Homegrown freshman Malachi Toney shines on college football's biggest stage, chasing a dream in his hometown with the Miami Hurricanes.
One of the unique qualities of the Miami Hurricanes this season is the amount of homegrown talent acquired, including freshman star wide receiver Malachi Toney. He took the college football world by storm with explosive plays. The 18-year-old finished the regular season catching 84 passes for 970 yards, scoring 17 touchdowns in 12 games
He's also shown versatility, with the ability to run and throw the ball.
Toney's one of many Florida natives on the roster to help return the Hurricanes program to its elite status. The opportunity to represent his home on the National Championship stage, in Hard Rock Stadium, leaves him feeling "extra prideful."
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," he said on Media Day on Saturday. "Everyone doesn't get a chance to come to the National Championship. It's a blessing."
Toney's maturity and resilience have been on display all year long, doing what's asked of him and doing the little things necessary that impact winning. After a couple of rough outings early in the College Football Playoffs, he exploded in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl semifinals against the Ole Miss Rebels, catching five passes for 81 yards and scoring a touchdown.
The young star has embraced the leadership and wisdom of the many veterans surrounding him, such as wide receivers CJ Daniels and Keelan Marion, and quarterback Carson Beck.
Also, Toney has proven to step up in the midst of adversity. In the first round of the College Football Playoffs against the Texas A&M Aggies, he fumbled the ball, which resulted in a turnover. Afterwards, the 18-year-old scored the game-winning touchdown.
Toney is a Liberty City native, was a three-star recruit coming out of American Heritage High School, received interest from multiple powerhouse programs, such as the Alabama Crimson Tide, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Florida Seminoles, before committing to the Hurricanes on Oct. 28th, 2024. As the National Championship approaches, Toney has an opportunity to cement himself among the program's greats.
The team's offense picked up its production against the Rebels, but kicking it up a notch will be necessary against the Indiana Hoosiers. Toney could be aligned for a monster performance on the biggest stage of college football.
Regardless, the freshman isn't worried about his own performance, but rather helping the team win in whatever way it looks like. It's going to be the biggest game in Hurricanes history in over two decades.
The stage is set for Monday night, Jan. 19th, 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN.
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: