Malachi Toney's eye-opening weight gain will be major for Miami this season

Mario Cristobal has often raved about Malachi Toney's consistent work ethic, and we've already seen it come to fruition on the field for the Miami Hurricanes. Now, we're seeing what Toney has done in the weight room.

Recent photos of the Freshman All-American and All-ACC wide receiver from what looks like his photo shoot for the cover of the College Football 27 video game show that Toney has been getting those gains in the offseason. Toney, who was listed at 5-foot-11, 188 pounds, looks like he's packed on at least 10 pounds of muscle.

Malachi Toney shows off weight room gains in a recent photo shoot

Toney's usage rate in his freshman season was massive. His 109 catches shattered Miami single-season records for receptions, receiving yards and all-purpose yards. He proved to be very tough and durable throughout the season, but for him to match that kind of output in 2026, he was going to have to build up his body. 

"The best part about him, that guy is so internally driven and so motivated. This guy gets here early, and he pops in a sits down with the offensive line coach and talks about blocking and technique and hand placement," Cristobal told Mark Ingram II and Urban Meyer during the Triple Option podcast. "He's really out on the jugs [machine] at 5:30. He just had a camp, and it looked like the movie 'Braveheart' by the amount of human beings that were rushing him."

If there was ever a true role model for young players on how to conduct yourself on and off the field, Toney is that guy. He's always thinking about what he has to do better and what he needs to do in order to help the team more.

Malachi Toney's physique proves he's ready to run it back in 2026

When you add in returns and passing attempts, Toney had over 160 touches last season. If he's going to match or surpass those numbers, he needs to pack on the pounds to handle the workload. That doesn't include the blocking that he does and the fact that he doesn't shy away from any kind of physical contact. Cristobal and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson surely don't want Toney taking as many hits as he took last season, but they also don't want to do anything to take away from what is arguably Toney's biggest strength — his competitive nature and drive to succeed.

"I was given an opportunity to come here and showcase my talent at a young age. They gave me a chance to change around the program," Toney said. "The culure is different. It's really hard to explain We'ver got our on way, the Hurricane way. You're going to get everything out of Toney. That's what I want them to remember and say."

Despite the much-deserved fanfare, Toney hasn't let the attention get to his head. He's remained focused on the task at hand and his offseason efforts should serve as a great reminder to a roster that is built to win a championship. 

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