Cam Ward is on the verge of making history. The Miami Hurricanes quarterback is expected to be one of the first names called in April’s NFL Draft, with some analysts predicting he could go No. 1 overall. For Ward, the formula for his success is simple: faith in God and relentless work.

“All you have to do is believe in God and work,” Ward told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine. “Those two things will take care of everything.”

It’s a philosophy that has carried him from being an unheralded high school recruit to breaking records at Miami and becoming the FBS’ all-time passing touchdowns leader. Now, as NFL teams debate who will be the next face of their franchise, Ward remains grounded in the principles that got him here.

Ward’s path to stardom wasn’t an easy one. Unlike some of his quarterback peers, he wasn’t a five-star recruit or a household name coming out of high school. Yet, his faith never wavered.

“I just put my head down and worked every day,” he said. “I’ve prayed about it. I’ve been praying for this moment since I was six. I’m blessed to be here.”

That unwavering belief in God’s plan, combined with a tireless work ethic, helped him turn the Miami Hurricanes into a powerhouse once again. The team came within inches of making the College Football Playoff, and Ward’s performances against top competition solidified his status as one of the best quarterback prospects in this draft class.

With the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants holding the top three picks, Ward’s landing spot remains uncertain. While the Titans drafted Will Levis in the second round of 2023, there’s speculation they could still be in the market for a franchise quarterback. If they pass, several teams—including the Raiders and Jets—may be willing to trade up for Ward’s services.

NFL scouts have Ward ranked among the top two quarterbacks in the draft, alongside Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Jaxson Dart, from Ole Miss, is considered a distant third. While some experts argue this year’s quarterback class doesn’t quite match the talent level of previous years, Ward’s combination of leadership, arm talent, and poise make him a highly sought-after prospect.

Regardless of where he lands, one thing is clear—Cam Ward’s rise to the top is a testimony to his faith and work ethic. As he prepares for the next chapter of his football journey, he continues to lean on the two things that have always guided him: God and hard work.