The Tennessee Titans are betting their franchise future on a quarterback who was once a zero-star recruit, grinding it out at a small Texas school. Now Cam Ward carries the weight of an entire rebuild on his shoulders, and the Titans aren’t planning to keep him wrapped in bubble wrap.
The Titans are entering the second season of their down-to-the-studs rebuild. Second-year head coach Brian Callahan and first-year general manager Mike Borgonzi embarked on this rebuild with much of their hopes and future pinned on this year’s number one overall pick, quarterback Ward.
Will Cam Ward Start on Friday Night?
Ward experienced a rapid, if not unorthodox, rise to the top of the 2025 draft. Coming out of high school, he was a zero-star recruit who wowed a coach from the University of the Incarnate Word at a summer football camp. He spent two seasons with UIW before transferring to Washington State for two years and then going to Miami, where he was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
His rise was rapid and surprising, but his talent and ability made him essentially a quarterback class of one in 2025. He’s the most crucial player for the Titans who want to go from an also-ran to a conference power.
While the Titans are betting their future on Ward, they are not coddling him. Ward won’t play the entire quarter, but he is expected to play at least the first two series before taking to the sidelines.
However, that doesn’t mean the Titans have been treating their prime prospect with kid gloves. He’s been the recipient of plenty of “tough love” all through training camp. He has been resilient despite defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson being allowed to unload his defensive scheme on him.
Ward will be growing up with many fellow young players. Rookie wide receivers Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike are speedsters pushing for playing time, not just roster spots. Rookie tight end Gunnar Helm is expected to provide depth and get time in the 12-formation.
The young quarterback has also stepped forward and taken on a leadership role. He starts his workdays at 5 a.m. at the team facility. Ward needs the early morning time to get his mind right for the rest of the day and is using the wee hours to get in extra work since the rest of his day is locked in with team activities.
Ward had a promising start in his first preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After going three-and-out on his first drive, Ward completed five of eight passes for 67 yards on a touchdown drive, including a 27-yard pass to wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
The Titans ultimately lost 29-7 to the Bucs and will be looking for their first preseason win against the Falcons.
