Miami—the land of sand, sun, and an enormous football legacy so rich that it could rival the city’s beachfront estate. When you have such a storied legacy, it’s hard to choose among different eras. Which era of the Hurricanes was the best? Was it the Jimmy Johnson era where they won two national championships and had three picks in the top 10 in the 1987 draft, along with the program’s first Heisman winner in Vinny Testaverde? The Dennis Erikson era wasn’t bad either. Two national championships and an endless undefeated run. Or the Miami of 2001, a rookie head coach in Larry Coker taking the Canes to a national championship? The same dilemma is there with the players.

Debating the Hurricanes’ Mount Rushmore of players will always produce different answers. One name that made his case recently is surely Cam Ward. Ward had a record-breaking 2024 season at Miami with 4,313 passing yards, 39 touchdowns, and a completion rate of 67.2%. He shattered records when Bernie Kosar set a single-season passing record and became the first Miami quarterback to throw for over 300 yards in his first three games. Cam Ward has proven himself to be the transformative figure the Miami Hurricanes needed. He led Miami with a record-breaking offense and emerged as a Heisman Trophy contender, displaying exceptional talent and determination.

Recently, Mario Cristobal’s former QB1 was asked about his Mount Rushmore of Miami players. Cam never shies away from opening his mouth. The potential No. 1 pick of the 2025 Draft had an answer. “Michael Irvin up there, Ray Lewis, I have to say Andre Johnson as well, then I’ll put my name up there.” If you have followed his career, you wouldn’t be surprised that he put his name up there. And can you really argue against it?

Let’s take the other three names. Michael Irvin? Well, he came up during the Jimmy Johnson era and won a national championship with the Canes. How can you forget that 73-yard touchdown catch that not only gave Miami a victory over Florida State but also ensured their participation in the national championship game?

The same is true for Ray Lewis. Before setting records for the Ravens, Lewis made his name at Miami. 81 tackles in his freshman year, 153 tackles in his sophomore year, All-American selections, and a part of the nation’s top-ranked defense. Andre Johnson? Just mentioning the 2001 Miami team is enough. People still debate if it’s the greatest college football team ever assembled.

However, one name was missing, and Miami fans didn’t forget to remind their star QB of that omission.

Fans call out Cam Ward for Warren Sapp omission

Every football player who gets deemed a legend in the pros, their journey almost always starts in college. For Warren Sapp, that start was with the Hurricanes. Such were his achievements for the Hurricanes that the official UoM website has a section called “The Sapp” on its history page. Naturally, fans took notice of his omission from Ward’s list. One fan commented, “Wow!! No love for Sapp?” Another fan echoed the same sentiments, saying, “Leaving Sapp of the list is diabolical.” 

During 1992-1994 at Miami, Sapp excelled, earning the Lombardi Award and Nagurski Trophy while revolutionizing the defensive tackle position with 84 tackles and 10.5 sacks in a standout junior season. His defense led in total, scoring, and pass defense.

It was also not lost on the fans that Cam Ward’s stint at Miami was rather brief, unlike other names in the program’s history. “Bro played there one season.” Before Miami, Ward played for Incarnate Word and Washington State. Of course, you can say that he saved his best for the Hurricanes, but still! Is one year enough for you to add yourself to Mount Rushmore? Especially when the team didn’t even make it to the playoffs? That was echoed by another fan. “Sorry- Cam definitely not on the list. Sooo many options.”

What are these options? Well, Warren Sapp, for one. The solution is simple. A fan commented, “Warren Sapp replace Cam.” A Mount Rushmore of Andre Johnson, Ray Lewis, Michael Irvin, and Warren Sapp. Looks goods to us.