Cam Ward, the Miami Hurricanes quarterback, delivered one of the most outstanding seasons in college football this year, yet he was relegated to a fourth-place finish at the Heisman Trophy presentation in New York on December 14, 2024. While it’s undeniable that Travis Hunter deservedly won the prestigious award, becoming a two-way player of unparalleled excellence, the snub of Ward raises questions about the biases that continue to affect the Heisman voting process.
Hunter’s victory was well-earned. He had a remarkable season, not only excelling as a wide receiver but also as a cornerback. Hunter’s dual-threat ability made him the standout player in college football, and his historic achievements undoubtedly warranted the Heisman Trophy. However, the outcome raises a critical question: how did Cam Ward, who had arguably one of the best individual seasons in college football, end up finishing in fourth place?
Ward orchestrated a high-powered offense for the Miami Hurricanes, leading them to a 10-2 record while finishing first in the nation for total offense and touchdowns. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he steered his team through a challenging season, consistently putting up eye-popping statistics. He was undoubtedly among the top quarterbacks in the nation, yet when the Heisman ballots were tallied, Ward found himself behind Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, whose individual statistics were nowhere near as impressive.
One of the primary reasons for this disparity can be attributed to Gabriel’s undefeated record at Oregon. Gabriel led the Ducks to a Big Ten Championship and secured the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, and such accomplishments inevitably carry weight in Heisman voting. Yet, while Gabriel’s team success was noteworthy, his individual numbers didn’t measure up to Ward’s. Gabriel finished the season with fewer passing yards and touchdowns, trailing Ward in nearly every significant category. It’s important to recognize that Ward not only posted superior statistics, but also led an offense that scored an NCAA-best 47 points per game. Meanwhile, Gabriel, despite leading a successful Oregon team, was much less prolific on an individual level.
More crucially, however, is the anti-Miami sentiment that still lingers in college football. The perception of the University of Miami and its athletes has been shaped by decades of past controversies, and it appears that this bias played a significant role in Ward’s fourth-place finish. The narrative surrounding Miami programs and athletes continues to be one of skepticism and prejudice. If Ward had been playing for any other top-tier program, particularly one with a more favorable public image, his performance would have been more highly regarded. It’s not just a matter of stats; it’s a matter of perception, and the lingering bias against Miami athletes clearly influenced the Heisman voters’ decision.
Furthermore, Ward’s placement behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty only adds to the feeling that Ward was unfairly overlooked. Jeanty had an impressive season, but his performances largely came in games where the outcome was already decided, with many of his big numbers coming in “garbage time.” Meanwhile, Ward faced the pressure and competition of the Atlantic Coast Conference, one of the toughest conferences in college football. He not only put up better numbers than Jeanty but also did so under far greater scrutiny and in more competitive environments. Jeanty had a standout year, but it didn’t match the caliber of Ward’s campaign.
Ward’s impressive season saw him finish as the second-best quarterback in the Heisman race, behind only Hunter. He was first in the nation in passing touchdowns, second in passing yards, and fifth in overall passer rating. In fact, Ward tied the career touchdown record set by Case Keenum during his remarkable 2024 season. By comparison, Gabriel fell behind in nearly every passing category, including touchdowns and yardage. Yet, Gabriel’s success as the leader of an undefeated Oregon team appears to have overshadowed Ward’s much more significant individual achievements.
It is clear that Ward’s performance this season was one of the best in recent memory, and he should have been ranked no lower than second behind Travis Hunter. His fourth-place finish is a testament to the lingering biases that still affect college football, where the perception of a player’s program can weigh heavily on their recognition. It’s a harsh reality for Ward, who was undoubtedly one of the most deserving candidates for the Heisman Trophy.
Despite the disappointment of his Heisman snub, Ward did receive some well-deserved recognition. On the Thursday preceding the Heisman ceremony, Ward was named the winner of the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, which honors the top quarterback in college football. He was also selected to the Walter Camp Football Foundation All-American team. These accolades underscore the excellence Ward exhibited on the field this season, even if the Heisman voters failed to fully acknowledge it.
In the end, the fourth-place finish for Cam Ward represents more than just an individual disappointment—it highlights a larger issue within college football, where biases continue to shape the recognition and accolades athletes receive. While Ward may not have won the Heisman, his remarkable season will go down in history as one of the most impressive in recent memory. The disrespect he received at the ceremony is a reminder that, despite all of his accomplishments, certain biases continue to persist in the world of college sports.
