As college football continues to grow in popularity, one thing remains a constant: the desire to compete for a spot in the prestigious College Football Playoff (CFP). For some programs, earning a place in the playoff has become a regular occurrence, while for others, it’s a constant uphill battle. The Miami Hurricanes, a program with a storied history and plenty of talent, find themselves in the latter group, continually trying to break through the playoff rankings. In recent weeks, Miami’s No. 1 quarterback, Cam Ward, has made waves by publicly voicing his frustrations with what he perceives as a bias within the College Football Playoff committee, suggesting that the committee’s favoritism is preventing Miami from getting the recognition it deserves.
Ward, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, has been the driving force behind Miami’s resurgence in 2025, and his comments have sparked heated debates across college football. He argues that the Hurricanes are often overlooked, despite their talent and performance, in favor of teams from more established conferences and programs. But are his concerns valid, or is this just the frustration of a player eager to prove himself on the biggest stage? In this blog post, we’ll explore Cam Ward’s comments, the impact of favoritism within the CFP rankings, and how Miami’s 2025 season could be affected by these dynamics.
Cam Ward’s Frustrations with the CFP Committee
Cam Ward’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of impressive. After transferring to Miami and earning the starting quarterback role, Ward quickly became one of the most exciting players in the country. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs has made him a dynamic force for the Hurricanes. But despite his individual success and Miami’s strong performance in 2025, Ward has expressed his belief that the Hurricanes are unfairly judged by the CFP selection committee, particularly when it comes to comparing them to teams from larger conferences like the SEC or Big Ten.
In a recent interview, Ward didn’t hold back his thoughts. “We’re doing everything right on the field,” Ward said. “We’re winning games, we’re playing tough, but we’re constantly getting overlooked. It feels like the committee has this bias against programs like ours. They’d rather go with the same old names every year. It’s frustrating, because we know we can compete with anyone. We just need a fair shot.”
Ward’s comments hit a nerve with many in the college football world. The CFP rankings are a hotly debated topic every year, and the process of selecting the four teams for the playoff is often criticized for its lack of transparency and for perceived biases. Ward’s frustration speaks to a broader sentiment that programs like Miami are judged differently than schools with more consistent historical success.
The Bias in the CFP Selection Process
Ward’s accusations of favoritism within the CFP committee aren’t new. Over the years, there has been ongoing debate about the criteria the committee uses to rank teams. Many believe that the selection committee shows favoritism toward teams from historically successful programs, particularly from power conferences like the SEC, Big Ten, and to some extent, the Pac-12. Schools like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State often find themselves ranked higher, regardless of their performance that season, simply because of their historical success and name recognition.
This favoritism can be especially evident when a team like Miami, which has been rebuilding its program, comes off a strong season and looks poised to compete for a playoff spot. Despite having a talented roster and strong performances, Miami often finds itself outside the top four when the rankings are released. This trend has been particularly frustrating for players like Cam Ward, who feel that their team is not being given a fair evaluation based on their performance alone.
One area where this bias is most evident is in the strength of schedule. Miami plays in the ACC, a conference that, while historically strong, is often seen as less competitive than the SEC or Big Ten. This perception of the ACC as a “weaker” conference can hurt Miami when it comes to ranking. Even though the Hurricanes may have impressive wins against ranked teams, the lack of a tough, high-profile schedule can be seen as a strike against them by the CFP committee. On the other hand, teams from the SEC, for example, benefit from playing in one of the toughest conferences, which often leads to higher rankings, even if those teams have similar or worse records.
Ward has been vocal about this issue, noting that Miami’s success should be evaluated on its own merits, not by the reputation of the conference it plays in. “We’re playing good football. Our defense is stepping up, our offense is moving the ball, and we’re beating teams that people said we couldn’t. But still, the narrative is that we don’t belong in the playoff because we’re in the ACC. That’s not fair.”
The State of Miami Football in 2025
Despite the perceived favoritism against them, the Miami Hurricanes are in a much better position in 2025 than they’ve been in recent years. Under head coach Mario Cristobal, the Hurricanes have seen a resurgence, with a more stable program and an influx of talent on both sides of the ball. The 2025 season has been a standout year, with Miami earning an impressive record and taking down some top-ranked opponents.
At the heart of this success is Cam Ward. After transferring from Washington State, Ward has emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in college football, capable of changing the course of a game with both his arm and legs. Ward’s dual-threat ability makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he has been the catalyst for Miami’s explosive offense. His chemistry with his receiving corps, particularly standout wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, has been a major factor in the team’s offensive success.
Additionally, Miami’s defense has taken a big step forward. Players like James Williams and Leonard Taylor have emerged as stars, bolstering a defensive unit that is capable of going toe-to-toe with some of the best offenses in the nation. With a balanced attack and an opportunistic defense, the Hurricanes have proven that they are a legitimate contender in the 2025 season.
Despite their success, however, Miami still faces challenges in gaining the recognition they deserve. With programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan dominating the national conversation, the Hurricanes often find themselves relegated to the background when it comes to playoff discussions.
What Needs to Happen for Miami to Break Through?
Cam Ward’s frustrations may be valid, but they can also serve as motivation for Miami to prove their doubters wrong. If the Hurricanes are going to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff in 2025, they’ll need to:
- Continue to Win Big Games: Miami needs to make a statement with their victories. Beating top-ranked teams on their schedule will give the Hurricanes the momentum they need to rise in the CFP rankings. Wins against teams like Clemson, Florida State, and other ACC rivals will be crucial for their playoff hopes.
- Strengthen Their Non-Conference Schedule: While the ACC is competitive, Miami’s non-conference schedule could help boost their résumé. If the Hurricanes can schedule and win games against teams from other major conferences, it will demonstrate that they can compete at the highest level.
- Win the ACC Championship: The quickest way for Miami to guarantee a spot in the CFP is to win the ACC Championship. A conference title will go a long way in ensuring that the Hurricanes are considered a top-four team, even if they don’t have the same national brand recognition as some other programs.
- Stay Healthy and Play Consistently: Injuries and inconsistency have been the Achilles’ heel for many programs, including Miami. If the Hurricanes can stay healthy and maintain their high level of play throughout the season, they will give themselves a legitimate shot at the playoff.
Conclusion: Miami’s Path to the CFP
Cam Ward’s comments about favoritism in the CFP committee highlight an ongoing issue in college football: the bias toward traditional powers and conferences. While it’s frustrating for Miami and its players, it also serves as a reminder of the uphill battle the Hurricanes face in breaking into the playoff conversation.
However, if Miami can continue to win, strengthen their schedule, and perform at a high level, they have the talent and potential to earn their place in the 2025 College Football Playoff. Ward’s comments should serve as motivation for the entire team to prove that they are not just an afterthought but a legitimate contender. If Miami can silence the doubters and keep winning, the Hurricanes may just find themselves in the playoff, ready to make a statement on the national stage.