Homegrown Miami Hurricanes star wide receiver Malachi Toney navigates immense pressure and accolades, focusing on improvement and staying grounded through his meteoric rise.
Last season proved that the Miami Hurricanes have a rising star in wide receiver Malachi Toney. He joined the program as a 17-year-old reclassified freshman. Toney grew up in Liberty City, Florida, approximately 10 miles away from Coral Gables. The former three-star recruit attended American Heritage Schools and caught 141 passes for 2,412 yards, scoring 29 total touchdowns in 41 total games over three seasons.
Toney received interest and offers from several programs, including the Florida State Seminoles, Alabama Crimson Tide, North Carolina State Wolfpack, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Louisville Cardinals, plus others. He officially signed with the Hurricanes on Dec. 4, 2024.
Fast forward to the present, the 18-year-old is coming off a historic freshman season: catching a nation-leading 109 passes for 1,211 yards, scoring 13 total touchdowns in 16 games. The homegrown star was named ACC Rookie of the Year, All-ACC First Team, and the Associated Press All-American Second Team. Entering his sophomore year, Toney is beyond unrecognizable to fans and opposing programs. Regardless, his approach to the game of football and life hasn’t changed.
“I take it the same way like I took it last year, as if nobody knew me,” Toney told reporters on Tuesday, March 31. “I’m just taking it day by day and keep trying to get better.”
The Hurricanes improved the wide receiver core during the offseason, surrounding Toney with other significant talent, including All-ACC Cooper Barkate, Vandrevius Jacobs, and Cam Vaughn. Also, they have players from the same recruiting class as him looking to step into expanded roles, such as Daylyn Upshaw and Joshua Moore.
Despite all the noise surrounding the homegrown star, he doesn’t allow it to get to him.
“I wouldn’t say it’s hard,” Toney added. “I have a great relationship with God and He helped me stay humble and levelheaded through it all. I’ll say it’s easy.”
In the midst of spring training, the Hurricanes invited a group of kids to watch. They were excited watching Toney catch passes and run drills. He’s quickly emerged as an inspiration and an exciting player for locals to watch.
Coming off a National Championship appearance, the program has the talent to remain competitive, especially with All-ACC quarterback Darian Mensah leading the offense. He will have several weapons, including Toney, to carve out impactful plays.
The Hurricanes star changed his jersey number from 10 to one.
Toney is poised for another All-American season, considered a very early Heisman Trophy candidate.
The team looks to finish what was started from last season, this time with the 18-year-old as a full-time leader.
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