Despite a historic season and new jersey, Kevin Beard pushes Miami Hurricanes star wide receiver Malachi Toney to embrace a relentless pursuit of greatness.
The Miami Hurricanes have a rising star in wide receiver Malachi Toney. The 18-year-old is coming off a historic freshman season: catching a nation’s high 109 passes for 1,211 yards, scoring 13 total touchdowns in 16 games. After the program revamped the position core around him, Toney is projected to be the team’s first option. He switched jersey numbers from No. 10 to No. 1.
Despite all the latest success, coming off a National Championship appearance, wide receiver coach Kevin Beard believes Toney still has more work to do.
“In my opinion, I’m always going to keep a chip on his shoulder,” he said. “He’s No. 1 now, but he’s still No. 10 to me. Every play he makes, I always say, ‘10 would have did better, 10 would have stayed up, 10 would have got – you getting comfortable. 10 won’t get comfortable.’ I’m always just trying to challenge him in some way, shape, or form. He knows that I’m trying to challenge him. The good thing about it is he doesn’t take it personal. He’s looking forward to the challenge because he knows I’m trying to push him to greatness.”
Toney joined the program as a 17-year-old freshman after reclassifying to the 2025 recruiting class, which consisted of five-star edge rusher Hayden Lowe, four-star running back Girard Pringle, four-star wide receiver Joshua Moore, four-star safety Bryce Fitzgerald, and three-star wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw.
The Liberty City, Florida, native had an opportunity to grow under veterans CJ Daniels and Keelan Marion. As both of them declared for the upcoming NFL Draft, Toney is the Hurricanes’ most dangerous weapon. For next season, he will be surrounded by high-caliber talent, such as All-ACC Cooper Barkate, Vandrevius Jacobs, and Cam Vaughn.
Along with a revamped wide receiver core, the Hurricanes added a top-market quarterback in All-ACC Darian Mensah.
After having the 35th-best-ranked scoring offense in the Football Bowl Subdivision, the production is expected to make a significant jump.
Toney has emerged as one of the most electrifying players in all of college football. He was named ACC Rookie of the Year, ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year, FWAA Offensive Freshman of the Year, and First Team All-ACC. The homegrown star is projected to earn All-American accolades and be an early candidate for the Heisman Trophy.
There will be significant attention on Toney, but the Hurricanes’ success will be a higher priority than personal achievements.
Coming off a National Championship appearance, the program established a new standard. Toney will have an opportunity to keep elevating it this upcoming season.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our RoundTable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
More Miami Hurricanes News: