On Thursday night, history was made and ESPN completely whiffed on it. Cam Ward’s journey is the kind of story Hollywood writes movies about. After two transfers, five grueling college seasons, and a lifetime of proving doubters wrong, Cam Ward finally reached the mountaintop. The Tennessee Titans selected Ward No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, making him just the third player in Miami Hurricanes history to earn that honor, joining legends Vinny Testaverde (1987) and Russell Maryland (1991). Ward shattered Miami records in 2024 , setting new marks for passing yards (4,313), touchdowns (39), and completion percentage (67.2%) while leading the Hurricanes to their first 10-win season since 2017.
Heisman finalist. Davey O’Brien Award winner. Unanimous All-American. ACC Offensive Player of the Year. The résumé was undeniable, the story inspirational, the moment cinematic. Yet somehow, ESPN treated it like an afterthought.
Instead of celebrating one of the greatest underdog stories in football history, ESPN immediately pivoted away, focusing on Travis Hunter going second overall and spending an absurd amount of airtime talking about Shedeur Sanders, who wouldn’t even be picked until the fifth round. Cam Ward’s highlight reel? Never shown. His emotional on-stage interview after being drafted? Ignored. The culmination of a journey that took Ward from Incarnate Word to Washington State to Miami to the NFL’s No. 1 pick was shoved aside, seemingly in favor of chasing social media buzz.
Ward deserved better. The Hurricanes deserved better. And sports fans deserved better.
Full Hurricanes Draft Class Recap
Despite ESPN’s blunder, the Hurricanes dominated draft weekend, sending seven players to the NFL the most in the ACC and tied with powerhouse programs like Alabama and Michigan.
Here’s where each Miami standout landed:
* Cam Ward, QB — 1st overall, Tennessee Titans
The story of the draft. An elite playmaker with leadership qualities off the charts. The Titans reportedly turned down a king’s ransom from the Giants to take him.
* Elijah Arroyo, TE — 50th overall, Seattle Seahawks
Injuries couldn’t stop Arroyo, who posted 590 yards and 7 TDs in 2024, leading all FBS tight ends in yards per catch.
* Jalen Rivers, OL — 153rd overall, Cincinnati Bengals
A versatile lineman who started 31 games for Miami and brings much-needed toughness to the Bengals’ front.
* Francisco Mauigoa, LB — 162nd overall, New York Jets
A tackling machine (178 total) with a nose for the ball. Mauigoa projects as a key rotational piece for Robert Saleh’s defense.
* Tyler Baron, DL — 176th overall, New York Jets
A physical edge rusher with upside; he reunites with Mauigoa in New York.
* Andres Borregales, K — 182nd overall, New England Patriots
Miami’s all-time points leader becomes the first kicker selected, giving New England a clutch weapon.
* Damien Martinez, RB — 223rd overall, Seattle Seahawks
Quietly dominant, Martinez cracked 1,000 yards and 10 TDs in one season. A major late-round steal.
Notable Undrafted Free Agent Signings
Several other Hurricanes quickly found NFL homes after the draft:
* Xavier Restrepo, WR — Signed with Titans
Ward’s favorite target stays with him in Tennessee. Restrepo finished with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and set UM’s all-time receptions and receiving yards records. A consensus All- American and the best slot receiver in the nation will have a huge chip on his shoulder.
* Jacolby George, WR — Signed with Carolina Panthers
Dynamic and productive, George gives Bryce Young another young weapon.
* Daryl Porter Jr., CB — Signed with Buffalo Bills
Solid, experienced cornerback joining one of the NFL’s premier defenses.
* Mishael “Meesh” Powell, S — Signed with Minnesota Vikings
Playmaking safety tied for fourth in interceptions nationwide last season.
* Simeon Barrow, DL — Signed with Atlanta Falcons
A first-team All-ACC monster up front, Barrow could quickly carve out a rotational role.
* Zach Carpenter, OL — Signed with Miami Dolphins
The Hurricanes’ starting center from the nation’s top offense stays local, bringing toughness to the Dolphins’ line.
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