The Tennessee Titans have officially hit the reset button at quarterback, selecting Miami’s Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft Thursday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The decision wasn’t exactly a surprise. Ever since Ward’s dazzling pro day performance, there’s been little doubt Tennessee was all-in on the electric signal-caller. Now, the Titans have their man and possibly their franchise quarterback for years to come.
“I was really hoping they’d take me,” Ward said via the team website. “Once I got to learn more about Coach [Brian] Callahan’s offense, the new GM Mr. Mike [Borgonzi] and president Mr. Chad [Brinker], it just felt right. Miss Amy [Adams Strunk] runs a great organization. I’m grateful it all worked out.”
Ward arrives in Nashville with a college resume as deep as it is impressive. He started 57 games across five seasons, beginning at FCS Incarnate Word before transferring to Washington State in 2022. Over two seasons with the Cougars, he racked up nearly 7,000 passing yards and 48 touchdowns.
But it was his final act at Miami that propelled him to the top of draft boards. Ward put up video game numbers in 2024: 4,313 passing yards, 305 completions and 39 touchdowns. All school records. His performance earned him a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist, consensus All-American honors, and the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s best quarterback. He also became the NCAA’s all-time leader in career passing touchdowns with 158.
Ward, who turns 23 in May, brings a big-time arm and playmaking flair to a Titans offense desperate for consistency. He’s fearless in the pocket, unafraid to squeeze throws into tight windows, and capable of making jaw-dropping plays off-platform. His athleticism allows him to extend plays, while his experience gives him an edge in pre-snap reads and working through progressions.
Still, Ward isn’t without flaws. His gunslinger mentality can get him into trouble, holding onto the ball too long or attempting throws that simply aren’t there. Footwork inconsistencies and occasional drifting in the pocket will need attention, but Titans coach Brian Callahan is eager to mold his new quarterback.
The comparison to quarterbacks like Josh Allen or Matthew Stafford is already out there: ultra-talented, occasionally reckless, but game-changing when in rhythm.
While Ward isn’t a pure speedster, he uses savvy moves to escape defenders and knows how to slide or avoid contact. Traits that should keep him healthy in a league that punishes running QBs.
The Titans’ selection also effectively closes the door on the Will Levis experiment. The 2023 second-rounder started 21 games over two seasons, but never quite convinced the staff he was the long-term answer.
Now, Ward inherits an offense that’s been retooled for success. Tennessee signed wide receiver Calvin Ridley and running back Tony Pollard last offseason, and made significant upgrades to the offensive line. Including veteran guard Kevin Zeitler and tackles Dan Moore Jr. and JC Latham.
After a frustrating 2024 campaign that saw inconsistent quarterback play hinder Callahan’s system, Ward offers a fresh start and the potential to be something special.
In Cincinnati, Callahan’s second season as offensive coordinator brought Joe Burrow. In Tennessee, his second season as head coach begins with Cam Ward.
Ward summed it up best: “It’s not really about proving them right. It’s about proving myself right. I know what I bring. Now I just want to lead, connect with my teammates and win football games.”
