Mel Kiper Jr. responds to Mario Cristobal criticism over lack of conversations

Speaking with reporters at the ACC spring meetings, Miami coach Mario Cristobal said he never heard from ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. about Cam Ward as he spoke with “a million people” ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Wednesday evening, Kiper responded.

Kiper took to social media to clap back at Cristobal, who said neither he nor Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson spoke with the longtime analyst about Ward. Kiper pointed out the fact he had Ward higher on his Big Board than other analysts and also the fact he didn’t talk with Deion Sanders about his son, Shedeur, either.

The conversation around Ward and Shedeur Sanders made for a major storyline during the draft as the former Colorado star fell down the board despite being Kiper’s top-ranked quarterback. Ward, of course, ended up going No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans.

Mario Cristobal claims he spoke to a million people about Cam Ward, yet the one he didn’t speak to, being me, had Ward ranked higher (6th on my Big Board) than any of the other draft experts. Interesting isn’t it. And oh by the way, I didn’t speak to Deion about Shedeur either. I… https://t.co/bCfZbqBenV

— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) May 14, 2025

“Mario Cristobal claims he spoke to a million people about Cam Ward, yet the one he didn’t speak to, being me, had Ward ranked higher (6th on my Big Board) than any of the other draft experts,” Kiper wrote on X. “Interesting isn’t it. And oh by the way, I didn’t speak to Deion about Shedeur either. I need another Orange Crush after this nonsense.”

Sanders’ fall down the draft board was the biggest storyline out of this year’s draft in Green Bay, and Mel Kiper received criticism for how he handled the situation. The story dominated coverage until the Cleveland Browns selected him in the fifth round, and some wondered if it overshadowed Ward’s selection atop the board.

However, Cristobal kept it in perspective. He said Ward was focusing on getting to work rather than being disappointed about the dialogue.

“The only reason I would be disappointed was if Cam was,” Cristobal said. “But knowing Cam, he just wanted to hear the name & exactly where he was going & get to work.”

Cam Ward declared for the 2024 NFL Draft before transferring to Miami last season. He put together a standout year in Coral Gables, throwing for 4,313 yards and an FBS-leading 39 passing touchdowns while also showcasing his ability to improvise and make plays outside the pocket.

That special run came after stints at Incarnate Word – where Ward arrived as a zero-star recruit – and Washington State. Now, he’s in Tennessee starting his NFL career as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFLD Draft.