After a historic freshman season, Liberty City’s own breakout wide receiver joins the elite ranks of EA Sports cover athletes as he prepares to lead a revamped Miami Hurricanes offense.
Miami, Fla. – The EA Sports College Football 27 Deluxe Edition cover leaked this past Saturday, featuring several prolific players, including Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney. The local Liberty City native surprised the rest of the world with electrifying plays from all over the field. Toney led the nation with 109 catches for 1,211 yards, scoring 13 total touchdowns, appearing in all 16 games, including 15 starts.
The former three-star recruit joined the Coral Gables program as a reclassified 17-year-old freshman. Following the regular season, College Football Playoff, and National Championship game, Toney is on the rise to fame and superstardom–so much that he’s reportedly on the standard cover of the EA Sports College Football 27 cover.
Alongside the young wide receiver will be senior Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore and junior Ole Miss Rebels running back Kewan Lacy–both of whom were featured on the Deluxe Edition cover.
Following a historic freshman season, Toney was named ACC Rookie and Offensive Rookie of the Year, plus earning All-ACC First Team honors. As a new college football year approaches, he’s expected to achieve bigger accolades, such as being an All-American and the Heisman Trophy. After growing alongside a couple of veterans–CJ Daniels and Keelan Marion–Toney will be one of the Hurricanes’ established leaders.
The 18-year-old is unlikely to go for another 100-plus catch season, given the new offensive talents added to the roster, especially to the wide receiver core. The Hurricanes brought in Cam Vaughn, Vandrevius Jacobs, and All-ACC Cooper Barkate through the transfer portal. Each of them brings unique qualities to deliver big plays on the field. Plus, the Hurricanes have a couple of in-house wide receivers looking to take on expanded roles: Daylyn Upshaw and Joshua Moore. They were part of the same recruiting class as Toney.
Regardless of the number of targets, the rising star is likely to deliver a similar impact to last year. Even if it’s not receiving, Toney is capable of rushing, returning, and passing.
In an interview with ACC PM, coach Mario Cristobal revealed that the sophomore added between eight and 12 pounds of muscle. The additional strength will come in handy when it comes to route running, speed, and fighting through contact.
Toney, the new No. 1 for the Hurricanes, has a clear understanding of what it takes to reach the biggest stage of college football. As one of the returners from last year’s team, he will be responsible for enforcing the new standard and winning culture within the program.
Spring practices concluded weeks ago and fall camp is on the horizon.
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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
