Xavier Restrepo can set Miami football career receiving records with return

With his announced return on Friday morning, Xavier Restrepo has a chance to set the Miami football career records for receptions and receiving yards in 2024. Restrepo set the Miami single-season record with 85 receptions and tied Andre Johnson for fifth all-time with 1,092 receiving yards in 2023.

After the conclusion of the 2023 season, Restrepo has 131 receptions for 1,717 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Mike Harley holds the Miami career record with 182 receptions from 2017 through 2021. Santana Moss holds the Miami record with 2,546 receiving yards from 1997 through 2000.

Michael Irvin's Miami career record of 26 receiving TDs is not likely to be threatened by Restrepo. After an injured-plagued 2022 season, Restrepo had a breakout and record-setting 2023. Restrepo returns for the 2024 season without quarterback Tyler Van Dyke who is his close friend and longtime roommate.

Restrepo earned first-team All-ACC in 2023. Jacolby George and Restrepo formed a dynamic receiving tandem in 2023. George finished the season with 57 receptions for 864 yards and led Miami with eight TD receptions. George is also expected to return in 2024. Third leading receiver Colbie Young transferred to Georgia.

Miami should continue to grow offensively in the second year under coordinator Shannon Dawson. The Hurricanes signed an elite WR group in the 2024 class with four-stars Ny Carr, Chance Robinson and Joshisa Trader. Any of the three could challenge for playing time as true freshmen during the 2024 season.

With another outstanding season in 2024, Restrepo could be a candidate to win the Biletnikoff Award as the best wide receiver in the country. Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State won the 2024 Biletnikoff Award in 2023 with 67 receptions for 1,211 yards and 14 TDs. Restrepo stabilizes the 2024 Miami WR room.