The 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl saw No. 18 Iowa State edge No. 13 Miami 42-41 in thrilling fashion at Orlando, Florida, capping off the Cyclones' historic season with their first 11-win record. The loss for Miami marked yet another disappointing result, as they closed the season at 10-3 after starting strong at 9-0.
Iowa State's Rocco Becht was the hero of the day, scoring on a 1-yard quarterback sneak with just 56 seconds left on the clock. Becht had not only managed to orchestrate the comeback, throwing for 270 yards and three touchdowns, but he also demonstrated precision and poise under pressure.
Miami's game dynamics shifted significantly, particularly after quarterback Cam Ward, the Heisman Trophy finalist, played only the first half. He had thrown for 190 yards and three touchdowns before ceding the game to backup Emory Williams.
While Miami had taken the lead with Ward at the helm, holding 31-28 at halftime, the second half was less rosy. The Hurricanes managed only 41 yards passing after halftime, with Williams logging just 26 yards on five completions, throwing one interception on the game’s final play.
Miami was dominant on the ground, rushing for 308 yards, the most they've ever accumulated in bowl history. Yet, the passing game faltered under Williams as the Cyclones adjusted defensively and capitalized on Miami's mistakes.
Ward, who broke the Division I career passing touchdown record previously shared with Case Keenum, concluded his collegiate tenure with impressive statistics including 4,313 passing yards and 39 total touchdowns during the season. His performance throughout the year has propelled him as one of the top candidates for the upcoming NFL Draft.
The game sparked controversy, with many questioning Ward's commitment. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. came to his defense, arguing, "If you start the game, you've got to finish the game. That's nonsense... He gave them the opportunity. Their defense couldn't stop anybody."
Despite some critiques, Kiper emphasized Ward's accomplishments, noting his remarkable records and highlighting the situation's nuances—specifically, the fact the game lacked significant stakes for Miami.
Miami's defense displayed inconsistencies, which plagued them during the latter half of the season. Though they stymied Iowa State for stretches, they allowed 14 points and 148 yards after the half, culminating in the Cyclones' comeback.
The loss raised eyebrows concerning Miami’s season, especially as they had begun the year strongly before faltering late. Critics of the program pointed to weaknesses and questioned the direction of the team heading forward.
Looking toward the NFL Draft, Ward has been touted as one of the top quarterback prospects alongside Colorado's Shedeur Sanders. Speculations have placed the Tennessee Titans, who hold the No. 1 pick, as potential suitors for Ward. Recently, insider Dov Kleiman tweeted about the Titans’ interest, prompting varied reactions from fans and analysts.
Opinions remain divided on whether Ward is deserving of the top pick. Some fans expressed skepticism about his potential for success at the next level, with criticisms centering on his gameplay and viability as the Titans' franchise quarterback. Others emphasized his stats and potential breakout as they advocate for his selection.
Despite the criticism, Kiper ranks Ward as the second-best quarterback prospect for the upcoming draft, praising his ability to throw accurately from different angles and extend plays with his legs. He indicated, "Ward has unorthodox delivery, but he throws with accuracy and velocity. He shows solid game management and fits well as a top-tier option for any NFL team."
The aftermath of the Pop-Tarts Bowl will undoubtedly affect both Miami's program and Ward's draft prospects. While Miami regrouped for the next season, the conversation about whether they can rebound from their late-season struggles will linger. And for Ward, the upcoming NFL Draft will be about proving his critics wrong as he transitions to the professional level.
Miami's quarterback history serves as both promise and cautionary tale. Ward's performance and the fallout from the Pop-Tarts Bowl could define his career, both at Miami and potentially with the Tennessee Titans, should they choose to invest their future in him.
Time will reveal the ultimate outcome of both Miami's future and Ward's NFL prospects. For now, the Pop-Tarts Bowl stands as both the culmination of his collegiate career and the beginning of what could be his professional storyline.