How Cam Ward is already separating himself in Titans QB competition

The Tennessee Titans have yet to name a starting quarterback, but give rookie Cam Ward the early edge in his competition with Will Levis.

Ward, the No. 1 pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, is already establishing himself as a leader. During Tennessee's rookie minicamp, which ran from May 9 to 10, he held a meeting with rookie skill-position players at 5 a.m. to watch tape and study the playbook, via Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. 

"It wasn't a one-off situation, either," wrote Breer in a column published Monday. "Every day the Titans have had practice since, either Phase II or through OTAs, Ward and the rookie receivers, tight ends and backs are in there, bright and early, to set the table for what's ahead."

Ward's work ethic has also stood out throughout the offseason. In a news conference on June 3, Titans head coach Brian Callahan confirmed the QB arrives at the Titans facility every day at 5 a.m. The coach said they've kicked him out of the building some nights so he doesn't burn himself out. 

Ward's dedication should help him increase his lead in his competition with Levis. Breer reported he's taking two first-team reps for every one Levis gets. Tennessee will likely increase his workload with the first-team offense during mandatory minicamp, scheduled to start on Tuesday.

Levis probably wasn't going to win the competition anyway. The 2023 second-round pick out of Kentucky hasn't cemented himself as a viable starting QB in his first two seasons with the Titans. He has a 5-16 starting record in the regular season and has tossed 21 touchdown passes and 16 interceptions.   

Ward won the 2024 Davey O'Brien Award as college football's best QB after throwing 39 TD passes in 13 starts with the Miami Hurricanes. The 23-year-old showing how he can galvanize the team early in the offseason should make the Titans feel even better about starting him in a Week 1 road game against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 7.

Insider warns to ‘not count out’ Will Levis vs. Cam Ward

The Tennessee Titans are entering a new era with rookie Cam Ward at quarterback. Tennessee used the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Ward, who projects as the team’s next franchise quarterback. One Titans insider believes that Ward could face some adversity during the summer.

ESPN’s Turron Davenport warned that Titans fans should not count out Will Levis during this summer’s practices.

“It’s critical to get Ward, this year’s No. 1 pick, acclimated because he will likely earn the starting job. But don’t count out Levis,” Davenport wrote on Monday. “Titans coach Brian Callahan said there will be a competition during minicamp and training camp. Both quarterbacks took turns starting in 7-on-7s and team periods during OTAs.”

Davenport seemed to pointed at the fact that Ward and Levis are splitting reps as evidence of a competition. That may be so, as Tennessee’s coaching staff will want Ward to earn the starting job instead of simply being handed it.

That plan may already be working. Davenport added that Ward is already gaining the favor of the team’s defensive coordinator.

“Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson is already impressed with Ward’s vision and ability to find the open receiver,” Davenport concluded. “That’s an early sign of progress. But the best way to prepare Ward is to increase reps, especially with the first team.”

Titans fans will certainly have their eyes on this position battle throughout the summer.