Daylyn Upshaw must step up for Miami vs. Notre Dame with Malachi Toney questionable

Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Daylyn Upshaw must step up for Miami vs. Notre Dame with Malachi Toney questionable

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Nov 4, 2026 6:08 PM ET

Malachi Toney is irreplaceable for the Miami Hurricanes, and that's a problem for Mario Cristobal's team heading into Week 10.

Toney reportedly suffered an injury in practice on Wednesday as the No. 1-ranked Hurricanes prepare to travel to take on the No. 11 Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

It was a rolled ankle that occurred when the star wideout got his feet caught up with a cornerback while running a route.

Toney is reportedly pushing to play on Saturday against Notre Dame, and it's worth noting that he hasn't been ruled out, but he's certainly questionable at this point.

“Malachi Toney sustained an injury during Wednesday’s practice and is currently undergoing further evaluation by the team’s medical staff,” Miami told On3's Brett McMurphy in a statement. “We will share additional updates as appropriate.”

Miami statement to @On3: “Malachi Toney sustained an injury during Wednesday’s practice & is currently undergoing further evaluation by the team’s medical staff. We will share additional updates as appropriate.” https://t.co/CgBTP9m20k
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) November 4, 2026

There's simply no replacing Toney for Miami. He's second in all of college football in receptions with 73, and he's turned those catches into 1,027 yards and 13 touchdowns.

He's right up there with Jesse Legree and Jeremiah Smith on the list of the best wideouts in college football and could even be a Heisman Trophy contender.

Miami simply won't be able to replace Toney if he can't play, or even if he's limited.

Miami Hurricanes should elevate Daylyn Upshaw's role in offense against Notre Dame

What the Hurricanes can do is give redshirt freshman wideout Daylyn Upshaw more opportunities within Shannon Dawson's offense, though.

Upshaw is a former four-star recruit who has a ton of upside as a slot player. He competed in track and field in high school, so like Toney, he's a great athlete.

Upshaw is actually third on the team in receiving, with 22 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns. He's played in the slot this season even with Toney on the field (12.5 percent of his snaps have come in the slot in 2026).

Notre Dame will also look to lock down No. 2 receiver Cooper Barkate, so Upshaw has a tremendous opportunity to step up for Miami.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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