FORT WORTH, Texas — Despite not yet confirming whether he will participate in the NFL combine next week, Cam Ward is prepared to address any concerns from scouts and team representatives about his decision to exit the Miami Hurricanes’ final game without completing it.

“Look, either you’re going to select me in the draft or you’re not,” Ward stated confidently on Monday night as he received the prestigious Davey O’Brien Award for being the top college quarterback in the nation. “If you choose not to pick me, that’s on you. Just remember that your team will be facing me throughout my career, and I’ll keep that in mind.”

Ward faced significant backlash online, with some critics alleging he quit on the Hurricanes in the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl, where they fell to Iowa State in a narrow 42-41 defeat last December. Notably, he broke the NCAA Division I record for career touchdown passes before halftime.

The talented quarterback, a potential top pick in the upcoming NFL draft, clarified that the choice not to return for the second half was a mutual decision made with his coaches.

“I believe we all got what we needed from that game. The coaching staff identified areas for improvement heading into the new season, and they were also aware of what was at stake for me,” Ward explained. “We made the decision that was best for both the program and myself. It was tough, especially given that some teammates who I thought should be playing chose to focus on their futures as I did.”

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal has publicly supported Ward, labeling the claims of him quitting as a “false narrative” last month.

“If I had to do it all over again, I would make the same choice,” Ward asserted on Monday, later adding, “I wish we could’ve secured a win. Had we come out on top, these discussions wouldn’t exist. It’s just how it goes—you have to take criticism and keep moving forward.”

With one of his three touchdown passes in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, where he amassed 190 yards to give Miami a 31-28 lead at halftime, Ward established the Division I record for most touchdowns at 156, surpassing Case Keenum‘s previous mark. The Hurricanes opted to utilize Emory Williams at quarterback for the second half and later added former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck via transfer.

Ward concluded his collegiate career with 158 touchdown passes, and his total of 18,189 passing yards—6,908 at Incarnate Word, 6,968 at Washington State, and 4,313 at Miami—is the third highest in NCAA history, trailing only Keenum and Dillon Gabriel. During his one season at Miami, Ward set single-season records for passing yards, completions (305), touchdown passes (39), and completion percentage—both for the season and career, at 67.2%.

Regarding the upcoming combine, Ward has yet to finalize his plan for next week in Indianapolis but intends to participate in Miami’s pro day.

The ceremony for the O’Brien Award took place roughly three weeks after Ward claimed the esteemed Manning Award. He follows in the footsteps of Jayden Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner who also secured both awards before being selected as the No. 2 pick in last year’s draft and leading the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship Game.

“Watching him thrive is not just motivating for me, but for every quarterback out there,” Ward remarked.