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Pitt CB Raion Strader is confident going into matchup against Miami WR Malachi Toney

Strader didn't shy away from the question.
ByPatrick Previty
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Oct 17, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney (1) makes a catch during the first quarter against the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Oct 17, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney (1) makes a catch during the first quarter against the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Asked this week about the Miami WR Malachi Toney and what he brings, Pittsburgh CB Raion Strader said, "He's a really good player, real dynamic player. But I think we have a great scheme for him. I think we'll go in and just play how we play, keep playing aggressive. You've got to let the chips fall where they may. We believe in ourselves, we're real confident on the defensive side and we're going to bring it to him."

Strader, a senior and Penn Hills native who arrived at Pitt this offseason via Miami (Ohio) and Auburn, leads the Panthers in interceptions (three) and pass breakups (five). He is the player most likely to shadow Toney when No. 1 Miami (6-0, 4-0 ACC) hosts Pittsburgh (5-2, 2-2) on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium.

Pitt CB shows confidence leading up to Saturday

Defensive coordinator Cory Sanders described treating Toney like any featured wide receiver while remaining "well aware" of where he lines up and what he does.

"Every team has guys that they want to go to with the football, and you have to be well aware of that," Sanders said. "You've just gotta be well aware, because they're gonna move him to the outside, to the inside, to the backfield... I think you just have to be well aware of where he is, and just like any week, you're studying releases, what he does and those things, just like other opponents."

Head coach Pat Narduzzi also rejected the idea of simply doubling the receiver. "It's not like they've got Malachi Toney and nobody else," Narduzzi said. "You double him, they'll run the ball down your throat... Best thing to do is be sound against him, know where he is and play good football. That's what we do."

Through six games Toney has 50 receptions for 758 yards and eight touchdowns. Against Florida State he finished with 11 catches for 154 yards and two scores, added 31 rushing yards, and completed a two-point conversion pass.

Last season as a true freshman he set Miami single-season receiving records and, in the meeting with Pitt, recorded 13 catches for 126 yards and a touchdown.

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