Everyone from Ringer NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay to College Football Hall of Fame head coach Steve Spurrier criticized the move, joining thousands of others on social media as Ward stood on the sidelines during the second half a 42-41 loss to Iowa State. From one perspective, it looked like a snap decision to opt out.

Cam Ward's decision to only play the first half of Miami's 42-41 loss against Iowa State in this year's Pop-Tarts Bowl proved to be extremely

Cam Ward only played in half of Miami's 42-41 loss to Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday, and that left fans annoyed. Ward went 12/19 for 190

Cam Ward sat out the second half of Miami's Pop-Tarts Bowl loss to Iowa State, with the Hurricanes falling 42-41. Social media had a lot to say:

The Iowa State football team puts a wrap on the 2024 season when they take on Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday afternoon. Following a long few weeks, the

Cam Ward watched from the sideline as Miami dropped their bowl game 42-41 to Iowa State. Ward played just a half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl, recording 190 yards and three touchdowns. He broke the Division I career touchdown passes record during the matchup.

The two bowl games — the No. 23 Buffaloes’ Alamo Bowl matchup against No. 17 BYU and the Miami-Iowa State Pop-Tarts Bowl — featured the two top-rated quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. It was a surprise to many that both Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward played in their bowl games.

As great as Cam Ward's one and only season was at the University of Miami, it ended on a sour note. After narrowly missing out on the College Football Playoff, the Hurricanes settled for an appearance in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Iowa State.