Miami Receiver Malachi Toney Misses Notre Dame Game With Ankle Surgery
The No. 1 ranked Hurricanes lose their leading receiver for at least four weeks following a high-ankle sprain sustained during practice.
By Oliver Bennett ·
Malachi Toney will miss at least four weeks of action after suffering a high-ankle sprain during Wednesday practice. The Miami Hurricanes confirmed the star wide receiver requires surgery, sidelining him for Saturday's game against No. 11 Notre Dame. According to ESPN, Toney is expected to return in time for the College Football Playoff, but his absence leaves a major gap in the offense.
Toney sustained the injury on November 4 while running drills. The team announced the diagnosis shortly after practice concluded. With the Notre Dame game scheduled for November 7, the Hurricanes must adjust their game plan immediately. The injury occurs at a critical point in the season for the top-ranked team.
Toney has been the focal point of Miami's attack this year. The sophomore leads the team with 73 receptions, 1,027 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns. His production placed him as the fourth-best contender for the Heisman Trophy before the injury. Yahoo Sports reports that his odds have dropped since the injury occurred.
Miami's offense has led the nation in scoring with an average of 47.6 points per game. That statistical dominance relied heavily on Toney's ability to separate from defenders. Now, the burden shifts to other players on the roster. The team must generate explosive plays without its most reliable target.
Quarterback Darian Mensah will look to Cooper Barkate and Daylyn Upshaw as primary options. Their performance will determine if Miami can maintain its offensive rhythm. The loss also affects the Heisman race, as CBS Sports notes that Mensah's passing productivity may decline without Toney. The connection between the two was a key factor in Miami's success.
The matchup against Notre Dame adds another layer of complexity for the Hurricanes. The Irish are ranked seven spots lower in the CFP rankings than in the AP Top 25, making this a high-stakes contest. Notre Dame's star cornerback, Leonard Moore, is expected to return after missing the previous game. Toney will be the one missing the chance to face Moore.
The Hurricanes aim to maintain their top spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. They enter the game with a strong record and a high-powered offense. The next four weeks will test their depth and adaptability. Toney's return to practice will be monitored closely as the team prepares for the final stretch of the regular season.
