Sam Navarro, USA TODAY Sports

Michael Irvin Left His Mark on Malachi Toney During Notre Dame-Miami Breakout

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 4:10 PM ET

Malachi Toney walked inside Hard Rock Stadium facing more than Notre Dame. He entered a venue featuring revered icons who once wore the Miami Hurricanes colors before him.

None, perhaps, brought a larger presence in tow more for Toney's wide receiver position than Michael Irvin. The same Irvin who ignited Miami's golden era of the late 1980s that saw national title runs. All before he placed three Super Bowl ringers on his fingers with the Dallas Cowboys.

And the same Irvin who was there to see the much-hyped 17-year-old Toney making his collegiate debut.

Toney and the 'Canes got tested with a sudden rush from Notre Dame -- erasing a 21-7 Miami lead and momentarily tying the game at 24-all. But Toney led the night with six receptions for 82 yards and scored during a critical third-and-10 scenario.

Toney felt the energy of the Hard Rock Stadium crowd. Then the brute physicality of the Fighting Irish on the field. The star from nearby American Heritage High School knelt on the field victorious, though, taking in the emotional 27-24 win on Sunday evening.

Irvin walked over and placed his hands over the newly anointed freshman sensation at "The U." That's when Toney revealed to reporters how Irvin left his mark on the new fan favorite in the 305.

"He said, 'just keep going, put your foot on their neck, don't let up,'" Toney said.

Malachi Toney Proved Instant Growth Before Miami-Notre Dame Showcase

Toney matured on a night the Miami legends like Irvin pulled up. Newly inducted Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Johnson attended too. Same with other revered 'Canes bringing their own Super Bowl bling in Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

Toney had to grow fast in front of the legends. But he showed his instant growth through one big decision way before facing the No. 6 team in the nation.

The four-star WR was supposed to be facing Philadelphia powerhouse St. Joseph's Prep as his first game, not the Irish. Aug. 22 originally got marked as his opening 2025 football game -- all before the calendar flipped to Oct. 28, 2024.

Toney decided he'd done enough at the prep level. He dipped out of the 2026 class and opted to reclassify for 2025. Showing how far ahead he is regarding his decision making.

That decision proved beneficial for Mario Cristobal and new quarterback Carson Beck, hailing Toney as their "little secret weapon" unleashed on ND. Toney admitted he didn't know how much he'd be used on the national title game runner-up.

Toney even admitted nerves "Early when they announced me as a starter," but those nerves drifted into the sky right after learning his playing fate.

Toney blew through busted coverages. Even faking a drag route to win one solo battle. The effervescent Irvin is now attached to the 5-foot-11 target -- telling him "don't let up."

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

More must-reads: