No. 1 Miami will be without its most productive offensive player for Saturday's showdown against Notre Dame after star wide receiver Malachi Toney suffered an ankle injury during Wednesday's practice. The injury is reportedly serious enough to require surgery, leaving the Hurricanes searching for answers at a position already dealing with the season-ending loss of Joshua Moore.
Breaking: Malachi Toney has a high ankle sprain and will have surgery, which will allow him to return for the College Football Playoff, sources told @PeteThamel.
— ESPN (@espn) November 5, 2026
The timeline for return from this injury is typcially at least four weeks. pic.twitter.com/54LUMW9Szx
Malachi Toney ruled OUT for Miami's game against Notre Dame
Toney is expected to undergo surgery, although the injury is not currently believed to be season-ending. The development comes after earlier reports suggested the sophomore might be able to play through the injury against the Fighting Irish.
Toney has been one of college football's most productive receivers this season, catching 73 passes for 1,027 yards and 13 touchdowns through eight games. He has been particularly impressive over the last three games, recording 34 catches for 433 yards and seven touchdowns against Florida State, Pittsburgh and North Carolina.
The Hurricanes have other talented receivers, but replacing that level of production will require contributions from several players.
Cooper Barkate is the second WR on Miami with 28 receptions for 372 yards and four touchdowns. His familiarity with Mensah (having caught 72 passes for 1,106 yards and seven touchdowns from him at Duke in 2025) should be extra valuable now.
Daylyn Upshaw should also see additional opportunities after emerging as Miami's third-leading wide receiver with 22 receptions for 263 yards and two touchdowns.
Vandrevius Jacobs and Somourian Wingo offer two additional options. Jacobs, who transferred from South Carolina, has recorded nine receptions for 150 yards and one touchdown. Wingo, a freshman, has caught eight passes for 142 yards and one touchdown.
Miami also has Vance Spafford, who has six receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown, along with Milan Parris, who has three catches for 19 yards.
Tight end Elija Lofton could also become a larger part of the offense. He ranks fourth on the team with 20 catches for 236 yards and two touchdowns.
The Hurricanes have demonstrated their offensive depth at various points throughout the year, but Notre Dame presents a much more difficult challenge.
While surgery is going to keep Toney out of Saturday's game and could sideline him for several weeks, Miami has not ruled out his return this season.
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