The 2024 Heisman finalists were announced Monday night, and Miami (FL) Hurricanes star Cam Ward is one of four players invited to Saturday’s award presentation in New York.
Why should the quarterback of a non-playoff team win the Heisman Trophy? What are Ward’s realistic chances of receiving the most coveted individual award in college football?
Why Should Cam Ward Win the Heisman Trophy?
If this is your first stop on the Ward hype train, welcome! Some of us have been here since he transferred from Incarnate Word to the Washington State Cougars in 2022. There’s no judgment, as Ward had his fair share of ups and downs throughout a fun career, but his 2024 Heisman-worthy campaign was the culmination of a long journey.
Ward was a lightly-recruited prospect from West Columbia, Texas with just two offers, FCS schools Texas Southern and Incarnate Word.
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Ward immediately thrived at Incarnate Word, throwing for over 4,600 yards as a sophomore in 2021. When head coach Eric Morris accepted a job as the offensive coordinator at Washington State, Ward started the trend of moving up with his coach as a package deal. In two years with the Cougars, Ward threw for 48 touchdowns and just under 7,000 yards.
But he transferred to Miami for his final season and truly broke out.
Ward threw for 4,123 yards, second nationally. He also threw for 36 touchdowns, the top mark in the country, and 9.5 yards per attempt, third-best among qualifying quarterbacks. Ward added four touchdowns on the ground and several “Heisman moments.”
He was the best quarterback in the country, and as is the nature of the award, the top passer in the country will always have a strong argument to win the Heisman Trophy.
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Ward is hurt by the Hurricanes’ failure to win the conference championship and the College Football Playoff, which can probably be blamed on things he couldn’t control.
For instance, Ward led the Hurricanes on a potential game-winning drive against the Syracuse Orange in the regular season finale. However, head coach Mario Cristobal decided to kick a field goal while down seven points.
The Hurricanes’ defense failed to secure a stop, and Ward never touched the ball again, costing Miami a trip to the ACC Championship Game and likely the College Football Playoff.
In any other year, Ward would be considered the Heisman Trophy favorite. However, Colorado Buffaloes’ two-way superstar Travis Hunter and Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty had historic seasons, doing things we’ve rarely seen before in college football.
Still, Ward’s clutch performances and flair make him one of the most electric players in college football, and those things should be rewarded
That’s why Ward should win the Heisman Trophy.
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