No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward signs his rookie contract
Ward, the No. 1 overall pick, becomes the seventh player from the team's nine-player draft class to sign with the team.
The Titans previously reached deals with safety Kevin Winston Jr. (3rd round), tight end Gunnar Helm (fourth round), receiver Elic Ayomanor (4th round), guard Jackson Slater (5th round), cornerback Marcus Harris (6th round) and running back Kalel Mullings (6th round).
Outside linebacker Oluwafemi Oladejo (second round) and receiver Chimere Dike (fourth round) are the team's only remaining unsigned draft picks.
Ward is participating in the team's offseason program after taking part in the team's rookie minicamp earlier this month.
He takes over in Tennessee after playing 57 college games at Incarnate Word (2020-21), Washington State (2022-23) and the University of Miami (2024).
Last season at Miami, Ward was named first-team All-American and was a Heisman finalist after throwing for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns. He led the Hurricanes to their first 10-win season since 2017.
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USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Ranking the top 10 SEC quarterbacks who dominated the 21st century
The Southeastern Conference has produced legendary quarterbacks who have created long-lasting, historic moments on the gridiron. As simple as the statement is, it can't be emphasized enough. The league's quarterback play has been consistently incredible since the conference was established in 1932. While signal-callers such as Bart Starr, Joe Namath, Archie Manning, Steve Spurrier and Pat Sullivan set the foundation, stars like Peyton Manning, Danny Wuerffel and Tim Couch carried that legacy into a new horizon. Of the top 16 gunslingers in career passing yards in SEC history, 13 played their entire careers in the 21st century. That is a testament to the constant development of the game, combined with excellent coaches like Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, Dan Mullen, Spurrier and many more. The league's developers passed their knowledge down to the new generation of head coaches like Kirby Smart, Lane Kiffin and Josh Heupel, all of whom have sent multiple quarterbacks to the NFL. Every great SEC signal-caller has poured blood, sweat and tears to lead their teams to the next level in college football. In the 21st century, there is no argument that the country's best quarterbacks are in a particular league. The league's generals have produced highlights that will last forever, historic marks that have yet to be broken and raised more trophies than most programs will ever obtain. Just like any discussion regarding the most talented players to ever play the game, there is always one that stands above the rest. With that being said, let's rank the top 10 SEC quarterbacks based on their performances, historic marks and award-winning seasons from the 21st century. 1. Tim Tebow - Florida Career statistics: 9,285 PASS YDS, 88 PASS TD, 16 INT, 2,947 RUSH YDS, 57 RUSH TD The argument can be made that Tim Tebow is the greatest college quarterback ever. His grit and determination to lay everything on the line for the Gators earned him two national championships and a Heisman Trophy through four years in Gainesville, Florida. In 2007 and 2008, Tebow won the Maxwell Award, which is given to the best player in college football every year. Do not get it twisted, he transcended the quarterback position in the SEC. Upcoming talent wanted to follow in his footsteps, but it is hard to replicate what can never be replicated. 2. Johnny Manziel - Texas A&M Career statistics: 7,820 PASS YDS, 63 PASS TD, 22 INT, 2,169 RUSH YDS, 30 RUSH TD When Johnny Manziel was playing, every college football fan was glued to their television screens, and for good reason. Manziel's dual-threat ability made him one of the most dangerous athletes in the country and led to him becoming the first freshman to ever win the Heisman. Coaches feared him, players hated trying to stop him and fans from every team across the country wished they could have him. "Johnny Football" was not just a cool nickname; it was a lifestyle. Regardless of his antics off the field, he is one of the greatest to ever play the sport. 3. Cam Newton - Auburn Career statistics: 2,908 PASS YDS, 30 PASS TD, 7 INT, 1,586 RUSH YDS, 24 RUSH TD His towering build, breakaway speed and swagger brought Auburn into the national spotlight for the first time in 53 years. Achieving a perfect 14-0 overall record with the Tigers in 2010, Newton struck fear into defenses in the toughest league in the country. He secured the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award and Davey O'Brien Award in just one season on the Plains. While becoming the first player in SEC history to pass for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 in a single season, he also set single-season program records in passing and rushing. 4. Joe Burrow - LSU Career statistics: 8,852 PASS YDS, 60 PASS TD, 11 INT, 820 RUSH YDS, 13 RUSH TD LSU's 2019 squad will go down in history as one of the most talented rosters in college football history. One of those stars etched his name into the record books as one of the best all-time quarterbacks. Joe Burrow led the program in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, back to the promised land just six years ago. Collecting the Heisman Trophy was one of seven awards he earned, naming him the best quarterback and overall player in the sport. Securing LSU's first national championship since 2007 to cap off that season was icing on the cake. 5. Bryce Young - Alabama Career statistics: 8,356 PASS YDS, 80 PASS TD, 12 INT, 162 RUSH YDS, 7 RUSH TD To be a quarterback at Alabama, it takes a massive amount of poise, confidence and determination to bring continued success to the Crimson Tide fan base. Bryce Young surpassed historic marks made by former legends who made their mark for one of the most storied programs in the country. He showcased his innate throwing ability and consistency, which led to Young shattering single-season records for passing yards (4,872) and touchdowns (47) during his Heisman campaign and national championship season in 2020. 6. Eli Manning - Ole Miss Career statistics: 10,119 PASS YDS, 81 PASS TD, 35 INT, -135 RUSH YDS, 5 RUSH TD While it may be easy for some to narrow down the top five 21st-century quarterbacks, it is difficult not to make a case for someone who has a designated speed limit created because of their contributions in their jersey. Following in his father's footsteps, Eli Manning quickly eliminated the shadows and naysayers by leading the Rebels to historic marks. Ranked No. 11 in passing yards in the league all-time, Manning is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the program. Although he never won the Heisman Trophy, his impact at Ole Miss was still memorable. 7. Dak Prescott - Mississippi State Career statistics: 9,376 PASS YDS, 70 PASS TD, 23 INT, 2,521 RUSH YDS, 41 RUSH TD Since Dak Prescott arrived on campus at Mississippi State University, the Bulldogs' football program underwent historic change into one of the grittiest teams in the league. His ability to make spectacular throws and tenacity to run through defenders made him beloved by the Maroon and White faithful. During college football's transition into the playoff format in 2014, Prescott led the Bulldogs to a 9-0 start and the program's first No. 1 ranking. He transcended football in Starkville, Mississippi, to a different level, and for that, he is ranked at No. 7 on this list. 8. AJ McCarron - Alabama Career statistics: 9,019 PASS YDS, 77 PASS TD, 15 INT, -50 RUSH YDS, 3 RUSH TD The stereotypical comments about AJ McCarron being just a "game manager" are completely false. His back-to-back national championships speak for his incredible performances as Nick Saban's quarterback from 2010-2013. He holds the Crimson Tide career passing yard record and helped lead the program to three SEC Championships. Without a great signal-caller at the helm, it is extremely difficult to have the kind of success Alabama had. McCarron will go down as one of the most consistently great quarterbacks in SEC history. 9. Stetson Bennett - Georgia Career statistics: 8,429 PASS YDS, 66 PASS TD, 21 INT, 530 RUSH YDS, 14 TD Like or hate him, Stetson Bennett etched his name into the league's record books as one of the most successful quarterbacks to ever play in the SEC. Over four seasons in Athens, Georgia, Bennett won two national championships in 2021 and 2022, marking the program's first back-to-back title reign. For someone who began his career as a walk-on, Bennett proved that he could perform against the best college football teams in the country. He currently holds Georgia's single-season passing yards record (4,128) and career yards per attempt (9.1). 10. Aaron Murray - Georgia Career statistics: 13,166 PASS YDS, 121 PASS TD, 41 INT, 396 RUSH YDS, 16 RUSH TD How can there be a top 10 list of 21st-century quarterbacks without including the all-time passing yards leader? The second Georgia gunslinger to make it on this list was the first player at the position in SEC history to pass for 3,000 yards or more in four consecutive seasons. Aaron Murray's contributions in Athens brought significant success to the program and pointed the spotlight back in Georgia's direction. Murray's immediate impact as a freshman and his continuous loyalty to the Bulldogs created highlights and moments in Sanford Stadium that will be remembered forever. Honorable mention: Vince Young - Texas Career statistics: 6,040 PASS YDS, 44 PASS TD, 28 INT, 3,127 RUSH YDS, 37 RUSH TD While compiling this list, it is unfair not to place Texas and Oklahoma quarterbacks somewhere in these rankings. That is why I have placed two additional quarterbacks into an honorable mention section on the same level, since neither athlete played in the SEC. Vince Young helped lead the Longhorns to the program's first national championship in 35 years, while also holding a 30-2 overall record as a starter. He also holds the school record for most rushing yards by a quarterback and most total offense in a game (506 yards). Honorable mention: Baker Mayfield - Oklahoma Career statistics: 14,607 PASS YDS, 131 PASS TD, 30 INT, 1,083 RUSH YDS, 21 RUSH TD If Baker Mayfield had played in the conference with the Oklahoma Sooners, he could have been an even bigger megastar. Nevertheless, Mayfield was incredible during his collegiate career. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2017 and holds the Big 12 Conference record for career passing yards per attempt, consecutive games with at least one touchdown and scores responsible for. Mayfield also helped lead the Sooners to the first playoff appearance in school history in 2017, while also setting records for completion percentage and passing efficiency rating. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
USA Today
15 hours ago
- USA Today
What are Colorado's EA Sports College Football 26 player ratings? Where the Buffs stack up
EA Sports' College Football 26 is out, and everyone can rebuild their favorite teams in dynasty or take an unheralded recruit to the Heisman in Road to Glory. We already analyzed where Colorado stands with its overall rating, but who are the Buffaloes' top-rated players? We know that offensive tackle Jordan Seaton is the top-ranked player and one of the top-ranked tackles, with a 92 overall rating. Colorado has two players with an overall rating of 90 or higher and six players with a rating of 85 or better. Here are the Buffaloes' top 25 players in EA Sports' newest sports video game, College Football 26. 1. Jordan Seaton, OT Rating: 92 overall It is no surprise to see Seaton get the top spot after a freshman All-American season in 2024. 2. Xavier Hill, OT Rating: 90 overall The transfer from Memphis should step into a starting role on Colorado's offense. In the game, Hill projects as the Buffs' starting right tackle. 3. DJ McKinney, CB Rating: 89 overall DJ McKinney can be an All-American cornerback, and his College Football 26 rating certainly backs that up. He will take over for Travis Hunter as the Buffs' top coverage cornerback. 4. Kaidon Salter, QB Rating: 88 overall Salter gets the nod as the Buffs' highest-rated quarterback. He has an impressive 90 speed rating as well as an 87 break tackle rating, which leads the team. 5. Jaheim Oatis, DT Rating: 86 Oatis came over from Alabama and is looking to entrench himself as the Buffs' top interior defensive lineman. He owns an impressive 95 strength rating, which is good for the top mark on the squad. 6. Carter Stoutmire, FS Rating: 85 Stoutmire should take over for Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig as the Buffs' top coverage safety. 7. Micah Welch, RB Rating: 83 Welch comes in as the Buffs ' top-rated running back, a position that many Colorado fans feel is lacking a true No. 1 option. 8. Samuel Okunlola, EDGE Rating: 83 Okunlola should be one of the Buffs' top pass rushers in 2025, and according to College Football 26, he is Colorado's starting right defensive end. 9. Arden Walker, EDGE Rating: 83 Right behind Okunlola is his counterpart, Arden Walker. Walker is a popular breakout pick for the Buffs after 4.5 sacks in 2024. 10. Preston Hodge, CB Rating: 82 Hodge burst onto the scene last season at Colorado's nickel cornerback before injury forced him to the final four games. College Football 26 has him listed as a safety, but he should once again be the defensive coordinator, Robert Livingston's slot defender. 11. Tyrecus Davis, CB Rating: 82 With Travis Hunter and Colton Hood no longer on the team, Tyrecus Davis could get the first crack at the starting cornerback position opposite DJ McKinney. 12. Keaten Wade, EDGE Rating: 81 Wade emerged last season as one of Colorado's better defensive players after initially planning to redshirt. He will be in the pass rush rotation once again this year. 13. Simeon Price, RB Rating: 81 Price comes to Colorado hoping to carve out a role in the Buffaloes' backfield. 14. Martavius French Rating: 81 French steps in as the Colorado Buffaloes' likely starting middle linebacker after the departures of LaVonta Bentley and Nikhai Hill-Green. 15. Dallan Hayden, RB Rating: 81 Another possible contributor to the Colorado backfield, Hayden showed flashes last year of someone who can be a talented runner. 16-25 Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
16 hours ago
- USA Today
Here is every player joining Dabo Swinney at the 2025 ACC Kickoff
Clemson football's representatives for the upcoming ACC Kickoff have been announced, and the Tigers are sending some of their biggest names to Charlotte. Head coach Dabo Swinney will be joined by star quarterback Cade Klubnik, wide receiver Antonio Williams, defensive end T.J. Parker, and defensive tackle Peter Woods when Clemson takes the stage on July 24 — the final day of the ACC's annual three-day media event at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown. The Tigers will share the spotlight with Boston College, Duke, North Carolina, new Tar Heels coach Bill Belichick, NC State and Virginia. This marks Klubnik's third straight appearance at ACC Kickoff as he prepares for a highly anticipated 2025 season. The Heisman hopeful threw for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns last year, helping the Tigers reclaim the ACC crown and punch a ticket back to the College Football Playoff. He's widely projected as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. For Parker, Woods and Williams, this will be their first ACC Kickoff appearance, but each brings big-time production and high NFL upside. Parker led Clemson in sacks with 11 and set a school record with six forced fumbles last season. Woods, despite modest stats, anchors the interior with his power and ability to disrupt plays. Williams, who came back for his senior year, is Klubnik's top target after a 75-catch, 904-yard, 11-touchdown campaign in 2024. With its core stars returning, Clemson will aim to defend its ACC title and make another deep Playoff push after snapping a three-year postseason drought. Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
