Cam Ward has played his way into the conversation for the top QB prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, as well as the Heisman Trophy. The Miami Hurricanes quarterback helped himself on both counts in Saturday’s fun-to-watch road win at Louisville.
Ward kept up his torrid pace, carving up the Cardinals secondary with 319 yards and four touchdowns, completing 21 of his 32 passes. Several of those throws came after buying some time against a good Louisville pass rush, with Ward showing deft patience. He flashed the mobility with a 22-yard run as well.
The poised presence is what NFL teams want to see from Ward. Making good decisions under pressure and counterpunching effectively is exactly what propelled Ward and the Hurricanes to the 52-45 road win to remain unbeaten.
Seven of Ward’s passes wound up in the hands of slot receiver extraordinaire Xavier Restrepo, netting 101 yards and a touchdown.
With Hurricanes legend Michael Irvin prominently on the sideline, Restrepo was outstanding. The Cardinals defense could not cover him. The 5-foot-10 Restrepo showed quickness off the snap and instant change-of-direction ability to go with his strong hands and preternatural toughness in tight areas.
Even on a play where Ward was under heavy pressure, the duo still connected for one of the best highlights of the weekend,
Ward to Restrepo is an unstoppable duo
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 19, 2024
Ignore the obvious holding penalty on standout Louisville EDGE Ashton Gillotte (like the officials did) and appreciate the timing and chemistry between the Hurricanes duo. It’s very reminiscent of Jordan Love to Jayden Reed with the Packers.
About those hands…
Xavier Restrepo with a hell of catch pic.twitter.com/SAOSiFwrrb
— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) October 19, 2024
Ward’s first season at Miami has shown he can operate quite effectively in a more NFL-friendly offense, and Restrepo’s NFL-style route running from the slot have played a big role in that.