Cam Ward update: Is the Miami star playing on Saturday against Iowa State?

Quarterback Cam Ward and the No. 13-ranked Miami Hurricanes did not expect to be playing in a non-playoff bowl game. They had an excellent season that had them poised to compete in the ACC Championship Game and College Football Playoff for most of the season. However, the season fell apart in the final three games as the Hurricanes lost twice.

Despite that disappointment, this season has been a success for the Hurricanes and Cam Ward in particular. Ward earned his spot as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Although he ultimately lost to No. 23-ranked Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter, there is no doubt that Ward earned his nomination.

Now, Ward is expected to be a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL draft and one of the first two quarterbacks drafted alongside Colorado's Shedeur Sanders. As a result, some fans expected Ward to opt out of the Pop-Tarts Bowl to prepare for the draft. That is not the case and he is expected to participate in the game.

Is Cam Ward playing this week?

Yes, Cam Ward is expected to play on Saturday when the Miami Hurricanes play the No. 18-ranked Iowa State Cyclones in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. The game is set to kick off on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Ward did not waste much time after the season ended to make it clear that he intended to play in Miami's bowl game. Ahead of the Heisman Trophy Ceremony on Dec. 14, he said:

"I’m playing in the game. It’s exciting to go out in your college career and try to win your last game."

This was a surprise to many people in the college football world as most top players poised to be top picks in the draft opt out of their bowl games if they do not have playoff implications. However, it was not a surprise to his head coach, Mario Cristobal. He said on Monday:

"I wasn't surprised. I mean, we have unfinished business."

This was Ward's only season with the Hurricanes, transferring to the team after last season after spending two years at Washington State. Although he fell short of his team goals, Ward still had a record-setting season. He had 4,123 passing yards and 36 passing TDs, both of which are single-season school records. He will get the chance to add to those totals against Iowa State on Saturday.