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Miami’s 17-Year-Old WR Goes Viral After Scoring Touchdown in College Debut

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Aug 31, 2025 10:58 PM ET

The night cap on Sunday is a thrilling matchup between one of the prestigious rivalries in all sports, which is now finally being renewed between the No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes.

Heading into the showdown, much of the spotlight was on the quarterback battle. Notre Dame rolled out redshirt freshman CJ Carr, while Miami debuted Georgia transfer Carson Beck, a veteran who has been in college since 2020.

But in what turned into a defensive slugfest early — played in less-than-ideal weather — the first big headline came from Miami freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney, who hauled in the opening touchdown of the game in his college debut at just 17 years old.

A three-star recruit according to 247Sports, Toney has already proven himself worthy of early playing time. His rise has been rapid — after committing to Miami in October 2024, he reclassified and enrolled early. Instead of playing what should be his senior year of high school, he’s now catching touchdowns in a top-10 matchup under the national spotlight.

Check it out:

Miami True Freshman WR Malachi Toney catches his 1st Career TD as a Cane

Big contributor already, and crazy enough, he’s still supposed to be in high school (reclassed last fall)

Learn the name pic.twitter.com/BmxfkTwxlS
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) September 1, 2025

"Just a reminder that Malachi Toney reclassified and should still be in high school right now. WHAT A TALENT," a fan said.

Someone else added, "Crazy to think he’s technically still supposed to be in high school."

Another person wrote, "Nahhhh Malachi Toney is 17 and already better at life than me."

"Malachi Toney turns 18 years old next month. And he’s out there making plays in primetime in his UM debut. Special," one more fan commented.

Malachi Toney, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, attended American Heritage High School. While he wasn’t considered one of the top-rated recruits, he’s already making his presence felt in his college debut, recording four receptions on seven targets for 59 yards and a touchdown in the first half.

According to a Miami source, via Bruce Feldman of The Athletic: “[Toney’s] the best young wide receiver I’ve ever been around. His footwork and separation skills are elite. He’s a very unique kid. He doesn’t act like a freshman. He won’t be phased.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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