One of the biggest superstars in college football is starting the 2026 season like he ended last year, and defenders are paying the price. Malachi Toney, the sophomore wide receiver for the Miami Hurricanes, made headlines during his team's run through the College Football Playoff, and during the season opener Friday night, he showed he hasn't lost a step. Playing against the Stanford Cardinal, Toney had 10 receptions for 182 yards and two touchdowns — in the first half alone.
As if that stat line isn't embarrassing enough for the Cardinal, Toney scored his first touchdown easily and caused two defenders to collide. On that two-yard touchdown catch, Toney scored and quickly stepped back out of the end zone, causing one Cardinal to smash into another, sending both Stanford players spinning onto the ground. Toney then jumped back into the end zone essentially untouched to celebrate with his teammates.
The Stanford players didn't appear to be injured, though one or both of them very easily could have been. They most likely collided shoulders, but their helmets very nearly touched, something that could have concussed one or both of them. Additionally, it appears the cornerback wasn't even aware of the safety crashing down toward the play, as he was focused on Toney and the ball — probably a smart move, given what Toney did last season.
As a true freshman, Toney was a force all over the field. He had 1,211 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns, as well as another 113 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown. In the playoffs, though, is when he truly broke out.
In four playoff games, he had 265 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns, helping take the Hurricanes to the national championship game. Now that the offseason is over, he's back to business, as the team noted on social media. "In case you forgot…Malachi Toney is DIFFERENT!"
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