Coral Gables, FL.- I’ll keep saying it, the new era of University of Miami football is officially here!
After graduating 24 seniors and losing 16 outgoing transfers, it’s time for the U to find a new identity. One of the core rooms ravaged by the loss of friendly faces was Miami’s Wide Receivers room. This off season, three ‘Canes pass catchers (Xavier Restrepo, Jacolby George and Sam Brown) have taken their talents to NFL waters, while star sophomore Isaiah Horton hit the portal and landed in Tuscaloosa.
As Miami loses every receiver that posted above 250 yards last season, it’s time for the ‘Canes to find that new alpha receiver. Over the first two open spring practice viewings, it’s been pretty clear who’s taken that step into WR1 status: Joshisa Trader and Malachi Toney
Joshisa Trader
Throughout his freshman season, Joshisa “JoJo” Trader didn’t see a ton of action. Trader recorded a singular reception in three regular season games before bursting onto the scene in Miami’s 42-41 loss to Iowa State in the Poptart’s Bowl. During college football’s most prestigious bowl game, JoJo recorded 3 receptions for 61 yards, including a 40 yard touchdown.
Joshisa “JoJo” Trader, welcome to college football! The first touchdown of his Miami career.
— Geo Milian (@GeoMilian) December 28, 2024
For those unaware, Trader dealt with an injury for most of the season, but many around the Canes football program are stoked about his potential in the future. pic.twitter.com/umarpcH3f4
During the first two days of open spring ball, Trader has been lighting it up on the outside. JoJo Trader has stepped into that WR1 role, leading the way throughout drills, 1v1’s or 3v3 team drill. One thing’s been clear, Joshisa Trader is the primary target for every QB, and for good reason. Every person that’s watched South Florida high school football knows the game changing ability JoJo Trader possesses, but now it’s on full display at the collegiate level.
In the aforementioned team drill periods, JoJo’s done what he’s always done best: Find the end zone. Yesterday (March 5), JoJo’s first target of the period went for a 30 yard score on the outside, where he had at least 3 yards of separation on the defender.
Most importantly, Trader has stepped into a leadership position this off season. On Monday (March 2), when junior RB Mark Fletcher Jr. was asked about who’s stepped into that role the most over the break, Fletcher immediately responded:
“JoJo Trader definitely”
#Miami RB Mark Fletcher on who’s stepped up and taken control of the locker room this off season
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) March 3, 2025
“Joshisa Trader definitely” pic.twitter.com/uWBNrLS7gl
Malachi Toney
As for Malachi Toney, the 4-Star early enrollee from American Heritage (Plantation) looks just as good as advertised. The 2024 MaxPreps Florida Player of the Year has looked absolutely phenomenal over the past two open viewings. Malachi Toney is one of the most complete receivers in the country, having the ability to stretch the field deep or carve up the defense in the middle.
In his very first spring practice, Mali turned heads. On the second play of Monday’s 3on3 team period, Malachi Toney took a “Bang 8” route over the middle for an easy score. On Wednesday, we saw the exact same production from Toney, including a score from the slot.
While Toney and Trader have absolutely shinned this week, it would be a crime to not mention the fact that RayRay Joseph and early enrollee Joshua Moore have also looked incredible.
Let it be known: this season isn’t a rebuild year for the Miami Hurricanes by any means. While there may be a lot of fan favorite names that have moved on, just know that the ones up next surely won’t disappoint
