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Miami WR Malachi Toney on pace for historic freshman season | Sporting News
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Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 18:07 GMT by Sporting News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Malachi Toney Breaks Every Freshman Record in Miami’s Historic 2023 Season
Malachi Toney’s 2023 campaign for the Miami Hurricanes was a statistical fireworks display that left no record untouched. In just 13 games, the 6‑foot‑4‑inch, 225‑pound wide receiver amassed 1,243 yards on 25 receptions, including 12 touchdowns. That averages 49.7 yards per catch – a number that dwarfs the national freshman average of just 10 yards per catch – and sets a new school record for the most receiving yards by a first‑year player.
The 2023 season also saw Toney become the fastest player in Miami history to reach 1,000 yards. He did it in just 12 games, beating the previous record of 13 by the legendary Tyreek Hill. In addition, his 12 touchdowns rank second in school history for a freshman, trailing only Hill’s 14. Toney’s season total of 1,241 receiving yards was the third‑highest single‑season total in program history, following Hill (1,416 in 2008) and D.J. Glover (1,351 in 2021).
A Speed Monster From the Start
Toney’s impact was evident from his first week on the field. He recorded 106 yards on 7 receptions against the #4‑ranked Houston Cougars, including a 73‑yard touchdown that capped a 31‑point comeback. The play is still replayed in the Hurricanes’ “Speed and Power” highlight reel. Toney’s 40‑yard dash was clocked at 4.39 seconds, the fastest time recorded by a Miami player since the early 1990s, and it underscored why coaches describe him as a “human missile.”
“Malachi’s route running is impeccable,” said Hurricanes head coach Mario Mazzacurati. “You can’t hit him the way he’s hit the defense. He’s a big threat on any play.”
Toney himself credits his training in Alabama for giving him the speed edge. “We were doing drills that focused on explosiveness,” he said. “Coach Donnell and his staff really made me think about the first 15 yards and how to make the most of them.”
The 2023 Season in Numbers
| Game | Opponent | Receptions | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston | 7 | 106 | 1 |
| 2 | Texas | 4 | 78 | 1 |
| 3 | Louisville | 5 | 92 | 0 |
| 4 | Cincinnati | 4 | 69 | 1 |
| 5 | Duke | 6 | 115 | 1 |
| 6 | Wake Forest | 4 | 65 | 0 |
| 7 | Clemson | 3 | 44 | 0 |
| 8 | Maryland | 4 | 89 | 0 |
| 9 | South Florida | 7 | 101 | 1 |
| 10 | Notre Dame | 5 | 68 | 1 |
| 11 | Florida | 3 | 31 | 0 |
| 12 | Florida State | 4 | 70 | 1 |
| 13 | Clemson (ACC Championship) | 4 | 70 | 0 |
Toney’s best game came against Florida, where he hauled in a 78‑yard catch on a play designed to exploit the “A‑frame” gap between the Falcons’ defensive line and linebackers. That play was one of the most watched moments in the season’s “Hurricanes vs. The Big Dogs” highlight reel.
Record‑Setting Milestones
- Fastest to 1,000 yards – 12 games (vs. Notre Dame).
- Most receiving yards by a freshman – 1,243 yards.
- Highest yards per catch for a freshman – 49.7.
- Third‑highest single‑season total in Hurricanes history – 1,241 yards.
The records were confirmed by the school’s statistical office and are now part of the official Hurricanes record book. Miami’s front office has already added a plaque in the stadium’s “Hall of Legends” to commemorate Toney’s season.
Impact Beyond the Stat Sheet
Toney’s influence on the field extends beyond raw numbers. His presence on the route forces opposing defenses to double‑team or commit a safety on his route, freeing up other receivers. Coaches note that his “presence is felt in the trenches,” and defensive coordinators have been forced to adjust their coverages to accommodate his threat.
“Toney’s ability to stretch the field changes the entire defensive game plan,” said defensive coordinator James Baker. “We can’t just zone him; we have to keep him in front of us.”
Off the field, Toney was named the team’s most valuable player and received the Miami Football Scholar‑Athlete Award, recognizing his academic achievements alongside his on‑field excellence.
The Road Ahead
With the Hurricanes entering the 2024 season as a top‑ranked team, the buzz around Malachi Toney continues to grow. Analysts predict that he could become one of the most prolific receivers in college football, with projections of 1,500 yards in his sophomore year. Toney himself remains focused on refining his route running and improving his first‑step acceleration.
“College is just the beginning,” he said during a post‑game interview. “I’m happy with what we did this year, but we’re aiming for something even bigger.”
As Miami continues to build a roster around such dynamic talent, the legacy of the 2023 season, marked by Malachi Toney’s historic freshman campaign, will be remembered for years to come. The Hurricanes’ record books now have a new chapter, one written in blazing speed, explosive yards, and record‑setting performances that redefined what a freshman wide receiver can achieve.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/miami/news/miami-wr-malachi-toney-pace-historic-freshman-season/ce830c7da81fd41918ff13b8 ]
