The sophomore sensation shattered a 42-year program record with 234 yards and three touchdowns against Stanford, cementing his status as college football’s most electrifying offensive threat.
MIAMI, Fla. – College football rising star and Miami Hurricanes sophomore Malachi Toney was named the Atlantic Coast Conference offensive receiver of the week, the league announced on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old played a significant role in the team’s 45-6 win over Stanford in California to kick off the regular season. Toney caught a game-high 12 passes on 13 targets for 234 yards and scored three touchdowns. He broke Eddie Brown’s 42-year-old program record for the most receiving yards in a single game: 220 against the Boston College Eagles on Nov. 23, 1984.
As Toney scored each touchdown, he hit the Heisman Trophy pose. He’s certainly carving out a case right out of the gate. Toney’s electrifying playmaking comes as a shock to nobody. Last season, as a 17-year-old reclassified freshman, he led the nation with 109 catches for 1,211 yards and scored 13 total touchdowns – receiving (10), rushing (one), and passing (two).
Former Hurricanes star, National Champion, three-time Super Bowl Champion, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin recently claimed that Toney is “the best receiver” he’s ever seen. Receiving (no pun intended) such praise for someone who has been around superstar talent shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Although Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith is considered the best player in college football, Toney is closing the gap this season. He’s unselfish, a willing blocker, and puts the team’s success ahead of himself. Toney’s target won’t always be the highest, given the Hurricanes’ depth, but his winning impact should be consistent.
The Liberty City (Fla.) native was mentioned in several preseason awards and watch lists this summer:
- 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)
- Paul Hornung Award Preseason Watch List
- Walter Camp Award Preseason Watch List
- Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List
Toney rose from a three-star recruit to one of college football’s most prolific playmakers. This season could carve out first-round conversations ahead of the 2028 NFL Draft. Toney is a relentless worker who continues to show improvement. Along with the on-field production, he is one of the Hurricanes’ premier leaders. Toney’s voice will be one of the strongest in the locker room.
As Darian Mensah arrived through the transfer portal, the Hurricanes could have one of the best quarterback-wide receiver duos in college football. They will have an opportunity to connect in front of the fans for the first time this season: the home opener against the Florida A&M Rattlers on Thursday, kicking off at 8:00 p.m. E.T.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
