Miami star quarterback Cam Wards Heisman Trophy campaign was dealt a crushing blow after the No. 4 seed Hurricanes suffered their first loss of the season to unranked Georgia Tech.
Entering play Saturday, Miami had staved off several upset losses to Virginia Tech, Cal and Louisville earlier in the season. But the magic appeared to run out in Bobby Dodd Stadium, as the Hurricanes entered halftime trailing 14-10 to a Yellow Jackets team that scored only six points in a loss to the Hokies one week prior.
With just over eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Ward gave Miami a fighting chance after orchestrating a 7-play, 78-yard touchdown drive to pull the Hurricanes within five, 28-23. He was given an opportunity to create his own Heisman moment several minutes later once Georgia Tech punted the ball back to him with less than two minutes left in the contest.
Nick Saban makes Penn State claim as Pat McAfee heaps praise on Will HowardKirk Herbstreit brings puppy to College GameDay after tragic loss of older dog, Ben
Yet following an incompletion on first down, Ward danced around a collapsing pocket but struggled to find any open targets downfield. The Yellow Jackets three-man rush eventually got home, as the signal-caller was hit from behind and fumbled the ball – which was promptly pounced on by Georgia Tech defensive lineman Jordan van den Berg.
Following the costly mistake, Ward could hardly hide his frustration upon returning to the sideline. ESPNs broadcast captured him despondently staring off into the distance while down on one knee as Georgia Tech sealed its shocking victory.
It didnt take long for Ward to be faced with the brutal consequences of the defeat. After entering the game as the Heisman favorite, he dropped down to fourth on the list at +750 behind Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty (+500), per ESPN Bet.
Follow us on Xfor the best and latest in sports news
Though the end result was certainly not what Ward wouldve wanted, the 22-year-old still shined in the Hurricanes losing effort. He finished the game completing 25-of-39 passes for 348 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions – but posted his lowest QBR of the season at 58.6.
After completing a 74-yard touchdown pass to tight end Elijah Arroyo in the first quarter of Saturdays game, Ward broke Miamis record for the most passing touchdowns thrown in a single season. Ex-Hurricanes quarterback Steve Walsh was the previous program record holder, amassing 29 passing touchdowns back in 1988.
It remains to be seen how the Hurricanes will rebound from such a gut-wrenching loss, but Miami is in good hands with Ward at the helm. Through 10 games this season, hes thrown for 3,494 yards and 32 touchdowns while also leading all FBS quarterbacks in passing touchdowns entering Week 11.
Thanks to his strong performance this year, Ward is expected to be one of, if not the first quarterback taken off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft. Teams that could serve as possible fits include the New York Giants, Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders.