From the very first snap, Malachi Toney has been impossible to ignore. In Week 1 against Notre Dame, he caught 6 passes for 82 yards. Since then, through the first half of the season, he’s consistently pulled in four or more catches per game. And every reception screams highlight material. But the biggest spark? When Miami beat FSU 28-22 to stay undefeated at 5-0, thanks to a stunning performance by 18-year-old WR Malachi Toney. The true freshman lit up the field with 107 yards and two scores, all before the 4th quarter, leaving FSU’s secondary grasping at air with every move. And now, seeing him deliver that performance with everyone singing his praises, Mario Cristobal’s statement from 5 months ago feels more real than ever.

On September 5, CFB reporter Brandon Marcello captured a telling moment with Mario Cristobal. “I shadowed Cristobal at Miami’s spring game. The Canes were enamored with freshman WR Malachi Toney,” he shared. At that time, when Toney made a 20-yard TD catch, Cristobal flashed a knowing smile to Marcello on the field. But it was not friendly; it seemed like a warning. Fast forward five months, and Toney has lived up to every bit of the hype. So, what was once a hint has now become a full-blown arrival for the freshman phenom. That’s why Cristobal fired the question right back at the reporter.

“What are your thoughts on Malachi?” asked Cristobal. “I think he’s the best freshman in the country,” replied Marcello. Then Cristobal nodded and said, “I’m going to tell him he still has a long way to go and that he needs to keep working. But I’m glad he’s impressed you — because I know you know your stuff.” So, the coach wasn’t just praising; he was setting the bar. And why not? That is what Toney should get.

In Saturday’s game, on fourth-and-2, a quick slant became a 40-yard TD after Toney’s stutter step froze a safety. Then came another catch, a 52-yard catch-and-run, but it was nullified by an illegal motion. Although by the end of the 3rd quarter, Toney had already racked up 68 yards, leaving everyone buzzing. Following that, Cristobal couldn’t stop himself from speaking.

“If you watch Malachi on his dailies, it wouldn’t surprise you,” stated the Miami HC. “I don’t hand out praise lightly, especially to young guys. But if everyone performed like Malachi, teams would be unstoppable. He’s an early, early, early guy.” So, according to Cristobal, Malachi Toney wasn’t just good; he was elite. And it wasn’t just Cristobal singing Toney’s praises. After the FSU victory, Pro Football Hall of Fame and Miami legend Michael Irvin met Toney at midfield, exchanged a handshake, and had high praise.

“One of the best freshmen I’ve ever seen,” said Irvin to CBS Sports. “One of the best freshmen we’ve ever seen. Ever. Not just now. Ever.” Honestly, Toney’s impact is undeniable; that’s why one of Miami’s greatest wideouts recognized it. After all, greatness knows greatness. Now, while everyone’s praising Malachi Toney, the wideout himself remains humble.

Malachi Toney’s reaction after the win

Malachi Toney might just be the brightest star on CFB’s hottest team. But why? Miami hasn’t beaten FSU and Florida in consecutive years since the glory days of 2001 to 2004, and now, the 18-year-old WR is fueling that revival. Yet, even as classmates stop him on campus, Toney keeps it cool. “To be honest, I don’t really feed into all that,” he said. “I just stay humble, stay level-headed — never too high, never too low. Just consistent.” Surely, the swagger’s there, but it’s his discipline that’s ready to rewrite Miami’s story.

That’s why even Carson Beck couldn’t hold back his praise for Malachi Toney. “From the first time I met him, there was just something different.”I don’t know how to explain it, but just the way he carries himself, who he is. He’s in the facility nonstop, 24/7,” stated Beck. And the secret behind that relentless drive? Toney credits his mother.

Toney’s mother, Toni Toney, works long hours at the post office. “Watching my mom get up early for work,” said Malachi, “if she can do it, why can’t I?” That mindset fuels him every day. And now, as the Malachi Toney hype train picks up steam, it’s clear: he’s set to bring even more fire to Cristobal’s Miami squad.