Malachi Toney needs surgery, timeline for return unclear

Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney (1) celebrates a TD with tight end Gavin Mueller (87). IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Miami WR Malachi Toney needs surgery, timeline for return unclear

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Nov 4, 2026 8:50 PM ET

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The No. 1 Miami Hurricanes knew there was some concern regarding the status of wide receiver Malachi Toney going into Saturday's blockbuster clash with No. 11 Notre Dame.

It seems that the injury is even worse than previously feared.

Miami WR Malachi Toney will need ankle surgery

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported on Wednesday night that Toney is dealing with a high-ankle sprain and will undergo surgery that will sideline him indefinitely.

The typical return from a high-ankle sprain tends to be around four weeks. Assuming Toney is on that path it could allow him to return in time for the College Football Playoff.

Sources: Malachi Toney has a high ankle sprain and will have surgery, which will allow him to return for the College Football Playoff. The timeline for return from this injury is typcially at least four weeks. pic.twitter.com/ExQSD4IWER
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 5, 2026

Miami enters Saturday's game with a perfect 8-0 record and the top spot in the initial College Football Playoff rankings, and a win over a top-11 team, on the road, would only further cement them as a top national championship contender.

Toney has been a huge part of their success and is one of their biggest playmakers on offense.

Through Miami's first eight games he has already caught 73 passes for 1,023 yards and 13 touchdowns.

No other Miami player has caught more than 28 passes, and nobody else has more than 372 receiving yards.

That makes him responsible for over 35 percent of their passing offense.

That is a massive number for one player. Now Miami has to figure out a way to keep winning without him.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on X @AGretz

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