From shattering reception records to carving out a triple-threat role, the Miami Hurricanes' electrifying sophomore eyes a Heisman-caliber season as college football’s most dangerous all-around weapon.
MIAMI, Fla. – Miami Hurricanes rising star Malachi Toney was featured on the Paul Hornung Award preseason watch list, as announced on Monday.
It’s annually presented to college football’s most versatile player.
During a historic freshman season, Toney displayed several skills. He set a program record with 109 receptions, which led the nation, and went for 1,211 yards. Along with catching the ball, Toney can run with it. He rushed 23 times for 113 yards and scored a touchdown against Louisville.
However, it doesn’t stop there.
Toney has a quarterback background coming from American Heritage High School. In the 2024 high school playoffs, the Liberty City native took over as the offense’s orchestrator, as Dia Bell was shut down with an undisclosed injury. Toney delivered the institution its fifth state title.
In the Hurricanes’ final four games of the regular season, offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson made use of it. Toney completed four of seven passes (57.1 percent) and threw for 82 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with former Hurricanes wide receiver Joshisa Trader on an explosive 44-yard play against North Carolina State.
Plus, Toney can serve as a punt returner. Despite all the accomplishments, he has yet to return a punt for a touchdown. Toney came close in the first round of the College Football Playoffs against Texas A&M. He returned a 55-yarder, but Aggies safety Marcus Ratcliffe tripped him off course.
Ahead of a sophomore campaign, the Hurricanes have one of college football’s most prolific and electrifying playmakers. Toney has received several honors ahead of the season:
- Athlon Sports Preseason All-America (First team AP, Third team (PR)
- Phil Steele Preseason All-America
- ACC Preseason All-ACC team (WR, AP & SP)
- Maxwell Award Preseason Watch List
- The Sporting News Preseason All-America (First team)
Toney likely won’t be the nation’s reception leader in back-to-back seasons, but the winning impact and leadership are expected to grow. He’s added over 10 pounds of muscle during the summer.
Whether it’s receiving, rushing, throwing, returning, or even blocking, Toney is willing to do what it takes to help the team win. Last year, he arrived at the Coral Gables campus as a 17-year-old reclassified freshman. After taking college football by storm, Toney is an established star. Along with all the preseason accolades, a Heisman Trophy campaign is a legitimate possibility.
Toney’s versatile playmaking will impact the Hurricanes’ chances of winning the Atlantic Coast Conference and carve out another National Championship run.
