Hurricanes star Cam Ward indicates he will play in Pop-Tarts Bowl in call posted to social media

The trend for star college players looking for a big NFL payday in recent years has been to opt out of non-playoff bowl games.

Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward appears to be bucking that trend.

In a FaceTime call posted on social media by Deion Sanders Jr., Ward said he plans on playing in UM’s Pop-Tarts Bowl appearance against Iowa State on Dec. 28.

“I’ve got to get ready for the Pop-Tarts Bowl,” Ward said.

A UM spokesperson did not respond to a request to confirm Ward’s participation late Sunday night.

“You’re (going to) see the best thing that’s ever happened in the Pop-Tarts Bowl,” Ward said. “The ‘Canes, baby.”

Ward said he plans to air the ball out in his final game with Miami before heading to the NFL.

“This the last game … We’re going to throw that ball,” Ward said. “You best believe my last game, I’m going to throw that damn ball.”

Ward also teased Colorado star quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the video, making fun of him for not winning 10 games and claiming Miami’s offensive line is better.

“I don’t get touched,” Ward said. “I’ve got them trench babies.”

The Hurricanes will face Big 12 runner-up Iowa State at Camping World Stadium on Dec. 28. Miami has not won a bowl game since 2016 — a Russell Athletic Bowl victory against West Virginia that was also at Camping World Stadium. UM is 2-12 in bowl games dating back to 2005.

“We’re trying to win our first bowl game in 20 years,” Ward said. “We’re going hard.”

Who would’ve won? pic.twitter.com/YUZD1mpShx

— Deion Sanders Jr (@DeionSandersJr) December 9, 2024