Cam Ward's college career was punctuated by another accolade Wednesday when he was announced as the winner of the Manning Award as the nation's top quarterback. And the former Miami star, who quite possibly will be the No.

Well, if they do, it would be a much bigger surprise than what Manning accomplished. But Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart — who, like Manning, was a three-year college starter — is generating some buzz leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft.

A recent mock draft from ESPN's Mel Kiper, a celebrated NFL Draft analyst, picks Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward to be the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Typically, the player who will be selected with the No.

It’s a pretty rapid rise for the QB, who entered the 2024 season as a potential Day 3 selection in the 2025 draft. As Pauline notes, the player’s turnaround isn’t completely dissimilar to that of Jayden Daniels, who evolved from a fringe prospect into the eventual No. 2 pick.

Miami's Cam Ward was announced Wednesday the 2024 Manning Award winner as the top college quarterback in the nation. Ward is the first Hurricane to win the award, which is presented by the Allstate Sugar Bowl.