Cam Ward decision: Booger McFarland brings Malik Nabers into Miami QB controversy

Miami quarterback Cam Ward has brewed quite a social media storm by only playing one half in the Pop Tarts Bowl on Saturday. Ward set the world on fire early against Iowa State but watched from the bench in the second half. A loss ensued in front of his eyes and now, people online are wondering if his 2025 NFL Draft stock will fall.

ESPN’s Booger McFarland has now joined the conversation, comparing the move to something LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers did. LSU faced Wisconsin in their bowl game where Nabers broke the program all-time receiving record. He then sat out the second half, likely preserving his health.

Nabers was then drafted highly by the New York Giants and been one of the best rookies in the NFL. McFarland’s overall point — Ward did nothing wrong and will be completely fine moving forward.

“[Nabers] did the same thing for LSU last year,” McFarland said via X. “Played a half. Got the record sat out the 2nd half. The rest is history. Keep it moving DJ lol.”

Ward did break a record, securing the most passing touchdowns in Division I history. His first score of the night got the title and despite being in the first quarter, Ward decided to play until the halftime break. He finished the game completing 12 of 19 passes, going for 190 yards and three touchdowns.

“I think all meetings with players and decisions like that, we make them in private and we keep them in private,” Miami head coach Mario Cristobal said. “So I’ll prefer not to answer questions as it relates to that. I know he played his best while he was in there.”

Going back to the Nabers comparison, the wide receiver’s rookie season was pretty good. Playing in 13 games, he has caught 97 passes for 969 yards and 10 touchdowns despite a quarterback mess in New York. Two games remain for the Giants and Nabers has the opportunity to become the franchise’s first 1,000-yard receiver since Odell Beckham Jr., a fellow LSU Tiger.

Who knows, maybe Nabers will be the one catching passes from Ward next season. New York will be in range of drafting a quarterback, potentially looking at the Miami star of Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Based on drafting Nabers, they certainly would have no problem with Ward’s actions, agreeing with McFarland.