The University of Miami announced that Malachi Toney has broken multiple program records in his debut season. The 17-year-old wide receiver earned the nickname “Baby Jesus” during his high school career at American Heritage School.
Toney posted 99 receptions for 1,089 yards in his true freshman campaign. He reclassified to join the Hurricanes early, becoming one of the youngest players in college football.
The nickname originated from his status as a local legend in South Florida circles.
His play was so compelling that Miami head coach Mario Cristobal’s son once asked to skip school just to watch him compete. Toney earned recognition as a “must-see” player, similar to other South Florida standouts like Frank Gore.
NEW: Malachi Toney bought into Mario Cristobal’s vision for Miami and helped make it real
“We were in practice, he started making plays, and I was like, ‘Who is that?’ And they were like, ‘They call him Baby Jesus.’
And I’m a pretty religious guy, so you better be him to be… pic.twitter.com/0r7HzEf9nJ
— On3 (@On3) January 18, 2026
High School Career at American Heritage
Toney demonstrated versatility throughout his prep career. When American Heritage faced a quarterback injury mid-season, he stepped in at the position and led the team to a state championship.
In the title game, he completed 15-of-15 passes to secure the trophy.
Your telling me Malachi Toney was playing QB in high school?? pic.twitter.com/EapEdoI07e
— Clutch P1cks (@clutchp1cks) January 9, 2026
Coaches praised his work ethic during his time at American Heritage. He was often the first player to arrive and the last to leave team facilities. This approach has continued at Miami, where he’s maintained a professional routine despite being just 17 years old for most of the 2025 season.
Physical Attributes and Measurables
Toney stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 188 pounds. He ran a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, though coaches describe his game speed as even faster than his timed speed.
He competed in track and field at American Heritage as part of the 4×100 relay team. The relay squad posted times as fast as 42.45 seconds during his prep career.
Despite his youth, Toney has shown veteran-level understanding of spacing and leverage on the field.
brb watching malachi toney highlights on repeat @CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/FKhTnE4wrM
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) January 14, 2026
Record-Breaking Freshman Season
Toney established himself as the top freshman receiver in college football during the 2025 season. His production ranked among the best receivers at any level.
| Category | Stat |
| Receptions | 99 |
| Receiving Yards | 1,089 |
| Receiving TDs | 9 |
| Total TDs | 12 |
| Yards Per Game | 72.6 |
| 100-Yard Games | 4 |
He led all freshmen in receptions, receiving yards, yards per game and touchdowns.
Toney set Miami freshman records for both receptions and receiving yards. He also broke the Hurricanes’ single-season record for receptions, surpassing marks previously held by program legends.
The season earned him recognition from multiple national and conference organizations:
- FWAA Offensive Freshman of the Year
- ACC Rookie of the Year
- ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year
- AP All-America Second Team
- Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Finalist
- First-team All-ACC (Wide Receiver)
- Second-team All-ACC (All-Purpose)
- 247Sports True Freshman of the Year
Toney’s versatility extended beyond receiving. He contributed as a return specialist and occasionally lined up at quarterback in specific packages.
His performance has been central to Miami’s return to national prominence in 2025. The Hurricanes have used him in multiple roles, including jet sweeps and designed plays that take advantage of his speed and field vision.
