In a league where quarterback-wide receiver chemistry can make or break a franchise, Cam Ward wasted no time advocating for the Tennessee Titans to bring in a familiar face—his former Miami Hurricanes teammate, wide receiver Xavier Restrepo. Ward, selected No. 1 overall by the Titans in the 2025 NFL Draft, built a prolific connection with Restrepo during their lone season together in Coral Gables. That partnership helped turn heads, and Ward made it clear he wanted that rapport to continue in Nashville.
“Why wouldn’t you push for him?” Ward told reporters after rookie minicamp. “You want guys who know you, who’ve made plays for you, who understand the offense. X is that guy for me.”
Restrepo went undrafted despite a record-setting career at Miami. He finished his collegiate tenure as the program’s all-time leader in receptions (200), receiving yards (2,844), and touchdown catches (21). Many scouts raised concerns about his speed—his 4.87-second 40-yard dash at Miami’s pro day left teams wary. But Ward and the Titans saw something more important: proven production, high football IQ, and the intangibles that don’t show up on a stopwatch.
“I’ve thrown to him in the biggest moments, and he always finds a way to get open,” Ward said. “He’s tough, dependable, and just gets the job done.”
Head coach Brian Callahan echoed the sentiment, noting Restrepo’s advanced understanding of route concepts and defensive recognition. “He might not be the biggest or the fastest, but he plays like a pro. And that matters.”
The Titans are clearly investing in building around Ward, and bringing in a trusted target like Restrepo could go a long way toward the rookie quarterback’s early success. With the offseason just heating up, don’t be surprised if Restrepo becomes one of the more compelling stories to watch in Tennessee’s training camp.
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