Malachi Toney’s mother shared the moment as the Miami freshman was honored following his ACC Rookie of the Year season on Feb. 2, 2026, reflecting his historic rise.
At just 18, Malachi Toney has quickly established himself as one of the most electrifying young playmakers in college football, emerging as a cornerstone wide receiver for the Miami Hurricanes during a historic freshman campaign.
From his roots in Miami’s Liberty City neighborhood to the national championship stage, Toney’s ascent has been defined by confidence, versatility, and an ability to rise in the biggest moments.
When he arrived early on campus at 17, there were questions about whether he’d be ready.
Those doubts didn’t last long. Week after week, he showed the same thing: poise, versatility, and a knack for showing up when the moment demanded it.
By the time the season ended, his name was etched into Miami’s freshman record book.
On Feb. 2, 2026, that run was officially recognized when he was honored as ACC Rookie of the Year, capping a season that helped carry the Hurricanes to their first national championship game appearance since 2002.
For all the awards and attention, the rise has been personal, too. Long before the headlines, there were early mornings, discipline, and sacrifices made away from the field, especially from his mother, who had been the steady presence behind the scenes.
As Toney’s profile continues to grow, that foundation remains part of what keeps him grounded while his career takes off.
Toni Toney and Antonio Brown, The Parents Shaping Malachi Toney’s Rise with the Hurricanes
Born on September 17, 2007, in Miami, Florida, Malachi Toney was raised in the city’s Liberty City neighborhood, where family structure, discipline, and routine shaped his early years long before national attention followed.
His journey has been anchored by his parents, Shatravia “Toni” Toney and Antonio Brown, whose contrasting paths both helped mold the Hurricanes standout.
Toney’s mother, Toni, largely raised him as a single parent while working as a U.S. Postal Service employee.
Her work ethic became the blueprint for Malachi’s own approach to football. Early mornings, long shifts, and unwavering consistency were everyday realities he witnessed growing up, and lessons he carried onto the field.
“Watching my mom get up early for work, if she can do it, why can’t I?”
Malachi Toney
She also played a major role in major career choices, such as his 2025 signing with the sports and marketing agency NETWORK, which also made sure he had a voice and long-term counseling as his profile expanded.
Meanwhile, Malachi’s father, Antonio Brown, provided a different form of influence.
A former NFL wide receiver, Brown played professionally from 2003 to 2005, spending time with the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins (now Commanders), along with stints in Canada.
Though not as publicly vocal, his experience offered a perspective on the demands of high-level football insight that Malachi has drawn from quietly.
Importantly, Brown is not related to the more widely known NFL star of the same name, a distinction often clarified as Malachi’s profile has risen.
Despite their separation, both parents have remained supportive.
Antonio has attended Hurricanes games and publicly encouraged his son online, while Toni continues to be the most constant presence behind the scenes, balancing guidance, protection, and belief as Malachi navigates early stardom.
“If he has practice, he has to go to practice. That’s always been the rule.”
Toni Toney
Together, their influence, Toni’s discipline and sacrifice, paired with Antonio’s firsthand football experience, have grounded Malachi’s rapid ascent.
A Season for the Ages: Malachi Toney’s Record-Breaking Freshman Rise in 2025
The 2025 college football season marked more than a breakout for Malachi Toney; it cemented his arrival as one of the nation’s premier young playmakers for the Miami Hurricanes.
Across a 16-game freshman campaign, the Miami native posted 109 receptions for 1,211 yards and 10 touchdowns, setting Miami freshman records in both catches and receiving yards while leading all FBS freshmen in production.
That performance was recognized in early February 2026, when Toney was named ACC Rookie of the Year, ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year, and FWAA Offensive Freshman of the Year, capping a season that helped lift Miami to its first national championship game appearance since 2002.
“This kid can do a lot more. So let’s push the limits of what we can do with him.”
Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson
Toney set the tone from the opener, catching Miami’s first touchdown of the season against Notre Dame, and remained a constant as his role expanded across the offense.
He delivered multiple 100-yard games during conference play and saved one of his best performances for the biggest stage.
In the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Indiana, Toney led all players with 10 catches for 122 yards and a touchdown, despite Miami’s loss.
“He won’t be a secret anymore. That kid is special.”
Miami quarterback Carson Beck
Beyond receiving, Toney added rushing yards, two passing touchdowns on gadget plays, and steady production as a punt returner, becoming the only freshman in FBS to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in 2025.
As he enters his sophomore season, the expectations have shifted.
Toney is no longer an emerging talent; he is the centerpiece of Miami’s offense and an early name to watch in national award conversations as the Hurricanes return to college football’s elite tier.
AI Overview
Malachi Toney is an 18-year-old Miami Hurricanes wide receiver who exploded on a national scale in the 2025 season following an early reclassification.
- Historic Freshman Year: Set Miami leads all FBS freshmen with 109 receptions, 1,211 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
- National Stage: 10 catches, 122 yards, and one TD in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
- Awards: ACC Rookie of the Month, ACC Offensive Rookie of the Month, and FWAA Offensive Freshman of the Month.
- Prognosis: He goes into 2026 as the offensive centerpiece of Miami and an up-and-coming NFL star.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Malachi Toney?
Toney stands 1.8 meters tall (approximately 5 feet 11 inches).
Is Malachi Toney related to Kadarius Toney?
No, he is not related to NFL wide receiver Kadarius Toney. The two are of different families and backgrounds, although they have the same surname and play the same position
What is Malachi Toney’s NIL value?
Malachi’s exact NIL value has not been publicly disclosed. However, following his ACC Rookie of the Year season and national championship game appearance, his NIL valuation is widely believed to be in the high six figures, with expectations of growth as he enters his sophomore year.
Is Malachi Toney going to the NFL?
Not yet, he is currently a sophomore at Miami and is not draft-eligible. Based on his age and class, he would be eligible for the 2028 NFL Draft, and early projections already view him as a future NFL prospect.
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