Mario Cristobal on Cam Ward not opting out: 'He understands the importance of finishing'

Cam Ward is not like some other college football stars. The Miami quarterback has declined to opt out of the Pop-Tarts Bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft as his team gears up for Iowa State on Saturday.

One man who’s thrilled at that decision? Head coach Mario Cristobal. He said it’s a credit to Ward for wanting to finish the job. For someone who has No. 1 overall pick buzz, it should be a credit to Ward this day and age.

“Well, I think modern day conventional wisdom sometimes clashes with principles and values of what is right,” Cristobal said ahead of the game. “Nowadays in college football, we are compensated at all levels, right — coaches, players, administrators — and to do a job, you must finish the job.”

Ward had another fantastic season in 2024. In fact, it was his best of his career. It helped him get to New York as a Heisman finalist. And while Miami didn’t make the College Football Playoff with a 10-2 season, the Hurricanes can end strong in one of the more popular bowl games during this slate.

“I think Cam’s DNA, his upbringing, everything that he is made of and stands for is the right kind of stuff; the stuff you want your team made of,” Cristobal said.  “He’s had a tremendous impact on our community, our team, our program, alumni. And so he understands the importance of finishing, and he understands the caliber of opponent that we are playing and the importance of playing at a really high level to give ourselves the best opportunity in this game. Certainly a credit to him and the rest of those seniors.”

Cam Ward plans to go out in style

Ward finished the regular season with 4,123 yards, 36 touchdowns, seven interceptions, a 67.4% completion percentage, 196 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. But Cristobal is not yet ready to reflect on the year.

“I think reflection will take place after the game,” Cristobal said. “Somebody asked earlier, how do you balance getting forward are a game, transfer portal and recruiting and what’s the balance; there is no balance. You’ve just kind of got to go and whenever you pass out, you pass out, and you do it again a couple hours later.

“In terms of — the most important thing I think is to really emphasize how appreciative we are for the effort, the commitment of players that have been through a lot. You know, a couple of coaching changes. Certainly some ups and downs, injuries. Guys that stuck together and put together a really strong team that has accomplished so much and has set a standard and has elevated our program to where now, you know what, Miami is a real thing again. There’s national prominence associated with Miami.”