Malachi Toney was named the all-purpose player on the "2026 college football Way-Too-Early All-America team," quarterback Darian Mensah was also mentioned, with running back Mark Fletcher Jr. and edge rusher Damon Wilson named as also considered.
Toney set or tied Miami single-season and freshmen records in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches in 2025. Former Miami QB Carson Beck and Toney developed exceptional chemistry in 2025. Toney had nearly twice as many receptions and yards as Keelan Marion, who was second in both for Miami in 2025.
Mark Schlabach wrote the ESPN Way-Too-Early-All-American team and stated Mensah as six QBs he could have chosen and that it was the most difficult position to pick just one player. Mensah was second nationally in 2025, throwing for 3,973 yards.
Fletcher Jr. carried Miami during their run to the National Championship game. In four College Football Playoff games, Fletcher Jr. had 75 carries for 507 yards and two touchdowns with three receptions for 33 yards and a TD. If Fletcher Jr. continues at the same pace in 2026, he could be a Heisman Trophy candidate.
"All-purpose: Malachi Toney, MiamiMark Schlabach, ESPN
Toney led the FBS with 109 receptions, was fifth with 1,211 receiving yards, threw two touchdowns, and had 298 yards on 23 punt returns. He did all of that as an 18-year-old freshman in what would have been his senior season at American Heritage High in Plantation, Florida, until he reclassified to the Class of 2025."
Miami's most important player in 2026?
Wilson could be the most important player for Miami in 2026 after he had 23 tackles with 9.5 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, one interception, two passes defended and a fumble recovery for Missouri in 2025. Wilson adds experience on a Miami defensive line that has to replace Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor.
A Miami player to watch who was not mentioned by ESPN is wide receiver Cooper Barkate. Barkate already has chemistry with Mensah after catching 72 passes for 1,106 yards and seven TDs with Duke in 2025. Barkate and Toney will lead what should be a dynamic Miami WR corps in 2026.