The Tennessee Titans have made their move at the top of the
2025 NFL Draft, selecting quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick — officially kicking off a new era under center in Nashville.
Titans Lock In Franchise Quarterback with Top Pick
Rumors of a potential trade down swirled early in the pre-draft process, but new general manager Mike Borgonzi stayed true to his vision. Despite speculation that two-way star Travis Hunter might be the pick, Borgonzi made it clear he wouldn’t pass up on a “generational talent.” That belief ultimately pointed to Cam Ward all along.
The Titans conducted extensive pre-draft research on several top prospects, including Shedeur Sanders, but Ward emerged as their clear target. Tennessee even held a private workout with Ward in late March, while a planned
session with Hunter was eventually canceled. All signs pointed toward Ward as the favorite to go No. 1 — and that’s exactly how it played out.
Cam Ward’s Journey from Underrated to No. 1 Overall
Ward’s story is one of perseverance. A zero-star recruit out of high school, he began his college career at Incarnate Word, transferred to Washington State, and eventually landed at Miami for the 2024 season. That’s where he truly broke out — completing 67.2% of his passes for over 4,300 yards with 39 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions. His outstanding season earned him ACC Player of the Year honors and solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the draft.
At just 23 years old, Ward becomes the first quarterback in Titans/Oilers franchise history to be selected with the No. 1 overall pick. Previous No. 1 selections by the team include defensive end John Matuszak (1973) and Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell (1978).
What Ward Means for the Titans’ Future
The Titans are now officially moving on from the
Will Levis experiment. The 2023 second-round pick was expected to be the long-term answer but struggled to take hold of the starting job. With two years left on his rookie contract, Levis could be traded during the draft weekend.
Ward steps into an offense that received key upgrades this offseason, including veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett and multiple reinforcements along the offensive line. Head coach Brian Callahan, known for his work developing young quarterbacks, will now lead the charge in building around his new QB1.
A New Chapter Begins in Nashville
With Cam Ward leading the offense, the Titans are turning the page on the post-Ryan Tannehill era. The franchise is betting on Ward’s athleticism, arm talent, and leadership to bring long-term stability at quarterback — something the organization has lacked for years. If the Titans are to return to contention and solidify their leadership core, Ward will be central to their success moving forward.
