Miami football named top 5 QB and WR duo

Cam Ward is the top returning passer nationally and Xavier Restrepo is the leading returning receiver in the ACC. Restrepo and Ward will play together in 2024 to give the Miami football team one of "College football's best QB-WR duos for (the) 2024 season", per Carter Bahns of 247Sports.

Restrepo set a Miami program record with 85 receptions last season, tied for the fifth-highest total ever with 1,092 receiving yards and added six touchdowns. Ward leads all college football returnees with 311.3 passing yards per game in 2023. The three QBs ahead of Ward last season nationally were all Heisman Trophy finalists.

This spring will be essential for Ward to develop a rapport with Restrepo, the Miami receiving corps and the offensive line. With more consistent QB play, Restrepo can break multiple Miami records in 2024. Restrepo should set Miami career records for receptions an receiving yards and has a chance for more single-season records.

Only one of the duos ranked ahead of Restrepo and Ward played together last season. In the transfer portal era, QBs and receivers have to build chemistry quickly. Restrepo and Ward are experienced college players who should adapt to each other quickly. Both players should challenge to earn All-American in 2024.

"4. CAMERON WARD & XAVIER RESTREPO, MIAMI
Xavier Restrepo might have been one of the quietest 1,000-yard receivers last season. He often flew under the radar given Miami’s overall struggles, but to amass that kind of production in a middle-of-the-road offense is a testament to his tremendous receiving ability. As the focal point of a passing game primed for a significant uptick with Cameron Ward's arrival, Restrepo should earn more recognition next fall. Ward may be the answer to the Hurricanes’ problems and joins the program as the No. 13 player in the 2024 transfer portal cycle. His dark-horse Heisman candidacy should be a major boon to the Miami offense."

- Carter Bahns, 247Sports

The other duos on Bahn's list are from 10 to one from Oklahoma, Ohio State, Mississippi, Colorado, Missouri, Georgia, Arizona, Oregon and Texas. Ward was named the best returning QB in the ACC by Bleacher Report. Jacolby George, who had 867 receiving yards in 2023, provides Ward with an excellent second receiver.

Ward will also have three of the starting five starting Miami offensive linemen returning in 2024. Right guard Anez Cooper and tackles Jalen Rivers and Francis Mauigoa are back for Miami in 2024. Center Matt Carpenter transferred to Miami from Indiana to replace Matt Lee. Left guard is wide open.

Isaiah Horton is the projected third starting receiver for Miami in 2024. At 6'4, Horton could have a breakout season for Miami with Ward throwing him passes. George and Horton will be critical for Miami in 2024, with opposing defenses focusing on Restrepo. Miami should be significantly improved offensively this fall.