We’ve heard of college football players canceling bowl games to avoid risking injury and preparing for the NFL Draft, but this is the first time a player has quit at halftime. This is the situation the University of Miami found itself in when starting quarterback Cam Ward exited in the second half of their Pop-Tarts Bowl against Iowa State.

The Cyclones ultimately defeated the Hurricanes 42-41.

We assume the decision to sit out the second half was not Ward’s decision. I’m sure someone came to his attention and told him that it was in his best interest not to play the second half and not risk injury before the 2025 NFL Draft. Regardless, Ward will have to answer to whatever NFL team he meets with leading up to the draft

The situation is now only complicated by the University of Miami’s refusal to let the media speak to Ward. This only casts an even greater shadow over the entire event.

Another reason he might regret this decision again is that there is no clear No. 1 quarterback in this draft and Ward needs to do everything he can to push Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders off the board as the top quarterback.

More!

NFL Draft 2025: Top QB prospect announces his future team

Carson Beck is declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft

Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham: Michigan’s dynamic DT duo in the 2025 NFL Draft

This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: 2025 NFL Draft: Top QB prospects quit at halftime, team loses bowl game