Malachi "Baby Jesus" Toney arrived on the collegiate football scene in 2025 and made sure his name was well known, whether you were a fan of the Miami Hurricanes or not.
Now, with his sophomore season just over the horizon, he's receiving even more attention than last year, including praise from legendary players like Heisman Trophy-winning, BCS National Champion, former Alabama running back Mark Ingram II.
Mark Ingram excited for Malachi Toney's sophomore season
On Ingram's podcast The Triple Option, which he hosts with legendary college head coach Urban Meyer and long-time football analyst Rob Stone, he went as far as to pick Toney as his way-too-early Heisman Trophy winner.
Keep in mind, the season is still seven months away, and there are thousands of players to choose from (with a couple dozen being reasonable options). Already picking Toney as his Heisman frontrunner is huge praise for the young wideout.
Mark Ingram selects Malachi Toney as his way-too-early Heisman pick. pic.twitter.com/0j52KNZv41
— Grant Reacts (@GrantReacts1) January 28, 2026
While Toney has just one season under his belt, praise from elite players and coaches like Ingram and Meyer is a massive nod of respect and a great sign for his future.
"I'm talking about jack of all trades, a real deal baller down here in South Florida; Malachi Toney," Ingram said. "I'm going with Baby Jesus... I think he's gonna be the next Heisman brother."
As a true freshman, he earned 1,211 receiving yards for 10 touchdowns while gaining an additional 113 yards and one touchdown on the ground, and helped lead the Canes to their appearance in the National Championship game.
Tacking on 82 passing yards for another two touchdowns and 298 yards on punt returns, Toney was everywhere on the field.
Ingram was a beast in college, as well as the NFL, and undeniably knows ball. With 3,261 career rushing yards, 670 receiving yards, and 46 total touchdowns, he was unstoppable when he played for Alabama.
Toney kind of has the same feel to him and has already taken a step toward cementing himself as a Miami legend. Now, to match Ingram's level of lore in college football, he needs to lead the Canes to that extra step: winning the national title.