Former Notre Dame Star Accusing Miami Hurricanes of Faking Malachi Toney’s Injury?

Entering Saturday's prime-time matchup between the No. 1 Miami Hurricanes and No. 11 Notre Dame, the Malachi Toney injury news has left some in a frenzy.

Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman is still leading practices as if the superstar wide receiver is going to play, while others don't believe what's being reported, like former Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn. On Fox Sports Radio, Two Pros and One Cup of Joe, he expressed doubt about Toney's unavailability.

"I'm still skeptical," Quinn said. "This is one of those things in college football where until I don't see him on the field [on] Saturday night, I will not believe it."

The 42-year-old pointed out that official injury reports aren't required for this matchup, as it's non-conference. Although Notre Dame has been releasing players' availability status to credentialed media members, the Hurricanes haven't and very likely won't.

If the Fighting Irish's football program were in the Atlantic Coast Conference, like in basketball (men's and women's) and baseball, an injury report would be required and Toney would have to be listed, given the latest reports. It will be the first time since before the 2025 college football season that the Hurricanes will play without the Liberty City (Fla.) native.

Quinn's skepticism suggests that head coach Mario Cristobal is pulling off an untraditional tactic to gain some sort of mental advantage. During the segment, it was mentioned that Toney was initially reported to be injured but was pushing to play; then surgery became the path following further testing. It's unlikely that he even traveled with the Hurricanes, especially on a three-hour plane ride.

It shows how strong an impact and gravitational pull the electrifying playmaker has on a game, especially without an official injury report to fall back on.

This season, Toney has 1,157 all-purpose yards, 73 catches on 85 targets, and 13 touchdowns. He was projected as a Heisman Trophy finalist, but given the timeline of recovery from reportedly undergoing tightrope surgery, it could change the landscape of the race and who receives invitations to the New York City (NY) ceremony.

Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson will need to adjust the game plan against Notre Dame's secondary. The Hurricanes have a plethora of options for quarterback Darian Mensah, such as Cooper Barkate, Daylyn Upshaw, Elija Lofton, Vandrevius Jacobs, Somourian Wingo, Vance Spafford, and potentially Milan Parris.

Toney's injury shouldn't be treated as some conspiracy theory. Once an athlete undergoes surgery, the biggest challenge is returning to full strength. Toney played a big role in the Hurricanes' successful turnaround last season, which resulted in a National Championship appearance.

Saturday's kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and will be televised on NBC and Peacock, which is when Quinn's skepticism can be put to rest.

More Miami Hurricanes News:

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- "Shannon Dawson on Miami Hurricanes' Girard Pringle Jr. and Lack of Opportunity"