In a fitting finale to a record-shattering college career, Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward etched his name atop the NCAA record books Saturday in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. With a 4-yard touchdown toss to receiver Jacolby George early in the first quarter, Ward notched his 156th career touchdown pass, surpassing the previous Division I mark held by Case Keenum.
One Final Chance at History
Entering his last game in a Miami uniform, Ward knew he stood on the precipice of history. The sixth-year senior needed just one touchdown pass to break Keenum’s record of 155, set during his illustrious career at Houston from 2007 to 2011.
Ward wasted no time seizing his moment. On Miami’s opening drive, he orchestrated a methodical march downfield, completing 5 of 6 passes to move the Hurricanes into the red zone. Then, on 2nd and goal from the 4-yard line, Ward found George on a quick slant route for the record-breaking score.
When I let go of the ball and saw Jacolby come down with it in the end zone, I knew we had done it. To break a record like this, in my last college game, is an unbelievable feeling.
– Cam Ward, Miami Hurricanes quarterback
A New Bar Set for Passing Greatness
With that one toss, Ward solidified his status as one of the most prolific passers in college football history. His 156 touchdown passes span a remarkable journey that began at FCS program Incarnate Word in 2019 before stops at Washington State and finally Miami.
- 17,999 career passing yards – 3rd most in NCAA history
- 156 career touchdown passes – New Division I record
- Single-season records at three different schools
Wherever Ward went, the records followed. His 4,123 passing yards this season at Miami set a new school record, breaking Ken Dorsey’s previous mark. He leaves the Hurricanes as the single-season leader in completions, yards, and touchdowns.
Potential Challengers Already Lining Up
While Ward now stands alone atop the Division I record books, he may have to share that perch soon. Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, with 153 touchdown passes and potentially three more games to play in the College Football Playoff, is poised to make a run at Ward’s freshly minted record.
Incredibly, Ward’s 156 touchdown passes rank only sixth on the all-time NCAA list across all divisions:
- John Matocha, Colorado School of Mines (DII) – 162
- Tyson Bagent, Shepherd (DII) – 159
- Braxton Punk, Mount Union (DIII) – 158*
- Luke Lehnen, North Central (DIII) – 158*
- Alex Tanney, Monmouth (DIII) – 157
- Cam Ward, Miami (DI) – 156
*Punk and Lehnen are still active; Lehnen’s North Central team will play for the DIII title in December
Cementing a Legacy in the Record Books
Wherever Ward’s record ends up when all is said and done, his place among the passing greats in college football history is more than secure. Six seasons, three schools, and over 150 touchdowns later, the gunslinger from West Columbia, Texas has reached a summit no other Division I quarterback ever has.
Cam’s journey shows that with perseverance, belief in yourself, and a tireless work ethic, you can accomplish incredible things. He’s earned every bit of this record.
– Trent Hadley, Miami head coach
For Ward, setting the record in his collegiate finale provided the ultimate capstone to a prolific, precedent-setting career. While the NFL surely awaits, Ward’s name will live on in the NCAA record books, a permanent tribute to his talent, longevity and the indelible mark he left on college football.
