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Titans Nearly Missed Out on Cam Ward

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward almost chose the NFL Draft over playing his senior season at Miami.
Jordon Lawrenz|
Nov 23, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Simmons-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Nov 23, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Simmons-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images | Denny Simmons-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

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Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans selected Cam Ward No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, but there's a world where Ward declared for the draft after the 2023 campaign, which he spent at Washington State.

The West Columbia, TX, native had his sights set on the NFL draft in that moment, even though he would've likely been selected in the second or third round.

Instead, NIL played a huge part in his decision to stick around at the collegiate level. Not only was Ward continuing to progress, but he had a real shot at making the College Football Playoff with the Hurricanes. Ultimately, that didn't happen, but his draft stock went from a Day 2 pick to No. 1 overall.

Choosing Miami Over NFL Draft Saved Cam Ward's Career

There's no telling as to what would've happened if Ward declared for the draft instead of going to Miami, but it's safe to assume he wouldn't be starting anywhere. Sure, some players would rather not be the starting quarterback for the 1-11 Titans, but Ward has never been one to go against a challenge. He was selected No. 1 for a reason, and the opportunity for NIL at Miami proved to be a huge reason for him not going through with the draft.

"I love NIL cause it gives college kids options," Cam Ward's father, Calvin, said. "In the case of Cam, without him becoming a five-star, there wouldn't be no NIL opportunities. He had to earn it." After all, the documentary is called "Zero Star: The Cam Ward Story". Ward worked his way up to the top and earned every penny that came his way.

Ward's Short Time At Miami

Football analyst Emory Hunt added, "Let me pull myself out of the draft, go to Miami, and show you guys once again why I am him. And it did help that he got paid a handsome fee to go to Miami as well."

The documentary flashed a graphic on the screen that estimated Ward was paid in the $2 million range.

Having started with just the one offer from Incarnate Word, Ward was able to do the unthinkable. He went from a zero-star recruit to a Day 2 pick to No. 1 overall in the span of a few years. Some players would love to go the one and done route, but Ward poured his entire heart into this sport and it paid off.

Sure, his NIL deal at Miami was amazing, but it's not like he was a Heisman finalist because he made a pretty penny. Without Miami, Ward would've never sniffed the field this season.

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Jordon Lawrenz
JORDON LAWRENZ

Jordon Lawrenz serves as the Eastern United States College Recruiting beat writer On SI. Jordon is an accomplished writer covering the NFL, MLB, and college football/basketball. He has contributed to PFSN’s and Heavy’s NFL coverage. Having graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay with a Sports Communication and Journalism degree, Jordon fully embraced the sports writing lifestyle upon his relocation to Florida.

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