In a surprising turn of events just hours before the Pop-Tarts Bowl kickoff, two of Miami’s star wide receivers, Xavier Restrepo and Sam Brown Jr., announced their declarations for the 2025 NFL Draft. Both players, key contributors to Miami’s offensive success this season, appear to have opted out of the bowl game against Iowa State.
Xavier Restrepo’s Stellar Career
Xavier Restrepo, a Coconut Creek native, shared an emotional message on social media, expressing gratitude to the University of Miami and excitement for his NFL aspirations.
“So grateful for the opportunities that God has blessed me and will forever be grateful to the University of Miami. I LOVE YOU MIAMI!” Restrepo wrote. “It’s been a lifelong dream to play in the National Football League since I was a little 5-year-old kid. Now I believe it is time for me to go pursue my dreams and aspirations!”
Restrepo’s performance this season earned him national recognition. He was named a first-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association and a second-team selection by the Sporting News, Associated Press, and Football Writers Association of America.
The standout wide receiver led the Hurricanes with 69 receptions for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns, topping the ACC in both yardage and touchdowns. His 1,127 receiving yards also ranked 10th nationally.
Restrepo leaves Miami as one of the program’s most decorated players, holding records for career receptions (200) and receiving yards (2,844). He also ranks fourth in career receiving touchdowns (21).
Sam Brown Jr. Joins Restrepo in NFL Aspirations
Following Restrepo’s announcement, Sam Brown Jr. also declared for the NFL Draft. Brown, another reliable target in Miami’s passing game, has been instrumental in the Hurricanes’ offensive schemes this season.
Though neither player directly mentioned the Pop-Tarts Bowl in their announcements, their timing indicates a likely decision to sit out the game to prepare for their professional futures.
Impact on the Pop-Tarts Bowl
The absence of Restrepo and Brown is a significant blow to Miami’s offense. Quarterback Cam Ward, who recently set the Division I career passing touchdown record, will have to adjust without two of his top targets in what could have been a high-scoring showdown against Iowa State.
Both Restrepo and Brown have been central to Miami’s success, helping the team secure a bowl appearance with their consistent playmaking abilities. Their absence shifts the spotlight to the rest of Miami’s receiving corps, who will need to step up in their stead.
The Bigger Picture
Opting out of bowl games to declare for the NFL Draft has become a common practice for top college players, prioritizing long-term health and draft preparation. For Restrepo and Brown, their decisions underline their readiness to take the next step in their football careers.
The declarations also mark a turning point for Miami’s program as they prepare for life without two of their brightest stars. However, with a strong recruiting pipeline and a solid coaching staff, the Hurricanes remain well-positioned to build on this season’s success.
As the Pop-Tarts Bowl kicks off, Miami fans will undoubtedly miss Restrepo and Brown on the field but will be rooting for their future success at the professional level.