As April 24 at Lambeau Field gets closer, the hype around Cam Ward is starting to reach a fever pitch. Initially, in an apparent two-way tie with Shedeur Sanders as the best quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, Ward has slowly but surely separated himself and is now the overwhelming favorite to go No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans.
While some have liked Ward’s arm strength, and some his mentality, former NFL lineman Ross Tucker highlighted a wild fact about the QB that shows his unprecedented rise to the top of the draft boards.
Ross Tucker Points Out Key Fact About Cam Ward’s Rise
Tucker discussed Ward’s rise to the top of the draft boards in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), insisting it was crazy that the potential No. 1 overall pick had started his collegiate career at Incarnate Word, an FCS program.
“I feel like we aren’t talking enough about the fact that the #1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft started his college career at the University of the Incarnate Word. That’s 🥜,” he wrote.
I feel like we aren’t talking enough about the fact that the #1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft started his college career at the University of the Incarnate Word. That’s 🥜 https://t.co/E6JO9UhOag
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) April 18, 2025
Ward wasn’t known for his production in high school, playing in an option-heavy offense. He averaged only around a dozen pass attempts per game as a senior and was an unranked recruit.
Incarnate Word was the first school to see Ward’s potential, and they reaped the rewards.
Ward started only six games in 2020 as a true freshman for the Cardinals, yet he put up massive numbers, amassing 2,260 yards, 24 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He averaged almost 400 yards and four touchdowns per game and earned the Jerry Rice Award as the most outstanding freshman in the FCS.
Ward upped the ante in 2021, completing 384 of 590 attempts (65.1%) for 4,648 yards, 47 TDs, and 10 picks. The Incarnate Word offense operated through him, and the team went 10-3 as a result. Few defenses were able to match up against their firepower, with Ward’s arm being the central force.
In 2022, Ward made use of his strong play at Incarnate Word to grab an opportunity at the FBS level with Washington State. In two years with the Cougars, he totaled an impressive 6,966 yards, 48 passing TDs, 16 INTs, and 13 scores on the ground.
Ward then transferred to the University of Miami and delivered a historic senior campaign. He set new school records by throwing for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns during the 2024 season and is now poised to be the first prospect to hear his name on April 24th.
Ward’s Latest Mock Draft Projection
In PFSN’s latest two-round mock draft by Cameron Sheath, Ward is projected to be picked No. 1 overall by the Titans.
Sheath wrote, “Ward seems pretty confident of his chances of being taken first overall and told the Tennessee Titans front office as much during his Pro Day. Ward possesses a calm, almost languid demeanor when under pressure, with the arm talent to fire accurate passes from any angle.”
“The Cleveland Browns and New York Giants have reportedly thought twice about taking a gamble on a quarterback with their opening picks. However, while those two teams have added veteran insurance, the Titans have been mostly dormant in the free-agent quarterback market. While a work in progress, Ward has franchise-changing upside.”