Miami QB Cam Ward Makes History in Pop-Tarts Bowl Finale

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Miami QB Cam Ward Makes History in Pop-Tarts Bowl Finale \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Miami quarterback Cam Ward made NCAA history during the Pop-Tarts Bowl by throwing his 156th career touchdown pass, breaking the Division I record previously held by Houston’s Case Keenum. Ward’s remarkable college career spanned three schools and over 17,999 passing yards, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NCAA history.

Cam Ward’s Record-Breaking Finale: Quick Looks

Historic Achievement: Cam Ward broke the NCAA Division I record for career touchdown passes with his 156th.
Pop-Tarts Bowl Milestone: He reached the mark in a 4-yard pass to Jacolby George in the first quarter.
Close Competition: Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel could surpass Ward’s record, with 153 career touchdowns and games remaining.
Remarkable Career: Ward played for Incarnate Word, Washington State, and Miami, amassing nearly 18,000 yards.
Miami Impact: In one season, Ward rewrote the Hurricanes’ record books for passing yards, completions, and touchdowns.

Deep Look

Cam Ward Makes NCAA History in Memorable Finale

Cam Ward capped off his remarkable college football career in record-setting fashion during the Pop-Tarts Bowl. The Miami Hurricanes quarterback threw his 156th career touchdown pass in the first quarter, breaking the NCAA Division I record previously held by Houston’s Case Keenum.

The historic moment came with 4:12 left in the opening quarter, as Ward connected with Jacolby George for a 4-yard score. The pass was not only a milestone for Ward but also a testament to his consistency, talent, and adaptability across three collegiate programs.

Ward’s 156 touchdown passes now place him atop the Division I list, which includes both FBS and FCS levels. His achievement cements his place among the all-time greats in college football history, even as other quarterbacks, such as Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, threaten to surpass the mark in the coming weeks.

The Record: A Milestone That May Be Short-Lived

While Ward now stands alone as Division I’s all-time leader in touchdown passes, his record may not last long. Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who has 153 career touchdown passes, has the potential to surpass Ward. Gabriel’s team remains in contention for the College Football Playoff, which could give him as many as three additional games to challenge the record.

Gabriel’s career spans six seasons at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon, and his prolific passing mirrors Ward’s versatility and longevity. Whether Gabriel ultimately surpasses Ward or not, both quarterbacks have left indelible marks on NCAA history.

A Career Across Three Programs

Ward’s college journey is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. He began his career at Incarnate Word, a small FCS school in Texas, where he threw for an impressive 6,908 yards. His standout performances earned him a transfer to Washington State, where he continued to excel with another 6,968 passing yards.

For his final season, Ward joined the Miami Hurricanes, bringing his high-powered passing game to the ACC. At Miami, he added 4,123 more yards to his career total, finishing with 17,999 yards—the third-most in NCAA history behind only Case Keenum (19,217) and Dillon Gabriel (18,423).

Ward’s ability to transition seamlessly between programs and adapt to new offensive systems highlights his football IQ, leadership, and skill. Few quarterbacks have succeeded across such diverse environments, making his accomplishments even more extraordinary.

Beyond Division I: Ward’s Place in NCAA History

Ward’s 156 touchdown passes put him at the top of the Division I leaderboard, but several quarterbacks from other NCAA divisions still rank higher:

John Matocha (Division II): Holds the all-division record with 162 touchdowns for Colorado School of Mines from 2019–2023.
Tyson Bagent (Division II): Threw for 159 touchdowns at Shepherd from 2018–2022.
Braxton Plunk (Division III): Tied at 158 with North Central’s Luke Lehnen, who could add to his total in the Division III national championship game.
Alex Tanney (Division III): Fifth on the all-division list with 157 touchdowns at Monmouth from 2007–2011.

Ward’s historic first-quarter touchdown in the Pop-Tarts Bowl moved him into sole possession of sixth place on the all-division list. While he may not top Matocha’s overall record, his Division I achievement will remain a significant milestone.

2024: A Season of Dominance at Miami

Ward’s single season at Miami was nothing short of spectacular. Joining the Hurricanes as a graduate transfer, Ward quickly established himself as a record-breaking force. He rewrote Miami’s record books, setting single-season records for passing yards, completions, and touchdown passes.

Entering the Pop-Tarts Bowl, Ward was also on track to break Miami’s completion percentage records for both a single season and a career. He was on pace to surpass Tyler Van Dyke’s 2023 single-season mark of 65.8% and D’Eriq King’s career record of 64.3% set between 2020 and 2021.

Ward’s impact on Miami’s program extended beyond statistics. His leadership, poise, and big-play ability revitalized the Hurricanes’ offense and brought national attention back to the team. Despite spending just one season in Miami, Ward leaves behind a legacy that will resonate for years to come.

Looking Ahead: Cam Ward’s Enduring Legacy

As Cam Ward transitions to the next phase of his career—likely in professional football—his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NCAA history is firmly established. His journey from Incarnate Word to Washington State and finally to Miami reflects a player who consistently rose to the occasion and thrived under diverse circumstances.

Ward’s achievements will be remembered not just for the records he set but also for the way he played the game—with intelligence, precision, and heart. Even if his Division I touchdown record is eventually surpassed, his place among college football’s elite is secure.

For Miami, Ward’s record-breaking season will serve as a benchmark for future quarterbacks. For the NCAA, his story exemplifies the potential for excellence across multiple programs and levels of competition. And for fans, his career will remain a source of inspiration and admiration for years to come.