Ward started the Pop-Tarts Bowl and proceeded to shred Iowa State’s top-five pass defense, throwing for 190 yards and three touchdowns in the first half. He did so even without three of his starting receivers, including Miami’s all-time receptions leader Xavier Restrepo, who had opted out.

Miami quarterback Cam Ward sat out the second half of Saturday's Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando, creating a flurry of controversy over the signal caller not finishing the game. Ward captured the NCAA Division 1 record for touchdowns thrown in a career during the contest but didn't return to action after halftime.

After missing out on the College Football Playoff, the Miami Hurricanes were unable to end the 2024 season on a high note. The Hurricanes fell to Iowa