Malachi Toney has been a revelation for the Miami Hurricanes in 2025. The true freshman wideout has had one of the greatest seasons by a freshman in the history of the program. A Shaun Alexander Award finalist for the nation’s best freshman, he’s been arguably the best freshman from coast to coast this season.

He made a splash in the Canes’ big 27-24 win over Notre Dame to start the season, and he’s become more and more known by college football fans across the country throughout the season.

He’ll get his chance to introduce himself to more fans in a couple of weeks, when the Hurricanes face the Texas A&M Aggies in the first round of the College Football Playoff in College Station. The Canes were selected as the final at large team in the playoff over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Aggies head coach Mike Elko was asked on Sunday about the Miami Hurricanes during a video call with the media. While he was complimentary of Miami, he had an interesting comment about Toney that likely raised an eyebrow or two in South Florida.

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko referred to Malachi Toney as ‘the little freshman slot’ during his video call with the media

Elko praised Miami’s defensive line and athleticism, referencing the win over Notre Dame before shifting to talk about the Hurricanes’ offensive line.

But then he made reference to Miami’s skill position players, and Toney’s name didn’t exactly come out of his mouth.

“They’ve got some talented skill players. The little freshman slot they’ve got it is an elite skill player.”

He certainly is an elite skill player, but he does have a name, and it’s Malachi Toney. To give him some grace, Elko is an SEC coach and probably hasn’t watched a ton of ACC football, but Toney has made waves – and headlines – nationally this year with his explosive play.

Toney has gone from wide receiver for the Hurricanes to a true all-around threat, returning punts, taking handoffs, and providing a dual threat option to throw out of the backfield. Toney played some quarterback in high school for American Heritage High School in Plantation, Florida, and Mario Cristobal has been using that skillset more in recent weeks to diversify the offense a bit and create some big plays.

In Miami’s last game against Pittsburgh, Toney threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to TE Elija Lofton after sweeping right with the ball and drawing the defense his way. He also threw for a two-point conversion back in October against Louisville.

On the season, Toney has totaled 84 catches for 970 yards and 7 touchdowns. He’s well on his way to becoming a household name in the sport for the next few years and will look to start turning more heads on December 20 against the Aggies.

Maybe afterwards, Elko will remember his name.

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