Report: Miami Hurricanes in Uproar After QB Cam Ward Posts Controversial FSU Photo with Mascot
In a shocking twist ahead of one of the most anticipated games of the season, Miami Hurricanes fans and players are furious after starting quarterback Cam Ward posted a controversial picture of himself with Florida State University’s mascot, Chief Osceola and Renegade. The timing of the post, just days before Miami’s annual rivalry game with FSU, has ignited a firestorm of backlash from Hurricanes supporters, who feel deeply betrayed by their star player’s seemingly pro-FSU post.
Ward, who transferred to Miami from Washington State and has quickly become a standout for the Hurricanes, posted the picture on his Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts. The photo, captioned “Riding with the Noles,” showed Ward standing next to FSU’s iconic mascot, appearing to throw his support behind Miami’s bitter rival. With emotions already running high in the lead-up to the showdown against the Seminoles, Ward’s post has fueled outrage within the Miami fanbase.
The annual Miami-Florida State rivalry is one of the most storied in college football, with decades of close games and national title implications. For Hurricanes fans, this game isn’t just about regional bragging rights—it’s about pride, history, and maintaining dominance over one of their fiercest foes. As a result, Ward’s post was taken as a direct affront to the Hurricanes’ traditions and a sign of disloyalty.
Within hours of the post, social media erupted with Miami fans expressing disbelief and anger. Many called for Ward to delete the post immediately, while others questioned his commitment to the team. Some even speculated about whether this might affect his standing as the team’s starting quarterback for the crucial FSU game. “This is unacceptable,” one fan wrote on X. “We bleed orange and green, not garnet and gold.”
Several Miami players also voiced their displeasure, though most kept their comments more subtle. Star wide receiver Xavier Restrepo tweeted, “Smh… gotta know what side you’re on.” Other players, including defensive lineman Jahfari Harvey, appeared to “like” tweets from fans criticizing Ward’s post, further stoking the controversy.
Former Miami Hurricanes players, many of whom have deep ties to the rivalry, also chimed in. Warren Sapp, a Hurricanes legend, was vocal in his criticism, tweeting, “You can’t play for the U and pose with the enemy. Period.”
Amid the growing backlash, Ward issued a statement, claiming the post was meant as a joke and that he did not intend to disrespect Miami or its fans. He explained that the photo was taken during a promotional event and that he had no affiliation with FSU beyond that. “I love being a Hurricane, and I’m 100% committed to this team,” Ward said in a follow-up post. “I understand why people are upset, and I apologize for the misunderstanding.”
However, the damage may already be done. For many Hurricanes supporters, the rivalry with Florida State is sacred, and any sign of support for the Seminoles, especially from the team’s starting quarterback, is seen as a betrayal. With the game just days away, it remains to be seen how Ward’s post will affect team chemistry and whether the controversy will linger on the field.
As Miami prepares for its pivotal matchup with FSU, Ward’s post has added an unexpected layer of drama. The Hurricanes will need to rally together to overcome this distraction and focus on the game, but the shadow of this controversy may hang over the team for weeks to come.
