Malachi Toney is the best freshman wide receiver and one of the top wideouts overall in college football in 2025. Toney will face a Texas A&M defense that ranks 17th nationally, allowing 6.1 yards per pass attempt and 21st, holding opponents to 182.8 yards per game.
Toney finished the 2025 regular season with Miami freshman records of 84 receptions for 970 yards and added seven touchdown receptions. As one of the most versatile players nationally, Toney also added 17 carries for 89 yards and a TD and completed four passes in six attempts for 82 yards and two TDs.
Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus asked, "Can the Aggies contain Malachi Toney?" Wasserman noted Toney is third nationally among qualified WRs with a 90.5 PFF receiving grade with no drops in 100 targets to tie a PFF single-season college record.
Per Wasserman, Toney leads all Power Four players with 623 yards after the catch and is first with 40 receptions for 322 yards on screen passes. Texas A&M allows 2.4 yards per screen pass, the fewest nationally per Wasserman.
"The Aggies’ ability to rally to the ball and prevent Toney from creating explosive plays after the catch will be a big factor in slowing down the Hurricanes’ offense."Dalton Wasserman, Pro Football Focus
Toney's explosiveness will be critical versus Texas A&M
Toney is tied for 12th nationally with 38 receptions for 10 or more yards, has 48 catches for first downs, 19 of 15 or more yards and six for 25 plus. Texas A&M also has to contend with Toney as a runner. Seven of Toney's 17 carries were for first downs during the regular season and he has five runs for 10 or more yards.
As a passer, three of Toney's six attempts were for first downs, two were for 15 or more yards and he had one completion for 44 yards. Texas A&M will have to contend with Toney as a triple threat every time he has a touch.
How well Texas A&M contains Toney on Saturday should be a huge determining factor if the Aggies or Miami advance to the CFP quarterfinals. Toney enters the CFP with 25 receptions for 272 yards and two TDs and two completions in three attempts for 24 yards and another score in his last two games.