Cam Ward's college career got one more accolade Wednesday, when he was announced as the winner of the Manning Award as the nation's top quarterback. And the now-former Miami star, who quite possibly will be the No.

Well, if they do, it would be a much bigger surprise than what Manning accomplished. But Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart — who, like Manning, was a three-year college starter — is generating some buzz leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft.

It’s a pretty rapid rise for the QB, who entered the 2024 season as a potential Day 3 selection in the 2025 draft. As Pauline notes, the player’s turnaround isn’t completely dissimilar to that of Jayden Daniels, who evolved from a fringe prospect into the eventual No. 2 pick.

Draft analyst Todd McShay negatively compared 2025 NFL Draft top prospect Cam Ward to Titans quarterback Will Levis

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – As Cam Ward gets ready for the NFL draft, he received another big honor. Ward was named the 2024 Manning Award winner for top quarterback in the nation. The media could not be loaded, either because the server or network failed or because the format is not supported.

Former Miami star Cam Ward won the Manning Award on Wednesday as the nation's top quarterback and knows the accolade can be a springboard to good things at the next level.

Miami's Cam Ward was announced Wednesday the 2024 Manning Award winner as the top college quarterback in the nation. Ward is the first Hurricane to win the award, which is presented by the Allstate Sugar Bowl.