CORAL GABLES, Florida. (AP) — Cam Ward received another honor on Wednesday in his college career, as he was named the recipient of the Manning Award for being the nation’s best quarterback.
The recently departed Miami star, who may very well be the first overall selection in the NFL draft this spring after guiding the top offense in college football this past season, understands that the award can serve as a launchpad for success at the next level.
“Once more, we’ve got an exceptional young man who had an incredible year in Miami,” stated football icon Archie Manning. “Their offense simply exploded over the course of the year.” Now he is getting ready for the NFL draft, where he will find himself in an excellent position.
Among the 11 quarterbacks who have thrown at least 25 touchdown passes in the NFL this season, three — Jayden Daniels from Washington (2023), Joe Burrow from Cincinnati (2019), and Baker Mayfield from Tampa Bay (2017) — are recent recipients of the Manning Award.
“I believe it will assist me in an extraordinary manner,” Ward stated. “Reviewing the previous winners, particularly last year’s Jayden Daniels and his impressive rookie season, has greatly benefited him.” Being able to connect with the Mannings whenever I need to — they’re always just a phone call away — I believe this award will really benefit me in the long term.
Ward is the 20th recipient of the accolade and the inaugural Miami quarterback to receive this honor, established by the Sugar Bowl to recognize the college football achievements of Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning. The three Mannings cast their votes for the award, along with a group of reporters.
Ward concluded his college career with a Division I (FBS and FCS level) record of 158 touchdown throws. With a total of 18,189 passing yards — 6,908 from Incarnate Word, 6,968 from Washington State, and 4,313 from Miami — he ranks third in NCAA history, surpassed only by Case Keenum and Dillon Gabriel.
In 2024, his only season with the Hurricanes, he set new records for Miami. He departs as Miami’s all-time leader for a single season in yards, completions (305), touchdown passes (39), and completion percentage — both for a single season and throughout his career, which stands at 67.2%.
“I believe that in retrospect, Cam will acknowledge that an additional year of college football really readies you for the significant shift to the NFL,” stated Archie Manning. “Cam, he has done it well and I believe he has a bright future ahead.”
Ward started as a zero-star recruit upon entering college, then developed into an NFL draft contender, a Heisman Trophy finalist, an All-American, and is now seen as the likely frontrunner for the No. 1 pick.
“Regardless of your journey, hard work can make it happen,” Ward stated. “You must put in effort.” You must exert effort, take each step forward, and then aim to make plays once you are on the field.
He departs as a Miami icon, even though he spent essentially 11 months with the program from beginning to end. As an All-American, his name will be displayed on a banner suspended from the ceiling of the Miami indoor practice facility.
The Hurricanes ended the season 10-3, falling short of the College Football Playoff and the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game by just one victory.
“I wish I could spend more time in Miami to secure a championship, be it ACC or national,” Ward stated. “In the end, I think that everything occurs for a purpose.” The teammates I was with this year form the best group I’ve ever had, excelling off the field even more than on it. The companionship we shared, whether in the hotel or the locker room, is what I’ll miss the most.
