Patrick Mahomes is now being likened to Cam Ward.

Cam Ward: The New Patrick Mahomes? How the Young Quarterback is Drawing Comparisons to the NFL Superstar

In the world of college football, the quarterback position has always been one of the most scrutinized and celebrated. Quarterbacks are often seen as the face of their teams and, by extension, the face of college football. For a young quarterback to receive comparisons to an NFL superstar like Patrick Mahomes is no small feat. Yet, this is precisely the path that Cam Ward, a rising star at Washington State University, is on as his name begins to be mentioned in the same breath as Mahomes.

Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ dynamo who has already won two MVP awards and two Super Bowls in just a few seasons, has set an extremely high bar for any quarterback. Mahomes’ unique blend of arm strength, mobility, and creativity has made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL. The comparison between Mahomes and Ward has been sparked by Ward’s play style, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure, all of which mirror some of the traits that have made Mahomes an elite quarterback in the NFL.

But can Ward live up to this lofty comparison? What aspects of his game are drawing parallels to Mahomes? And what does this comparison mean for Ward’s future in college football and beyond? In this article, we will dive into Ward’s journey to college football prominence, analyze the specific qualities that draw comparisons to Mahomes, and explore whether or not this comparison is justified. The road ahead for Ward is certainly full of excitement, but is he truly the next Mahomes, or is this just a case of early hype?

Cam Ward’s journey to becoming one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in college football didn’t begin at a major football powerhouse. Raised in the small town of Luling, Texas, Ward’s path to stardom was anything but conventional. Initially, he attended McNeese State University, a smaller school in Louisiana, where he quickly emerged as a star. In his first season as the starter for McNeese, Ward threw for over 4,500 yards and 47 touchdowns, showcasing his immense talent. His ability to move the ball down the field with precision, while also displaying poise under pressure, quickly caught the eye of college football scouts.

His standout performances at McNeese earned him the opportunity to transfer to Washington State University in 2022. After making the move to Pullman, Ward immediately became the focal point of the Cougars’ offense, taking over the reins of a high-octane passing attack. His transition to the Pac-12 was seamless, and in his first season at Washington State, he threw for 3,231 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only 9 interceptions, showcasing the kind of production that made him one of the most promising quarterbacks in college football.

Ward’s story, much like Mahomes’, is one of rising above expectations. Mahomes wasn’t a widely heralded prospect coming out of high school and had to earn his spot at Texas Tech before making his mark. Ward, similarly, had to prove himself at the FCS level before transferring to Washington State. His ability to dominate in a new environment after a successful stint at McNeese is one of the traits that draws comparisons to Mahomes, who similarly made the jump from Texas Tech to the NFL with remarkable success.

So, what is it about Cam Ward’s game that has earned him the lofty comparison to Patrick Mahomes? At its core, it comes down to two critical factors: arm talent and creativity. These are the same qualities that made Mahomes a generational talent and transformed him into a two-time Super Bowl champion.

1. Arm Strength and Precision
   One of the most distinct features of Patrick Mahomes’ game is his arm strength. He’s capable of making throws from virtually any platform—whether it’s from the pocket or while on the move—effortlessly launching deep balls, crossing routes, or sidearm throws that other quarterbacks simply cannot replicate. What separates Mahomes from most quarterbacks isn’t just the ability to make these throws; it’s the consistency with which he makes them.

   Cam Ward has displayed a similar ability to make difficult throws with ease. Whether it’s a deep ball down the sideline, threading a pass into tight windows, or making an off-balance throw, Ward possesses that same level of arm strength and precision. His throws are sharp, fast, and he’s capable of putting the ball in places where only his receivers can get it. Ward has demonstrated this in his short time at Washington State, consistently making deep throws into tight coverage and completing passes in difficult situations.

   Much like Mahomes, Ward’s arm strength isn’t limited to just the traditional pocket-passing style. He can throw on the run, making pinpoint throws while rolling out to either side. This ability to make difficult throws under pressure, especially when moving out of the pocket, has caused many analysts to draw comparisons to Mahomes. Ward’s ability to throw deep with accuracy while in motion is something that immediately stands out when watching his game film.

2. Improv Skills and Playmaking Ability
   Another trademark of Patrick Mahomes is his improvisational ability. He’s able to escape pressure, extend plays, and still make electrifying throws, often in unconventional ways. Whether it’s no-look passes, sidearm slings, or deep bombs while moving backward, Mahomes has become known for his ability to make something out of nothing. This is what sets him apart from many other quarterbacks in the league.

   Ward, much like Mahomes, has shown the ability to turn a broken play into a potential highlight-reel moment. He’s not afraid to leave the pocket when necessary, and he possesses a unique ability to make plays on the move. His footwork is fluid, and he has the athleticism to evade pass rushers and still make accurate throws while under duress. This playmaking style, often seen in Mahomes’ games, is something that has made Ward’s game so exciting to watch.

   While Ward is still in the early stages of his career, the signs of creativity and adaptability in the pocket are undeniably present. Whether it’s escaping a collapsing pocket or throwing a dart across his body to a receiver in the corner of the end zone, Ward has shown the kind of improvisational flair that draws direct comparisons to Mahomes’ style of play.

In addition to his on-field skills, another key trait that Mahomes possesses is his ability to stay calm and composed under pressure. Despite the high-stakes situations he finds himself in—whether it’s in the Super Bowl or a tight regular-season matchup—Mahomes rarely seems flustered. His leadership and poise have become trademarks of his career.

Ward has displayed similar leadership qualities, particularly in his time at Washington State. Despite being thrust into a starting role for a high-profile program, Ward has remained calm in crunch-time situations. He is unfazed by adversity, and his ability to make clutch throws when the game is on the line is reminiscent of Mahomes’ knack for delivering in big moments. His leadership style is both vocal and by example—Ward commands respect in the huddle and on the field, with his work ethic and poise winning over his teammates.

Much like Mahomes, Ward isn’t rattled by the noise around him. He thrives in moments of pressure, and this is one of the defining characteristics of a quarterback destined for stardom. He’s shown that he has what it takes to be the leader of a team, not just with his physical abilities but also with his mental toughness and ability to stay calm under fire.

The comparison between Cam Ward and Patrick Mahomes is flattering but also filled with immense pressure. Mahomes has achieved legendary status in a relatively short amount of time, winning Super Bowls and MVP awards, and solidifying himself as one of the most talented quarterbacks to ever play the game. For Ward, living up to these comparisons will be no easy task. However, the early signs are there.

Ward’s play style, arm strength, mobility, and creativity in the pocket all align with what we’ve seen from Mahomes. If he can continue to develop at the college level, refine his decision-making, and further hone his leadership skills, he could have a bright future in the NFL.

For now, the Mahomes comparison is just that—an early comparison based on shared traits and potential. Ward’s future is still unfolding, and while it’s exciting to think about his trajectory, it’s essential to give him time to develop into the player he has the potential to become. If he continues to play with the same flair and skill that he’s shown so far, there’s no reason why he couldn’t eventually carve out his own legacy—perhaps even one as significant as Mahomes’.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Cam Ward to see if he can live up to the hype and whether this comparison to one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks is just an early glimpse of greatness yet to come.