Miami Star Wide Receiver Malachi Toney Questionable With Ankle Injury
The standout sophomore suffered the injury during Wednesday's practice ahead of a high-stakes road matchup against Notre Dame.
The top-ranked Miami Hurricanes face uncertainty at the wide receiver position after sophomore star Malachi Toney sustained an ankle injury during practice on Wednesday. Toney, who is also a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy alongside teammate and quarterback Darian Mensah, hurt his ankle and is currently undergoing further evaluation by the team’s medical staff.
Miami Athletics released a brief statement acknowledging the incident. "Malachi Toney sustained an injury during Wednesday's practice and is currently undergoing further evaluation by the team's medical staff. We will share additional updates as appropriate," the department stated.
Despite the setback, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel and Max Olson that the injury is not considered a long-term issue. Furthermore, reporting indicates that the receiver is expected to push through the pain and attempt to play given the magnitude of the upcoming contest, though any final decision will depend on continued evaluation leading up to kickoff.
The stakes are exceptionally high for Saturday's 7:30 p.m. ET matchup at Notre Dame Stadium. The undefeated Hurricanes hold the No. 1 spot in both the AP Top 25 and the initial College Football Playoff rankings, while the 7-1 Fighting Irish sit at No. 11 in the CFP standings.
Toney has been the focal point of an explosive Miami offense that leads the nation in scoring at 47.6 points per game. Through eight games this season, the sophomore has recorded 73 receptions for 1,027 yards and 13 touchdowns, accounting for a massive percentage of the team's offensive production through the air.
Throughout his collegiate career, Toney has never missed a game, appearing in all 24 contests since enrolling. While he has previously managed minor ankle issues by briefly exiting games against Wake Forest, Clemson, and Florida State before returning, his potential absence or limitation would pose a significant challenge against Notre Dame's top-ranked defense.
If Toney is unable to suit up or is limited during the game, Miami is expected to rely on alternative receiving options such as Daylyn Upshaw or Vance Spafford in the slot. The team does not face mandatory public injury reporting requirements for the nonconference matchup, meaning official updates may not arrive until shortly before the game begins on NBC.