How Miami Hurricanes’ Malachi Toney Statistically Compares to Former Heisman Trophy Winner

MIAMI, Fla. – While star wide receiver Malachi Toney is grabbing a seat among other Miami Hurricanes greats, he’s currently giving Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith serious competition for the Heisman Trophy.

The 19-year-old currently leads all of the Football Bowl Subdivision with 66 catches and third with 952 yards, while scoring 11 total touchdowns through seven games this season. After the Hurricanes’ 52-23 win over Pitt on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium, Ringer NFL Draft Analyst Todd McShay posted a remarkable comparison.

In the 2020 college football season, former Alabama star DeVonta Smith became the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy since Michigan’s Desmond Howard in 1990. After seven games in, the All-American had 903 receiving yards on 65 catches while scoring 11 touchdowns.

Side by side, Smith and Toney are having similar seasons, but will the results finish the same?

The Liberty City (Fla.) native has five games remaining on the regular-season schedule before December’s ceremony in New York City (NY). Toney is on pace to receive an invitation, but there will be a couple of hurdles as the campaign continues, starting with the current Smith college football star.

In seven games, he’s second in FBS with 984 receiving yards on 52 catches while scoring 12 total touchdowns. Despite star quarterback Julian Sayin likely sidelined for the rest of the season with a right shoulder (throwing arm) injury. Regardless of who’s taking the snaps behind center, Smith is still considered a generational talent. He has the size and talent to finish out the season as a finalist.

The 20-year-old will be Toney’s biggest threat for the award, as both playmakers go head-to-head each week without actually playing against one another.

Another factor is overcoming a teammate.

Hurricanes star quarterback Darian Mensah is currently the most efficient in FBS with an 81.4 completion percentage. He’s had six games with at least three passing touchdowns. It wouldn’t be unusual for both Toney and Mensah to receive invitations for the Heisman Trophy ceremony.

In 2020, Smith and Alabama’s quarterback Mac Jones were both finalists. It’s proof that teammates might not entirely sabotage one another in the voting process.

Toney has the talent and work ethic to finish out the season with a strong case to top all candidates. An explosive performance against Notre Dame on Nov. 7 could provide the stamp necessary to leave the Big Apple as the Hurricanes’ first Heisman Trophy winner since quarterback Gino Torretta in 1992.

More Miami Hurricanes News:

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- "Takeaways From No. 14 Miami Hurricanes Exhibition Win Over No. 24 Vanderbilt"