On3's Ari Wasserman ranked the top 10 wide receivers in college football entering the 2026 season, and Miami was one of two programs with multiple players on the list. Malachi Toney was ranked No. 2 nationally, behind only Ohio State superstar Jeremiah Smith. Duke transfer Cooper Barkate gave the Hurricanes another WR at No. 10.
That is a massive statement for Miami's skill talent and another reason expectations around Darian Mensah's first season in Coral Gables will be high.
NEW: Top 10 College Football WRs entering the 2026 season⚡️
— On3 (@On3) June 15, 2026
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Miami lands two wide receivers in On3's top 10 entering 2026 season
Toney being near the top of the list should surprise nobody after what he did as a true freshman. From Toney's breakout performance in Miami's 27-24 season-opening win over Notre Dame, to his leadership in the Canes' CFP win over Texas A&M, Toney was the heart of the team last season.
Barkate is a name that Miami fans have come to learn during the offseason. He follows Mensah to Miami from Duke, where he caught 72 passes for 1,106 yards and seven touchdowns last season. That connection will be a crucial point for the offense next season and can open up a lot of possibilities if they can replicate the success they had together at Duke.
That gives Miami a different kind of receiving duo. Toney is the explosive centerpiece who can line up all over the field and change games with touches in space. Barkate is the polished, experienced target who already has a full season of production with Miami’s new quarterback.
Indiana was the only other program with two receivers in On3's top 10, with Charlie Becker at No. 5 and Nick Marsh at No. 8. Florida State's Duce Robinson was also ranked sixth, helping bolster the ACC a bit.
Miami fans have a right to be excited about the 2026 season
With Barkate, Toney and Mensah in the fold, Miami's offense projects to be one of the best in the nation. But it's really not just about them. The supporting cast is also impressive.
The Hurricanes welcome back their top three rushers from last season, a new batch of top high school recruits that includes 5-star OT Jackson Cantwell, and a crop of transfer WRs in addition to Barkate.
In the spirit of not getting too ahead of themselves, the CFP shouldn't be expected. It must still be earned, week in and week out. But there certainly doesn't seem like any team in the ACC on the level of the Canes right now.
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