Everyone from Ringer NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay to College Football Hall of Fame head coach Steve Spurrier criticized the move, joining thousands of others on social media as Ward stood on the sidelines during the second half a 42-41 loss to Iowa State. From one perspective, it looked like a snap decision to opt out.

Iowa State beat the Miami Hurricanes in the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl. Cam Ward played the first half of his final college football game, throwing 3 TDs.

Cam Ward watched from the sideline as Miami dropped their bowl game 42-41 to Iowa State. Ward played just a half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl, recording 190 yards and three touchdowns. He broke the Division I career touchdown passes record during the matchup.

In the new age of college football with the 12-team playoff, there were concerns over whether the bowl games would still mean anything.

While Miami football star Cam Ward achieved history in the Pop-Tart Bowl for the most career passing touchdowns in Division I, there was another point in the game that had fans talking. Ward would not

As great as Cam Ward's one and only season was at the University of Miami, it ended on a sour note. After narrowly missing out on the College Football Playoff, the Hurricanes settled for an appearance in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Iowa State.