Cam Ward Sets Miami Hurricanes Passing Record in Electrifying Win Over Wake Forest

A Historic Night in Coral Gables

On a warm spring evening at Hard Rock Stadium, Cam Ward delivered one of the greatest performances ever by a Miami quarterback. In front of nearly 60,000 roaring fans, the senior signal-caller lit up the Wake Forest secondary to the tune of 572 passing yards and six touchdowns, setting a new single-game school record and leading the Hurricanes to a thrilling 52-35 victory over the Demon Deacons.

This wasn’t just a breakout—it was a coronation. Ward looked every bit the elite quarterback Miami hoped for when it brought him in from Washington State. With precision, vision, and a sense of command that thrilled both fans and coaches alike, Ward sent a clear message to the rest of the ACC: The U is back, and its offense is electric.

1st Quarter: Instant Offense

Ward wasted no time making his presence felt. On Miami’s second offensive snap, he connected with star receiver Isaiah Horton on a 65-yard bomb down the sideline. It was a sign of things to come. Ward completed his first 9 passes, spreading the ball to six different receivers and taking advantage of Wake’s soft zone coverage.

By the end of the quarter, he already had 186 yards and two scores, including a red zone dart to tight end Jaleel Skinner. “You could tell from the first snap,” said offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson. “Cam was locked in. He saw the field so well, and we were in rhythm all night.”

2nd Quarter: The Record Watch Begins

The Hurricanes kept the pressure on in the second frame. Wake Forest responded with two scores of their own, but Ward countered with back-to-back touchdown drives, capped by a 41-yard strike to freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith, who broke three tackles en route to the end zone.

At halftime, Ward had amassed 336 yards and four TDs, putting him on pace to break the school record with ease. Head coach Mario Cristobal addressed the team at the break with one message: “Step on the gas. Don’t let up.”

3rd Quarter: Making History

Midway through the third, Ward broke the record. On a 3rd-and-12 from their own 33, he lofted a perfect deep ball to Xavier Restrepo, who made a diving catch to move the chains—and Ward to 567 yards, one more than the legendary Torretta’s 566.

As the stadium announcer confirmed the new school record, fans erupted. Ward briefly pointed to the sky and thumped his chest. But the quarterback wasn’t done. Two plays later, he added touchdown pass number five—this one a back-shoulder laser to Horton.

4th Quarter: Sealing the Win

With the record in hand and the crowd still buzzing, Ward stayed aggressive. Wake Forest attempted a late push, scoring twice to cut the lead to 10, but Ward iced the game with one final drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, and a sixth touchdown pass—a 12-yard rollout dart to Skinner again.

Final stat line: 37-of-49, 572 yards, 6 touchdowns, 0 interceptions. Efficiency, volume, and highlight plays all wrapped in one jaw-dropping performance.

Cam Ward’s Road to Coral Gables

Ward’s story makes this moment even sweeter. A former zero-star recruit out of Texas, he began his career at FCS Incarnate Word before transferring to Washington State, where he blossomed. But after two strong seasons in Pullman, he sought a bigger stage.

Enter Miami.

“Coach Cristobal sold me on the vision,” Ward said postgame. “I wanted to be part of something that’s on the rise. The culture, the city, the history—it all just clicked for me.”

A Historic Legacy—and a New Standard

With his record-setting night, Ward joins a long lineage of Miami quarterback greats—Ken Dorsey, Steve Walsh, Bernie Kosar, Vinny Testaverde, Gino Torretta. But none of them ever threw for more yards in a single game.

“Records are meant to be broken,” Torretta said in a congratulatory message. “Cam’s performance tonight was special. He made it look effortless.”

Team Impact and Locker Room Buzz

Ward’s explosion wasn’t just good for the highlight reel. It injected confidence throughout the locker room. Sophomore receiver Isaiah Horton, who finished with 8 catches for 141 yards and 2 TDs, credited Ward’s leadership.

“He’s like a coach out there. We’re never rattled when Cam’s got the ball. He’s calm, cool, and makes everyone better.”

Defensive players echoed that sentiment, praising Ward’s ability to keep them off the field and sustain long drives.

NFL Draft Stock Soars

Scouts were in attendance, and Ward’s performance didn’t go unnoticed. ESPN’s Jordan Reid tweeted: “Cam Ward just made himself a Day 1 conversation again. That was an NFL-level performance—reads, velocity, placement, command.”

Multiple teams have reportedly taken increased interest in Ward after his start to the season, and his leadership traits may vault him into the first-round conversation if he maintains this level of play.

What This Means for the Hurricanes

With the ACC wide open, and Clemson and Florida State both in transition, Miami is suddenly a trendy pick to challenge for the conference title. Ward gives them a legitimate star at the most important position, and his chemistry with Miami’s explosive weapons could carry them deep into November—and possibly December.

“We’ve got the guy,” said coach Cristobal. “Now we’ve got to keep building. This is just one step. But yeah—it’s a damn good one.”

Next Up: Rivalry Renewed

Miami’s next challenge? A primetime showdown against Florida in Gainesville. Ward’s record-breaking night will only raise the stakes and expectations. He’ll enter that game as a national storyline, Heisman candidate, and the face of a reborn Miami program.

“Bring it on,” Ward said with a grin. “We’re not done.”

Cam Ward didn’t just break a record—he reignited a fire in Miami fans, alumni, and teammates. In a single night, he reminded everyone why he’s one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the country and why The U might finally be ready to return to glory.