Malachi Toney has all the makings of a college football standout.
The Miami Hurricanes wide receiver is just a freshman, but he already looks to have established himself as one of the Hurricanes' top offensive weapons. He made his first mark in No. 10 Miami's season-opening clash with No. 6 Notre Dame.
Still a teenager, Toney evaded the Fighting Irish defense to record his first collegiate touchdown in early in the second quarter.
BECK TO TONEY!!!!! pic.twitter.com/jSf3TePVxx
— Grant Speaks (@GrantSpeaks1) September 1, 2025
With NFL pedigree in his back pocket, Toney looks well-equipped to add more scores to his tally over the next few years.
With that, here's what you need to know about Malachi Toney.
MORE:Revisiting infamous 1988 Notre Dame vs. Miami 'Catholics vs. Convicts' game
Who is Malachi Toney?
Toney is a freshman wide receiver at Miami. The 5-foot-11, 182-pound pass catcher is a Florida native, who emerged from American Heritage in Fort Lauderdale. Toney was a three-star prospect, per 247 Sports. He landed offers from Alabama, Colorado, Georgia and Ohio State, among other schools, garnering plaudits for his exploits in the slot.
Toney opted to forgo his senior year and reclassify after tallying 57 catches for 1,018 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024. 247 Sports' Andrew Ivins praised Toney for his hands and elusiveness in a 2024 scouting report, suggesting he could project as "a potential impact player on Saturdays."
Has proven to be extremely efficient working out of a slot alignment as he uses his acceleration and agility to create separation on underneath routes. Advanced eye control and soft hands can lead to highlight-reel worthy grabs. Might not win every foot race, but is evasive after the catch and can avoid would-be tacklers with his quick feet.
Where was Malachi Toney ranked in high school?
Toney wasn't predestined for college football success, at least not in the eyes of various recruiting databases. 247 Sports listed Toney as the No. 55 WR and No. 47 player in Florida in 2024. ESPN ranked him the No. 82 WR and No. 71 player in Florida. Rivals was more optimistic, hailing Toney as a four-star talent.
While Toney wasn't exactly a blue-chip prospect by the traditional metrics, it doesn't seem to have limited his collegiate success thus far.
Is Malachi Toney related to Kadarius Toney?
Toney has a familiar last name, sharing his title with former Giants, Chiefs and Browns wide receiver Kadarius Toney. They aren't related, though, although Malachi does share blood with another former NFL pass-catcher.
MORE:Why did Carson Beck transfer from Georgia to Miami?
Malachi Toney father: Antonio Brown
Toney's father is Antonio Brown. Just not the one you're familiar with.
Toney isn't related to the Antonio Brown who starred on the Steelers before fizzling out the league in 2021. Rather, his father is the Antonio Brown who played West Virginia and the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers before embarking on a three-year NFL career with the Bills and Washington. Brown was known for his returning prowess, tallying 1,551 kick return yards and 263 punt return yards during his NFL career.