Cam Ward Steps Into the Spotlight as Titans’ Starter After Levis Injury
The Tennessee Titans’ quarterback room got a major shakeup this week, but if rookie Cam Ward was rattled, he sure didn’t show it.
Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, had the starting job all but locked up the moment his name was called. That certainty became reality on Monday when the Titans announced Will Levis would miss the entire season after undergoing surgery for a right shoulder injury.
When Ward took the podium Wednesday morning, reporters were naturally curious—did he have any reaction to Levis’ setback? Ward was all business: “I really didn’t have a reaction. I focus on Cam Ward,” he said. Clear, direct, and about as unbothered as you’ll see from a rookie quarterback about to take the reins of an NFL offense. Ward wasn’t there to talk about hypotheticals or what-ifs—he was locked in on his task at hand.
A Look Back: Levis’ Stint as Titans QB
Will Levis joined the Titans as a second-rounder in 2023, a prospect many expected to hear his name called on Day 1. Instead, Tennessee landed him at 33rd overall. Levis saw plenty of action his first two seasons, starting 21 games, but the team struggled, dropping 16 of those contests. Levis put up 21 touchdowns against 16 interceptions—a stat line that underscores just how tough the transition to the pros can be for young quarterbacks, especially when asked to start early and often.
Entering the 2025 draft, nearly every sign pointed toward Ward as the Titans’ pick at No. 1. In fact, there was a sizable gap before another quarterback, Ole Miss standout Jaxson Dart, came off the board at 25 after a New York Giants trade-up. For Tennessee, the focus was clear—they wanted Ward leading their offense.
With Levis sidelined, the backup job now becomes a contest between Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle. Both are veterans who know how to hold a clipboard and prep during the week, but with Ward entrenched as the starter, barring disaster, this is his show.
All Eyes on Denver: A Tough NFL Debut Awaits
Ward’s first regular-season snap might be one of the toughest debuts you could script. The Titans open their season on the road against the Denver Broncos—a playoff team that finished 10-7 last year, leaning on a defense that suffocated offenses and gave up just 18.3 points per game (third-best in the league).
What makes that matchup particularly daunting? The Broncos are anchored by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II, a corner who lives for locking down top receivers. Titans wideout Calvin Ridley is sure to have Surtain’s full attention, which means Ward is entering a chess match right out of the gate.
For the 23-year-old Ward, it’s a trial by fire, no question. But if his calm, matter-of-fact response to Levis’ injury is any indication, pressure isn’t the sort of thing that shakes him. From Miami by way of the Hurricanes, to NFL starter overnight, Ward’s ready for the next chapter.
The Titans’ offense is his now. All that’s left is to show what he can do with it on the field—starting September 7 in Denver. As far as first tests go, it doesn’t get much bigger. But if Ward’s attitude holds, don’t be surprised if he meets the moment head on.
