The University of Miami football star Cam Ward etched his name in NCAA history during his final college game, setting a record for the most touchdown passes in Division I (FBS and FCS) history. Ward threw his 156th career touchdown pass during the first quarter of the Pop-Tarts Bowl, connecting with Jacolby George for a 4-yard score. This pass broke Case Keenum’s longstanding record of 155 touchdowns set between 2007 and 2011.
Ward didn’t stop there, finishing the first half with three touchdown passes, bringing his career total to 158. Despite his historic performance, U Miami football fans were left wondering, “Why is Cam Ward out of the game?” Head coach Mario Cristobal had planned for backup quarterback Emory Williams to play the second half. Miami ultimately lost the bowl game 42-41 to Iowa State, leaving many questioning, “Is Cam Ward playing in the bowl game?”
Cristobal addressed questions about Ward’s limited playtime postgame, stating, “All meetings with players, and decisions like that, we made them in private, we keep them in private.” Speculation swirled among fans and analysts like Booger McFarland, who discussed the decision, asking “Did Cam Ward get hurt?” or “Why isn’t Cam Ward playing?” However, no injury reports surfaced, leaving the decision a strategic one.
Ward’s stellar career includes 18,189 total yards — 6,908 at Incarnate Word, 6,968 at Washington State, and 4,313 at Miami. While questions like “Is Cam Ward hurt?” persisted, his performance in 2024 solidified his legacy, rewriting the Miami record books for single-season yards, completions, and touchdown passes.
While Ward’s historic achievements stand tall, the Hurricanes ended their season with back-to-back losses. The Pop-Tarts Bowl showcased Matt Campbell’s Iowa State team rallying for a thrilling victory, overshadowing Ward’s milestone. Fans hoping to see more from Ward asked, “Why is Cam Ward out?” or “What happened to Cam Ward?”
As the college football world speculates on Ward’s future, attention now shifts to Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, who trails Ward’s record by only five touchdowns. Gabriel’s performance in the College Football Playoff could threaten Ward’s new milestone.
The Hurricanes, meanwhile, face questions about their 2025 season after finishing 10-3. Opening their schedule against Notre Dame on August 30, they’ll evaluate positions closely, especially quarterback. Cristobal said, “Position-wise, we always assess every position,” but kept specifics private, leaving fans to wonder about replacements for Ward.
Cam Ward’s Miami Legacy
Ward’s short stint with Miami leaves a lasting impact. Despite fan concerns like, “Is Cam Ward injured?” or “Can Ward play another season?” he brought his best to Miami Florida football. His 2024 season will be remembered not only for breaking records but also for cementing his name among NCAA greats.
While Miami fans might ponder questions like “Why isn’t Cam Ward playing?” or “Why is Cam Ward out of the game?” his contributions in a single season were unparalleled. As for the Hurricanes, they’ll have to regroup and aim for a stronger finish in 2025.
With bowl game scores that didn’t go their way and questions like, “Did Cam Ward get hurt?” lingering, one thing remains clear: Cam Ward Miami will always be a story of perseverance and historic achievement.