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Mario Cristobal shares encouraging Malachi Toney injury update as Miami eyes CFP return

Malachi Toney is on schedule in his recovery from ankle surgery.
ByPatrick Previty
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Oct 31, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Miami (FL) Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney (1) warms up before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Oct 31, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Miami (FL) Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney (1) warms up before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Miami coach Mario Cristobal offered another encouraging update on Malachi Toney, confirming that the Hurricanes' leading receiver is on schedule in his recovery from ankle surgery.

With Miami preparing for a crucial stretch of games that will determine its postseason future, the possibility of getting Toney back in December is very much alive.

"He is doing really well, he is attacking the rehab. We are on schedule," Cristobal said during the Mario Cristobal Show.

Toney's recovery is on schedule

Toney suffered a high ankle sprain during practice on Nov. 4 and underwent TightRope surgery the following morning. Cristobal previously said the procedure was successful and provided a recovery timeline.

"Timeline is as soon as four, four and a half weeks from procedure time," Cristobal said following Miami's loss to Notre Dame.

That puts Toney's earliest potential return between Dec. 3 and Dec. 7. The ACC Championship Game is scheduled for Dec. 5 and the College Football Playoff begins on Dec. 18.

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Toney's health could influence Miami's CFP evaluation

The Hurricanes dropped from No. 1 to No. 7 in Tuesday's College Football Playoff rankings following their 31-24 loss to Notre Dame.

The committee's official selection criteria allow injuries to key players to be considered when evaluating teams with comparable resumes.

Miami must survive without Toney

The Hurricanes struggled early against Notre Dame, falling behind 24-3 before their passing attack found a rhythm.

Cooper Barkate stepped into a larger role, catching 10 passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns, while tight end Elija Lofton added seven receptions for 113 yards and another score.

The Hurricanes also shifted Daylyn Upshaw into a different receiving role to help compensate for his absence.

Toney continues receiving national recognition

Toney and Darian Mensah were named semifinalists for the Maxwell Award on Tuesday before both were also selected as Walter Camp Player of the Year Award semifinalists Wednesday.

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