The Tennessee Titans have entered a new era at quarterback, officially signaling their direction by committing to No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward as their starter for Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season. While the team continues to rotate quarterbacks during Organized Team Activities (OTAs), it’s clear both inside and outside the organization that Ward is the future under center—and the immediate present.
Ward Era Begins in Tennessee
Selected with the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cam Ward has impressed early in camp and established himself as the team’s clear No. 1 option. According to sources within the Titans organization, Ward has been taking the bulk of first-team reps and demonstrating command of the playbook and poise well beyond his years.
Team insiders say this was always the plan. Despite allowing for some rotation during OTAs, there’s no quarterback competition: Ward will start Week 1. Everyone knows it—including the man who is now being displaced.
Will Levis Reacts to Losing Starting Role
Former starter Will Levis, who began 12 games last season in a disappointing 3–14 campaign, addressed the media for the first time since the Titans drafted Ward. His comments were candid and refreshingly honest:
“Anyone who’s ever been in my situation would agree that it sucks,” Levis told Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com. “I’m just trying to do the best I can to not let it affect me and just being the same dude every day in the building, being there for the guys however I can, and just trying to get better every day.”
Levis, drafted in the second round in 2023, started 21 games over two seasons and posted a career stat line of 21 touchdowns to 16 interceptions. While he showed flashes of promise, the Titans’ record under his leadership—especially last year’s 3-14 finish—ultimately led the front office to make a bold move at quarterback in the draft.
Offseason Work and Future Outlook
To his credit, Levis didn’t take the setback lightly. He spent seven weeks training in California with well-regarded private quarterbacks coach Jordan Palmer, aiming to refine his mechanics and decision-making.
Although his immediate future no longer includes a starting role, Levis is staying locked in, knowing NFL careers often take unexpected turns. An injury or poor performance from Ward could reopen the door. And his approach—positive, professional, and focused on self-improvement—has not gone unnoticed by teammates and coaches.
What It Means for the Titans
The Titans are clearly all-in on a rebuild around Cam Ward, and early signs point to a more dynamic offensive system under his leadership. With a retooled roster, fresh coaching staff, and now a franchise quarterback at the helm, Tennessee is hoping to leave behind the struggles of recent seasons.
For Levis, the coming months will be about showing maturity and readiness—whether that leads to another shot in Tennessee or a new opportunity elsewhere in the league.
Bottom Line: The Cam Ward era is officially underway, and while it comes at the cost of Will Levis’ starting job, the former second-rounder is determined to keep fighting, learning, and staying ready.
