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Miami QB Cam Ward’s Status Uncertain Ahead of 2025 NFL Combine

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Feb 25, 2025 3:32 PM ET

A staple of every NFL Draft season is the NFL Scouting Combine — a multi-day event where invited players participate in drills and interviews to help teams assess their draftability. In recent years, it's become commonplace for top prospects, especially at the quarterback position, to opt out of certain parts of the combine — usually the physical components.

Last year, former USC QB and the eventual No. 1 pick Caleb Williams opted out of the physical drills and only took part in sit-down interviews with teams. Shedeur Sanders, a No. 1 pick candidate in this year's draft, has announced he will do the same this year. But for Miami Hurricanes QB Cam Ward, it's not yet clear if he will fully participate

Ward is thought by many to be the best available player in this year's NFL Draft, and he is a favorite to be selected first overall. After starting his career at Incarnate Word, an FCS school in San Antonio, Ward transferred to Washington State, where he played two incredible seasons. But where Ward really made his name was as the Hurricanes' elite signal-caller in 2025.

In 13 games last season, Ward completed 305 of 454 passes (67.2%) for 4313 yards. Ward threw 39 touchdowns, the most in the country, and just seven picks. And although his 204 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs don't pop off the page, Ward's immense athletic ability makes him dangerous inside and outside the pocket.

Per @TomPelissero on @GMFB, it’s uncertain whether Cam Ward will throw at the Combine. But, Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart, Bama QB Jalen Milroe and Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard will throw. https://t.co/eFamI4KLTr
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 24, 2025

Unlike most draft seasons, experts are split on who will be selected with the No. 1 pick in April. It seems to be a three-horse race between Ward, Sanders, and Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter.

Ward is the favorite to go first, which would send him to Tennessee to join the Titans, but we may not know until draft day. A strong performance at the combine, if he competes, could be what Ward needs to separate himself from the pack.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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