The Tennessee Titans made waves by selecting Miami standout Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft-sparking immediate speculation that the dynamic quarterback would be named the Week 1 starter. But as training camp looms, head coach Brian Callahan is keeping everyone guessing.
Despite expectations, Ward isn’t officially QB1 just yet.
“I’m on coach Callahan’s timeline, so that’s really not my decision,” Ward said after OTA practice on Wednesday. “I know I still got a lot to work on, a lot of processing to do to play in the NFL. I think I’m getting up there at a rapid pace, and so, I’m excited.”
The rookie threw for a staggering 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns in his final college season with the Hurricanes and is widely seen as the future of the franchise. But the Titans aren’t ready to publicly hand him the reins-at least not yet.
Callahan does not give in to pressure
Callahan, for his part, insists no one should read too deeply into the quarterback rotation. “There’s a plan in place for all the quarterbacks,” he said. “There’s no first team or second team yet. Who goes first today might be different the next.”
That plan includes incumbent Will Levis, who has struggled in his first two NFL seasons with a 5-16 record and more turnovers (33 combined interceptions and fumbles) than touchdowns (21). Levis trained with quarterback guru Jordan Palmer this offseason, focusing on footwork and ball control in hopes of fending off the challenge from Ward.
Still, with the Titans upgrading their wide receiver room by adding veterans Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson, the table is set for Ward to make an immediate impact-if given the chance.
Is Ward assured of the starting position?
While Callahan continues to manage expectations and maintain a competitive camp environment, few around the league believe Ward won’t be under center when the Titans open the season against the Denver Broncos on September 7.
The Titans may not want to call it a QB battle. But make no mistake: everyone’s watching to see when Cam Ward takes over.
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