Cam Ward vs. Will Levis: The Titans’ Quarterback Battle in 2025

By Jason Bolton April 28, 2025 21:58

The Tennessee Titans start the 2025 NFL season with a new franchise face and an open question at quarterback: Is it Cam Ward's team from Day 1, or does Will Levis still have a part in it? By selecting Ward with the No. 1 overall pick, the Titans began a new era, but having Levis, last year's starter, still around ensures the competition will be closely watched in training camp. Here is how the two stack up, and why the Titans' future likely lies with Ward.

Cam Ward: The New Hope

Ward arrives in Nashville with expectations sky-high after a sensational season at Miami, where he completed 67.2% of his passes for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. He led the nation in passing touchdowns and was second in passing yards, earning Heisman finalist honors and establishing himself as the top quarterback prospect in the 2025 draft class. Standing 6'2" and weighing 219 pounds, Ward possesses a good arm combined with the ability to prolong plays, being praised for his confidence and composure.

He's got confidence, but he's not cocky," Titans GM Mike Borgonzi said. "There's a fine line between the two, and he carries himself the right way." Ward's playmaking and improvement throughout his college career are what set him apart, but he'll need to make more sound decisions under pressure and hasten his release to thrive in the NFL.

Ward's journey from FCS Incarnate Word to Miami and now the NFL is a testament to his resilience and ability to adapt. He's competed in more games and thrown for more yards and touchdowns than Levis at the collegiate level, which gives him a significant advantage in the areas of experience and production.

Will Levis: The Forgotten Man?

Levis, the 33rd pick overall in 2023, was once thought of as the future of the Titans. After a strong beginning, his career has plateaued. In 2024, he passed for 2,091 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with a 63.1% completion percentage in 12 starts, but also topped the league in turnovers with 18 (12 interceptions, six lost fumbles). The Titans were 5-16 in his 21 starts across two seasons, and he was ultimately benched in favor of Mason Rudolph late last season.

Levis' Kentucky scouting report noted a lack of feel for pressure and inconsistency in the pocket-flaws that have persisted in the NFL. Despite prototypical size and arm ability, his inability to keep the football secure and operate under pressure has been expensive. Nevertheless, Titans management likes his competitiveness. "He brings competition to that room," Borgonzi said, and made it explicit that Levis will get the chance to compete in camp.

Head-to-Head: Stats and Intangibles

Ward's advantage in production is clear. He's thrown for more yards, touchdowns, and has a higher completion percentage than Levis at the college level. Ward's pre-snap awareness of pressure and capability to protect himself is a strength that has been observed by many. While Levis' turnover and pocket awareness problems have been a consistent flaw.

The Titans' Plan: Competition, But a Clear Favorite

Despite drafting Ward with the first pick, the Titans have not yet officially anointed him as the starter. GM Mike Borgonzi insists there will be an open competition, with Levis, Ward, and veterans Tim Boyle and Brandon Allen getting reps in camp. "We're not going to name any starters right now," Borgonzi said. "As we head into the offseason, it's going to be a competition. These two are going to get an equal amount of reps to begin and they will separate themselves once we get into training camp.

But the reality is clear: teams don't spend the No. 1 pick on a quarterback to bench him. Short of a disastrous preseason from Ward, he'll be behind center in Week 1. "Ward is the starter, period," one Titans analyst wrote, echoing the league insider consensus.

Will Levis' time as the Titans' starter appears to be over, barring a dramatic camp surprise. Cam Ward's arm talent, production, and leadership intangibles provide him with the clear advantage to step in and lead Tennessee's offensive resurgence. While the team will publicly tout competition, the future in Nashville is Ward's-a quarterback with the talent and confidence to change the Titans' fortunes.