A 17-year-old freshman making an early impact is rare in today’s college football world. Luckily for the Hurricanes, Malachi Toney is anything but ordinary.

“Mali ‘Baby Jesus’ Toney,” a 2026 reclass from American Heritage Plantation, has taken college football by storm at just 17 years old. The young slot receiver is quickly becoming a difference-maker for the Canes and putting the entire country on notice.

Coming into Miami, Toney was only ranked a three-star recruit in the class of 2025 after leading American Heritage to yet another state championship the year before. But that ranking only added fuel to his fire. Through seven games, Toney leads the Hurricanes in both receptions and receiving yards, hauling in 43 catches for 562 yards and three touchdowns against some of the top teams in the nation.

Being a smaller receiver in today’s game could be seen as a limitation for some, but not for Toney. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 188 pounds, his elite quickness, precise route running, and ability to create separation make his size a nonfactor.

Toney is now being recognized as one of the best freshmen in college football and was named a Midseason True Freshman All-American by On3. Canes legend Michael Irvin even praised the young star, saying, “One of the best freshmen I’ve ever seen. One of the best freshmen we’ve ever seen. Ever. Not just (now). Ever.” Head coach Mario Cristobal echoed the praise, saying, “He’s special. We tried to keep him a secret, but it didn’t take long.”

His breakout performances came early — starting with his debut versus Notre Dame, where he scored Miami’s first touchdown of the season and totaled six receptions for 82 yards. He followed that up with an outstanding performance against rival Florida State, recording seven catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns (plus another called back).

Toney’s performance versus the Seminoles was a key factor in the Hurricanes’ big win in what fans dubbed “Malihassee,” keeping their undefeated streak alive until a narrow loss to Louisville — where Toney still managed to shine.

Malachi Toney is more than special. As a young playmaker making an early impact, he could become a cornerstone for Miami’s offense in the coming years. His impressive rise has already caught the attention of NFL scouts, and if he continues this trajectory, the league will soon come calling.

Mali Toney — remember the name.