Some high school football performances are just unreal. We’re talking about stats that make you pause and reflect, moments that make recruiters want to get in touch, and highlights that are shown repeatedly on all timelines. That was the case with Xander Edwards. Fun fact: Xander is the son of NFL legend Marc Edwards, the Super Bowl-winning fullback who is now beginning to write his own unforgettable story.

In a recent post on X, Luke Chaney wrote, “2028 RB Xander Edwards received an offer from Miami yesterday, coming off a (and I can’t stress enough how absolutely insane this is) 522 YARD AND 8 TOUCHDOWN GAME. HE DID THAT IN ONE GAME.” Friday night at Florida couldn’t get any wilder when Bolles High’s bruising sophomore Xander Edwards completely changed the record books with an exceptional performance.

Derrick Henry’s previous record of 517 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in a single game has been broken. Fans, coaches, and recruiters were left reeling from the highlights as Edwards carried the ball 38 times and found the end zone from almost every possible distance.

Of course, the stat line wasn’t the only thing that impressed the football community. The fact that Edwards is the son of a Super Bowl champion and has an NFL family history only heightens the excitement. College programs quickly took action following his historic night. He was already being chased by Syracuse, Memphis, SMU, Pitt, and USF, but one offer in particular caught people’s attention: Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes. Cristobal has very often made it clear that he is not only searching for talent but also for players who share his grind-and-standard mindset. “It’s recruiting. We will have a relentless approach and effort in identifying and bringing in the best talent in the country that fits our program,” he said. And Edwards clearly checks every box.

For Xander, this is more than just a random offer; it’s a turning point in an already exciting recruitment journey. He has been turning heads all summer long, from USF camps to stops at Notre Dame and Clemson, and now Miami is formally in the running after this incredible 8-TD game. “I’ve now talked to over 20 schools…I’m just starting to compete in some camps, and I’ve already been to Clemson and Notre Dame. I will be hitting a few more in the next week or two leading up to the season,” Xander said in an interview. Between the record-breaking game and the growing list of offers, one thing is certain: Edwards’ next chapter is just getting started, and it’s already beginning with a splash on the radar of one of college football’s blue-blood programs.

Xander Edwards talks about recruiting, Irish Invasion, and family influence

Xander Edwards is more than just another talented sophomore. Even though he is a record-breaker, a legacy of Notre Dame, and the son of a Super Bowl champion, he looks pretty grounded when he talks about football. “The recruitment process so far for me and my family has been going great. The summer going into my freshman year of high school, I picked up my first offer from USF after attending their camp. I had a solid freshman football season, and in January, recruitment really started to heat up. I earned six more offers, including SMU, Pitt, Syracuse, and I’ve now talked to over 20 schools, including Notre Dame.”

His journey stands out because he is heavily relying on the lessons that his father, Marc Edwards, taught him. The game has always been a part of his life because he grew up with a Notre Dame captain and Super Bowl champion. “My dad was the reason I wanted to play football. It’s very helpful to learn from him since he has already lived my dream. He knows what’s best for me and what to do during my recruiting process. I’m lucky to be able to talk to somebody who has been through what I’m experiencing,” he said. As the spotlight grows with every game, that mindset keeps him grounded.

Then there’s the Notre Dame connection, which is just as personal as it gets. Edwards made it clear that he enjoyed the opportunity to show off his skills after competing at the Irish Invasion. “My visit to ND was amazing. It gets better and better each time I go up there. They have some of the best coaches in the country, and I am lucky to have worked with them and learned from them,” he said. “I loved the competition aspect of the camp… my favorite part of the visit was the grill and chill after the camp. I loved how they emphasized life after football because football will always end for everybody.” Xander sounds like he already knows what makes the Irish so unique, even though he is just starting his high school career.