After amassing 1,622 all-purpose yards as a reclassified freshman, the Miami Hurricanes' versatile playmaker eyes elite specialist honors while anchoring a high-stakes pursuit of a National Championship redemption.
MIAMI, Fla. – Last season, Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney took the nation by storm. As a 17-year-old reclassified freshman, he completed several electrifying plays but made an impact in other ways – blocking, rushing, throwing, and returning. Toney finished with 1,622 all-purpose yards; 298 came from punt returning.
Ahead of fall camp and the 2026-27 season, the local Liberty City native is one of college football’s most prolific players. He’s projected to achieve great accolades, such as All-American and the Heisman Trophy. However, there will be more hardwood for Toney to seek after.
It was announced on Tuesday morning that Toney was named to the 2026 Jet Award Preseason watch list, which honors the most outstanding return specialist in college football.
The other candidates mentioned:
- Wide receiver Jacory Barney Jr. - Nebraska
- Wide receiver Vernell Brown III - Florida
- Wide receiver Chris Barnes - Oklahoma State
- Running back Solomon Beebe - Virginia
- Wide receiver Chauncy Cobb - Arkansas State
- Wide receiver Da’Realyst Clark - Kent State
- Wide receiver Derrick Eley - Charlotte
- Cornerback Ian Foster - Southern Miss
- Wide receiver TK King - New Mexico State
- Running back/wide receiver Ryan Niblett - Texas
- Wide receiver Kenny Johnson - Texas Tech
- Running back Cameron Pettaway - Iowa State
- Wide receiver Jayshon Platt - Illinois
- Defensive back Koi Perich - Oregon
- Cornerback Rayshawn Pleasant - Auburn
- Cornerback Dev’ion Reynolds - Northern Illinois
- Wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III - Oklahoma
- Wide receiver Kam Shanks - Wake Forest
- Defensive back Vicari Swain - South Carolina
Toney finished No. 10 in punt return yards last season, with a 14.4 average. He didn’t score a touchdown on special teams. Toney came close against the Texas A&M Aggies in the College Football Playoff opening round, but stumbled around the 25-yard line.
After leading the nation with 109 catches, it’s unlikely for the sophomore to repeat.
The Hurricanes revamped the wide receiver core with transfer portal acquisitions: Cam Vaughn, Vandrevius Jacobs, and All-ACC Cooper Barkate. Plus, Joshua Moore and Daylyn Upshaw – both from Toney’s recruiting class – are looking to step into expanded roles.
If Toney wants more of the football, it will likely be through special teams. He has the speed to get through defenses and the body control to change directions.
Coming off a historic freshman season, Toney’s impact should steadily improve. After learning behind a couple of veterans in CJ Daniels and Keelan Marion, the 18-year-old is looking to lead the team.
The Hurricanes have legitimate title hopes ahead of the upcoming season. After falling short against the Indiana Hoosiers, Toney can help to complete redemption.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
