With the Miami Hurricanes headed to the College Football Playoff behind their freshman star Malachi Toney, Mario Cristobal put Toney's work ethic and personality front and center on The Pat McAfee Show.
"Malachi Toney is a special dude with a special attitude... He has ridiculous energy on a daily basis and you're not gonna outwork the guy."Mario Cristobal
"Malachi Toney is a special dude with a special attitude..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 11, 2025
He has ridiculous energy on a daily basis and you're not gonna outwork the guy" ~ @coach_cristobal #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/KyVLU6V3aZ
Malachi Toney has been the Miami Hurricane's breakout star
For Miami fans, none of that is breaking news. Toney just finished one of the best freshman seasons in school history, helping push Miami to the No. 10 seed in the CFP, where the Hurricanes will face No. 7 Texas A&M in the first round.
Toney led all freshmen in FBS with 84 receptions for 970 yards and seven touchdowns, setting a Miami freshman record for single-season receiving yards and becoming one of the ACC's most productive wideouts. The ACC named him both Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year, and he was a first-team All-ACC pick at wide receiver and second team as an all-purpose player.
He also carried the ball 17 times for 89 yards and a touchdown, handled punt returns, and even operated as a passer. Early in the year the Canes offense had some creativity problems. Toney's all-purpose ability, specifically as a passer, has offered a dynamic wrinkle to OC Shannon Dawson's play calling.
Prior to the season, Miami had to replace their top six pass catchers from the 2024 season. Toney has not just been a bright spot to the offense, he has been a necessity. Even with injuries, and some struggles from Carson Beck periodically, Toney has been the most reliable all season long.
Texas A&M will surely have their eye on the true freshman star who has only gotten better as the season has progressed.