Cam Ward: 'If you want to talk about Heisman moments, I certainly have the most'

As he enjoys a trip to New York City as a finalist for the 2024 Heisman Trophy, Miami quarterback Cam Ward is putting the college football world on notice.

The star signal-caller joined ESPN’s SportsCenter on Saturday morning, where he discussed everything from his Heisman chances to the Hurricanes’ College Football Playoff snub. When asked about whether he’ll be lifting the trophy this evening, Ward made a simple yet effective case as to why he’s the best of the best.

“The tape says it all. … You’ve just got to see the plays that we’re making on offense, that I’m making personally,” Ward said, via SportsCenter. “… If you want to talk about Heisman moments, I certainly have the most. I mean, it’s easy to see.”

With some exhilarating last-gasp drives for the win, wild off-platform touchdown throws and tremendous play throughout the season, Ward makes a strong argument. Still, it might not be enough to win him the award, but being a finalist is reason for celebration alone.

While it remains to be seen if he can elevate and be named the recipient of the Heisman Trophy, Ward did earn a Herbie Award on Friday, announced as Kirk Herbstreit’s top transfer in 2024.

Coming to south Florida from Washington State, Ward turned down the NFL to play another year of college. And he thrived doing so, as one of the nation’s leading passers. Herbstreit raved about Ward’s impact, and how he completely rejuvenated the Hurricanes.

“He led the nation in passing touchdowns of 20 yards or more,” Herbstreit said, via the awards show on Friday night. “Probably the best deep passer in college football this year. Excited to see what he can do with his bowl and then of course next year.

“But I was sitting there thinking about it all year: When was the last time Miami had a quarterback that was reliable and a guy that could be a difference maker at that position? I think you’ve gotta go all the way — think about this — all the way back to Ken Dorsey and that 02-03 era. So you’re talking over two decades since they’ve had a quarterback. And as we said, you take him off that team this year, they probably lose another three or four football games. That’s how big of a difference he was this year to the ‘Canes.”

Ward is certainly deserving of any and all accolades, as he finished the 2024 regular season with a nation-leading 36 passing touchdowns and threw for 4123 yards while completing 67.4% of his passes and tossing just seven interceptions.

Will it result in a Heisman? Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty may have a better shot, but you never know. Cam Ward would be a deserving choice if that’s who the voters choose, though.

On3’s Andrew Graham contributed to this article.