Cam Ward’s Historic Day: A Record-Breaking Finale in College Football
ORLANDO, Fla. — In a thrilling conclusion to his college football career, Cam Ward etched his name into the annals of NCAA history. The Miami quarterback delivered a performance for the ages, throwing his record-setting 156th touchdown pass during the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday. This remarkable feat came as Ward connected with Jacolby George for a 4-yard score with 4:12 left in the first quarter, surpassing the previous Division I – FBS and FCS – record held by Houston‘s Case Keenum, who threw 155 touchdown passes from 2007 through 2011.
Ward’s achievement is a testament to his consistency and skill over his college career, which spanned multiple teams and conferences. However, his hold on the record may be short-lived. Oregon‘s Dillon Gabriel is hot on his heels with 153 touchdown passes. Gabriel’s team could potentially play up to three more games in the College Football Playoff, giving him ample opportunity to surpass Ward’s newly set record.
Regardless of what the future holds, Ward’s college career will be remembered as one of the most prolific in NCAA history. Entering Saturday’s game, Ward had amassed 17,999 passing yards across his stints at Incarnate Word, Washington State, and Miami. This places him third on the all-time NCAA list, trailing only Keenum (19,217 yards) and Gabriel (18,423 yards).
Ward’s name will also remain prominent on the NCAA’s all-time touchdown list. The all-division record is held by John Matocha from Division II’s Colorado School of Mines, who threw 162 touchdown passes from 2019 through 2023. Other notable names include Tyson Bagent of Division II’s Shepherd with 159 touchdowns, Braxton Punk of Division III’s Mount Union with 158, and Luke Lehnen of North Central, who also has 158 and will play in the Division III national championship game next month. Alex Tanney of Division III’s Monmouth is fifth with 157 touchdown passes, and Ward’s first touchdown on Saturday placed him alone in sixth on the NCAA list.
Ward’s impact on the Miami Hurricanes in 2024 was nothing short of transformative. In his lone season with the team, he rewrote the record books, setting new single-season marks for yards, completions, and touchdown passes. He was also on track to set records for completion percentage, both for a season (65.8%, previously set in 2023 by Tyler Van Dyke) and for a career (64.3% by D’Eriq King in 2020 and 2021).
As Ward steps away from college football, his legacy is firmly established. His journey through different programs and his ability to adapt and excel at each stop is a testament to his talent and determination. While the record books may continue to evolve, Ward’s place in them is secure, and his contributions to the game will be remembered by fans and analysts alike.
- Cam Ward’s 156th touchdown pass sets a new Division I record.
- Ward’s career passing yards rank third in NCAA history.
- Ward’s single-season records at Miami include yards, completions, and touchdown passes.
- Potential challengers to Ward’s record include Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel.
As we reflect on Ward’s incredible career, it’s clear that his impact on college football will be felt for years to come. Whether his records stand the test of time or are surpassed in the near future, his achievements have set a high bar for future quarterbacks to aspire to.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
