Running into him at the Shrine Bowl in early February, brought about a double take. Was this really the same quarterback lighting up YouTube with highlight reels? The one teammates called a vocal leader, pushing them to a higher standard? His calm, steady energy suggested a guy more likely to be found meditating than commanding a huddle.
But once he started talking, it all became clear; the presence, the self-assurance that had won over so many.
“I’m the best quarterback in this draft,” he stated matter-of-factly.
No bravado. No theatrics. He delivered it with the same ease as the “Nice to meet you,” heard just a little while prior. He wasn’t trying to convince anyone; outside opinions were irrelevant. In Ward’s world, that was just the truth.
If one followed his journey, they wouldn’t bet against him. This season alone, he racked up five major awards, including the Davey O’Brien Award, ACC Player of the Year, and Consensus All-American honors—proof his talent speaks for itself.
Back in 2021, a YouTube video prophetically called him “The Superstar You’ve Never Heard Of.” At the time, he was fresh off leading the University of Incarnate Word—a program that was his only scholarship offer—to a 10-3 season with 4,648 passing yards and 47 touchdowns.
His impressive stats at UIW could be considered making up for a lack of experience in high school. Columbia High ran a Wing-T offense, limiting Ward to a laughable 12 passing attempts per game. No stars, no scouting reports, no major offers. But instead of sulking, Ward locked in.
“At the end of the day,” he said, “It’s not about whether you can go to [a notable] school. It’s about playing football and making plays. That’s the only thing that’s gonna get you to the next level – making plays on the field. So if you got a good mindset and [you’re] coachable, you can do a lot of good things.”
That mindset turned the unheard-of kid into a quarterback who can’t go unnoticed. At the Shrine Bowl, a small frenzy broke out among an otherwise sparse crowd when fans spotted him on the patio of the Miller Lite Club. Security had to intervene as excited kids swarmed the railing, desperate for a photo, an autograph, or even just a glimpse.
Ward took it all in stride. “I wanted to put myself in this position since I was in high school,” he said, “I’m just glad God gave me a way, gave me the work ethic to go do it.”
That journey is now the focus of Zero Star, a docuseries currently in production from Firebrand Media, with Ward slated to star in its premiere episode. As a zero-star recruit with no ranking or scouting buzz, even his ironclad confidence felt the pressure.
“What I feel separated me from [more popular players] is that I was willing to do anything,” he explained, “I still will to do anything to get what I want out of football, whether I’m taken [at] the first pick or I’m taken the last pick of the draft. At the end of the day, everything is a mindset. If you don’t have the mindset, you’re not [gonna] be successful on the field or off the field.
Then, one last nod to what he considers his true power source.
“Keep God first and He’ll do a lot for you,” he said. “Sometimes, I would just pray and work out.”
That unwavering faith? It’s gotten him this far. And he’s still making plays.
So what’s next for Cam Ward? He’s heading to the NFL scouting combine on February 27, where he’ll have the chance to prove his case. Fans will see if NFL teams agree he’s the best quarterback when the 2025 NFL draft kicks off on April 25.
