A NEW BALL GAME
Former San Antonio football star is the No. 1 NFL draft pick for 2025
Former University of the Incarnate Word Cardinal Cam Ward is now a Tennessee Titan.
As Cam Ward’s national profile grows, remember San Antonio recognized his talents first. On April 24, the former University of the Incarnate Word quarterback was the No. 1 pick of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he was nabbed by the Tennessee Titans.
Born in the small town of West Columbia, about 55 miles southwest of downtown Houston, Ward committed to Incarnate Word after receiving a scholarship. His stint at the university started with a bang when he was named the Cardinals’ starting quarterback in his freshman season.
Although his time in San Antonio was brief, Ward did score an impressive pair of honors. In his first year at the school, he won the prestigious Jerry Rice Award as the most outstanding freshman in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. And as a sophomore, he was named the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
Ward later transferred to Washington State, where he graduated. Although he initially declared for the 2024 NFL draft, he transferred to Miami to take advantage of NIL (name, image, and likeness) rules.
There, he racked up more recognition, including the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, the Davey O’Brien Award, and the Manning Award. He was fourth in line for the Heisman Trophy.
With his stellar track record, his first-round pick was hardly unexpected. He’ll play under Brian Callahan, who was named the Titans head coach in January 2024.
“I thought I was their guy all along,” said Ward during a post-draft press conference. “Coach Callahan, he’s a great head coach; he’s a great offensive mind. He’s had a lot of success with previous quarterbacks. I’m hoping I can be his next project.”
