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Miami Makes Historic Cam Ward Announcement During Bowl Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andrew McCarty | Last updated Dec 28, 2024 4:19 PM ET

On Saturday afternoon the Miami Hurricanes squared off against the Iowa State Cyclones in the Pop-Tarts Bowl as both teams looked to finish off the season on a high note.

Miami entered the game as the slight favorite, but fell behind early in the first quarter after Iowa State opened the game with a first drive touchdown. The Hurricanes answered right back as star running back Damien Martinez raced for a 75-yard touchdown run to tie the game at seven.

Following another Iowa State touchdown, star quarterback and potential No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward found wide receiver Jacolby George for a four-yard touchdown to tie the game at 14. It wasn't just another touchdown for Ward, though.

It was touchdown No. 156 of his illustrious college career, giving him the record for most career passing touchdowns in college football history.

"Cam Ward. Record breaker. Cam is now the NCAA’s Division I all-time leader in career passing TDs (156)," the team announced on social media after the touchdown.

Cam Ward. Record breaker.

Cam is now the NCAA’s Division I all-time leader in career passing TDs (156)#GoCanes | @Cameron7Ward pic.twitter.com/JgiIxftmwi
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) December 28, 2024

While he's widely expected to be one of the first quarterbacks off the board during the 2025 NFL draft, ESPN revealed some reservations about his game.

"Ward's 36-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio doesn't raise any red flags, but when you turn on the tape, you see his statistics can be a little misleading. Ward often takes unnecessary risks. He tried to make a similar play to the Virginia Tech flip against Wake Forest and instead tossed the ball directly to a defender," ESPN said.

"...Ward needs to work on balancing playmaking opportunities with taking what the defense gives him and making the easier play when it's there. The Cyclones aren't a great tackling team -- they rank 106th in tackle percentage (82%), missing 127 tackles this season -- so getting the ball out and putting receivers in position to produce after the catch should benefit him."

Iowa State added a touchdown late in the first quarter to retake the lead 21-14.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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