Miami needs Cooper Barkate to return to being an alpha WR with Malachi Toney out

Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Cooper Barkate (18). IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Miami needs Cooper Barkate to return to being an alpha WR with Malachi Toney out

By Alan Rubenstein | Last updated Nov 6, 2026 11:51 AM ET

Cooper Barkate led the 2025 ACC Champion Duke Blue Devils in receptions, playing with current Miami Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah. With superstar Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney out for at least the remainder of the regular season, Barkate needs to become the Hurricanes' alpha.

Toney leads the ACC with 73 receptions for 1,027 yards and 13 TDs through eight games. Barkate has 28 receptions for 372 yards and four TDs in 2026. As a second-team All-ACC performer with Duke in 2025, Barkate had 72 receptions for 1,106 yards and seven TDs.

Barkate is in his second season playing in the Fooball Bowl Subdivision after three years with the FCS Harvard Crimson. In 2025, Barkate had eight games with at least five receptions and three over 100 yards. Barkate set season highs with five receptions for 98 yards and a TD as Miami won 41-13 at the Clemson Tigers on Oct. 3.

The win at Clemson was the only time Barkate recorded five receptions and more than 71 yards in 2026. Miami finishes the 2026 season against Notre Dame, Duke, the Virginia Tech Hokies and Boston College Eagles. Duke did not play Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, or Boston College in 2025.

I will say this. Before the season I talked up Cooper Barkate. Familiarity with Darian Mensah. He’s had his moments during the season. What better time than this Saturday night vs Notre Dame to break out in a big way.
— Miami Mando (@LakersCanes305) November 5, 2026

Who else needs to step up for Miami against Notre Dame

Toney is Miami's second starting WR out this season. Sophomore Joshua Moore was lost for the season after recording seven receptions for 107 yards and two TDs in three 2026 games. Sophomore Daylyn Upshaw has been a key contributor for Miami in 2026. Upshaw is third on Miami with 22 receptions, 263 yards and two TDs.

True freshman Somorian Wingo and transfer Vanderius Jacobs are potential game-breaking receivers who could make an impact for Miami with Toney out. Wingo leads Miami, averaging 17.8 yards per reception on eight catches for 142 yards and one TD. Jacobs is second on Miami, posting 16.7 YPC on nine receptions for 150 yards and a TD.

Toney is impossible to replace. Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson will adapt to the Hurricanes available against Notre Dame. Barkate is likely to become Mensah's most targeted receiver with Toney out. Tight end Elijah Lofton could also have increased targets against the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame becomes a bigger test for Miami without Toney.

Alan Rubenstein

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