However, according to Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal, an alleged absence of conversation from Kiper is emerging. According to college football insider Brett McMurphy, Cristobal spoke to many media members about his former quarterback Cam Ward, excluding one: Kiper.

Cam Ward made history as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but not everyone in the national spotlight seemed convinced he deserved it. One of the most vocal skeptics? ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., who ranked Ward as only the second-best quarterback on his board—behind Shedeur Sanders, who slid all the way to the fifth round.

Mario Cristobal, Cam Ward's coach at Miami, said he "never talked to" ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. on a draft night where most focus was on Shedeur Sanders.