Malachi Toney’s Jersey Switch Signals More Than Just a Number Change at Miami
Malachi Toney is already one of the most electric players in college football - and he’s just getting started. After a freshman campaign that turned heads across the country, the Miami Hurricanes wide receiver seems poised to make another move that’s as much about brand as it is about football: switching from jersey No. 10 to No. 1.
On the surface, it might seem like a simple number change. But in today’s college football landscape - where NIL deals and personal branding are part of the game - this is a strategic play.
Toney, who racked up 109 catches for 1,211 yards and 10 touchdowns in his debut season, wore No. 10 in 2025. Now, all signs point to him donning No. 1 in 2026.
The shift gained traction after Toney was seen courtside at a Miami Heat game wearing a custom Heat jersey - not with the No. 10, but with No. 1 stitched across the back. It was a subtle hint, but one that didn’t go unnoticed by fans or teammates. And with the No. 1 jersey now available on offense following the departure of wideout Joshisa Trader to NC State, the timing couldn’t be better.
Here’s the backstory: Toney wore No. 1 during his high school days at American Heritage in Plantation, where he built his reputation as a dynamic playmaker. When he arrived at Miami, that number was already taken - Trader had it locked down.
So Toney took No. 10 and turned it into a highlight reel. But now that Trader is gone and linebacker Mohamed Toure - who wore No. 1 on defense as a grad transfer - is also out of the picture, the door is wide open.
And let’s be honest, this move isn’t just about nostalgia or comfort. It’s about opportunity - both on and off the field.
The NIL era has changed the game. Players like Toney aren’t just athletes; they’re brands.
A new number means new merch, new marketing angles, and a fresh wave of fan engagement. If you already bought a No.
10 Toney jersey, you’re still in good shape - but for those who haven’t? The No. 1 is about to become the hot ticket.
There’s also a practical angle to consider. Miami’s new quarterback, Duke transfer Darian Mensah, wore No. 10 during his time at both Duke and Tulane.
It’s a number he’s clearly attached to, and with his arrival in Coral Gables, it makes sense for him to keep it. That clears the way for Toney to slide back into his old high school number - a win-win for both stars.
Toney’s connection with wide receiver Cooper Barkate continues to grow, and with two more seasons of eligibility ahead, the Hurricanes’ offense is in position to be one of the most explosive units in the country. Toney’s production speaks for itself, but the jersey switch adds another layer to the narrative. It’s a statement: he’s not just here to play - he’s here to lead, to shine, and to build something bigger than just stats on a page.
And while the Heisman conversation is already heating up - with Toney and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith both in the mix as top non-quarterback candidates - don’t sleep on the impact a number change can have in today’s social media-driven, highlight-hungry world. The No. 1 at Miami carries weight. It’s a number worn by stars, a badge of honor that signals elite status.
So yes, expect to see Malachi Toney in the No. 1 jersey this fall. But understand: this isn’t just a wardrobe update. It’s a calculated move by one of college football’s brightest young stars - a player who’s already dominating on the field and now making all the right moves off it, too.