Freshman WR is the Talk of the Miami Hurricanes Spring Game
In Miami’s spring game this past Saturday, one player caught the attention of head coach Mario Cristobal and the coaching staff: freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney.
At 5-foot-11, 182 pounds, Toney made several big plays on varied routes, including a long pass and catch from quarterback Emory Williams that resulted in the abbreviated contest’s only touchdown.
Williams is battling for the backup spot to presumed starter Carson Beck, who was held out of the game due to his rehabbing an elbow injury.
In a stroke of pure vanity, Toney called himself a “game changer.” Coaches singled out Toney’s maturity beyond his years and his “game day” preparation as the attributes that stood out for him this spring.
It bodes well for the Hurricanes that a young freshman presumably can step up and contribute sooner rather than later in the 2025 season.
Miami loses two of its most productive receivers from a season ago, Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George. Both combined for over 1,800 receiving yards and 19 scores.
A 4-star receiver from American Heritage High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Toney reclassified to the class of 2025 and chose Miami over several schools, including Alabama, Ohio State and Georgia, among others.
Toney was the recipient of the Nat Moore Award as the top football player in South Florida. Rivals rated Toney a Top 200 player regardless of position.
Miami opens the 2025 season on Sunday, Aug. 31, when it hosts the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.
