cristobal claims he spoke to a million people about Cam Ward, yet the one he didn't speak to, being me, had Ward ranked higher (6th on my Big Board) than any of the other draft experts," Kiper posted on X. "Interesting isn't it. And oh by the way, I didn't speak to Deion about Shedeur either. I need another Orange Crush after this nonsense."

Mario Cristobal claims he spoke to a million people about Cam Ward, yet the one he didn’t speak to, being me, had Ward ranked higher (6th on my Big Board) than any of the other draft experts. Interesting isn’t it. And oh by the way, I didn’t speak to Deion about Shedeur either. I… https://t.co/bCfZbqBenV
— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) May 14, 2025

Kiper received a lot of criticism for his handling of Shedeur Sanders' draft fall and some wondered if the narrative surrounding the former Colorado QB outshined Ward's selection at No. 1.

However, Cristobal said that's not where he or Ward's focus was after the Titans read his name.

"The only reason I would be disappointed was if Cam was," the coach admitted. "But knowing Cam, he just wanted to hear the name and exactly where he was going and get to work."

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 10: Miami head coach Mario Cristobal yells and gestures on the field before the college football game between the Southern Miss Golden Eagles and the University of Miami Hurricanes on September 10, 2022 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Ward's lone year at Miami led to him throwing for school-record 4,313 yards and FBS-leading 39 passing touchdowns on the way to a 10-3 record and Pop-Tarts Bowl appearance.

He parlayed that success into being the first player taken in the 2025 NFL Draft and he'll now look to give the Titans their first stable quarterback play since the late Steve McNair (outside of a few years with Vince Young and Ryan Tannehill).

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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