Why Cam Ward left the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl for Miami

Editor's note: This post has been updated with new information. 

Miami quarterback Cam Ward didn't take the field for the second half of Saturday's Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando, but Hurricane fans shouldn't be worried.

Miami backup quarterback Emory Williams started for the team to open the third quarter and immediately led the Hurricanes on a touchdown drive.

Hurricanes team reporter Christy Chirinos shared that Ward had a big smile on his face as the team scored the touchdown, which likely indicates he's out of the game as a precaution for his 2025 NFL Draft preparations. In For The Win's latest mock draft, we have Ward as the No. 2 overall pick.

Ward threw his 156th touchdown pass during the game, which gave him the NCAA Division I record for touchdowns thrown in a college career.

With the record in the books, Ward and the team perhaps decided it wasn't worth the injury risk in the second half. He could be the first player off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft next spring.

Even though Ward didn't return to game action, it's no big deal. His legacy at Miami was already secured.

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This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why Cam Ward left the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl for Miami