Cam Ward breaks NCAA record with 156th career touchdown pass

In a significant achievement for college football, Cam Ward, the Miami Hurricanes quarterback, made history by breaking the NCAA Division I record for career touchdown passes during the Pop-Tarts Bowl. This historic event occurred on December 28, 2024, when Ward completed a 4-yard pass to Jacolby George with just over four minutes left in the first quarter, marking his 156th career touchdown. This touchdown surpassed the previous record held by Case Keenum, who threw 155 touchdowns from 2007 to 2011. Ward finished the first half of the game with three touchdown passes, bringing his total to 158 in his college career. His performance not only broke the Division I record but also showcased his impressive football skills and strategic understanding of the game. Despite the milestone achievement, the Hurricanes faced a challenging game and ultimately lost to Iowa State, 42-41. Emory Williams took over as quarterback in the second half, but Miami was unable to secure a victory. As of now, Ward's record may not last long as Oregon's Dillon Gabriel, who has thrown 153 career touchdown passes and is still active in the College Football Playoff, could potentially surpass it in the near future. The move by Ward to return for the bowl game after the Hurricanes missed the playoff created an unexpected opportunity for him to leave a lasting mark on the college football landscape. His success comes after a journey that started at the University of the Incarnate Word and continued through Washington State University before his one season at Miami. In addition to his passing success, Cam Ward leaves behind a legacy at Miami as the single-season leader in yardage, completions, and touchdown passes, alongside notable accolades such as being named the ACC Player of the Year. Ward totaled 18,189 career passing yards, placing him third for most in NCAA history. With a decorated college career now concluded, Ward's next stop is likely the 2025 NFL Draft, where he is projected to be a first-round pick. The impact of his record-setting performance resonates not just within the Miami program but throughout college football, highlighting the dynamic nature of the sport and the challenges and opportunities that current and future athletes face.