Miami freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney was named one of 14 semifinalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, which honors the nation's top first-year player. The recognition adds another milestone to a breakout season for the Liberty City native and American Heritage standout.
Malachi Toney has been named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Jv0p6o6acL
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) November 5, 2025
Through November, Toney leads all ACC freshmen and ranks fifth overall in the conference in receiving yards, posting 632 yards on 52 receptions. He has recorded three 100-yard games and three total touchdowns, including two scoring catches at Florida State on Oct. 4. One of his best performances came against Louisville on Oct. 17, when he hauled in seven passes for 135 yards. Toney also has 61 rushing yards on 13 attempts.
Most Targets Without A Drop This Season:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 6, 2025
🙌 Malachi Toney, Miami: 66@CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/KOtBJnGpkA
The freshman's production has arrived to a Miami offense that replaced almost all of its receiving production from last year. Recent winners of the award include Trevor Lawrence (2018), Kenneth Gainwell (2019), Will Anderson Jr. (2020), Brock Bowers (2021), Drake Maye (2022), Caleb Downs (2023) and Colin Simmons (2024).
The 2025 semifinalist list features standouts from across the Power Four and Group of Six, including Alabama cornerback Dijon Lee Jr., Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker.
Toney's emergence has been one of Miami’s brightest storylines. At 5-foot-11, he has shown top-tier speed and has been a reliable option for QB Carson Beck. As Miami pushes into November, Toney will continue to be a name to watch.
Miami returns to action Saturday against Syracuse at Hard Rock Stadium. It will be another opportunity for Toney to showcase himself and climb up the list of the top freshman in the nation.
2025 Shaun Alexander Award semifinalists
- Micah Alejado, QB, Hawaii
- Caden Curry, DE, Ohio State
- Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State
- Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State
- Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
- Mason Heintschel, QB, Pitt
- Wendell Gregory, Edge, Oklahoma State
- Brandon Finney, CB, Oregon
- Demetres Samuel Jr., CB, Syracuse
- Drew Mestemaker, QB, North Texas
- Dijon Lee Jr., Alabama
- Malachi Toney, WR, Miami
- Ty Redmond, Tennessee
- Braylon Staley, Tennessee