Before he ever suited up for the Miami Hurricanes, Malachi Toney was already a name whispered with reverence in South Florida football circles. His nickname?
“Baby Jesus.” And while most players would shy away from something so bold, Toney’s game has always spoken loud enough to justify the title.
The legend started at American Heritage in Plantation, Florida - a program that’s produced its share of elite talent. But even in that environment, Toney stood out.
So much so that Mario Cristobal’s own son reportedly asked to skip school just to watch him play. That’s the kind of buzz Toney generated before he even turned 18.
And once he arrived in Coral Gables, he didn’t just live up to the hype - he rewrote the script entirely.
At just 17 years old, Toney reclassified to join Miami early, and immediately became one of the most dynamic weapons in college football. Nearly 100 catches.
Over 1,000 yards. Nine receiving touchdowns.
Twelve total trips to the end zone. And a whole lot of defensive backs left wondering what just happened.
He didn’t just break Miami freshman records - he shattered them. His 99 receptions and 1,089 receiving yards weren’t just good for a first-year player; they were among the best in the country, period.
He led all freshmen nationally in receptions, receiving yards, yards per game (72.6), and touchdowns. Four 100-yard games.
A consistent threat every week. And in the process, he helped Miami recapture some of the swagger that’s been missing from “The U” in recent years.
So where did the “Baby Jesus” nickname come from?
It wasn’t just the jaw-dropping plays - though there were plenty of those. It was the way Toney elevated his team, no matter the situation.
Back in high school, American Heritage hit a mid-season snag when their quarterback went down. Toney stepped in - yes, at quarterback - and led the team all the way to a state championship.
In the title game, he was nearly flawless, completing 15-of-15 passes (or 15-of-18, depending on the account). That kind of poise under pressure?
That’s not just talent - that’s leadership.
And it wasn’t a one-off. Toney’s ability to take over games, regardless of position or circumstance, made him a must-watch player.
Coaches, fans, and even opposing players couldn’t help but take notice. The nickname stuck - and now, it’s followed him to the national stage.
But here’s the thing: behind the flashy nickname and highlight-reel plays is a work ethic that coaches rave about. Toney’s been described as a consummate professional - first in, last out, even as a 17-year-old freshman. He approaches the game with a maturity well beyond his years, which helps explain how he was able to step into a starting role and immediately produce like a seasoned vet.
**Physically, Toney checks all the boxes. ** He’s listed at 5-foot-11, 188 pounds - a sturdy frame for a slot receiver with elite quickness.
He’s been clocked at 4.5 in the 40-yard dash, but his game speed often looks faster. Just ask the defenders trying to chase him down on jet sweeps or after the catch.
He was also a standout on the track, anchoring a 4x100 relay team that posted elite times (as low as 42.45 seconds), which shows up in his burst and acceleration on the field.
And he’s not just a one-trick pony. Toney’s understanding of space and leverage is advanced for any player, let alone a freshman.
He knows how to find soft spots in zone, how to set up defenders on option routes, and how to make himself available in scramble drills. That football IQ, combined with his athleticism, made him a nightmare for defenses all season long.
Let’s talk numbers. In 2025, Toney finished with:
- 99 receptions
- 1,089 receiving yards
- 9 receiving touchdowns
- 12 total touchdowns
- 72.6 yards per game
- 4 games with 100+ receiving yards
Those aren’t just freshman stats - those are All-American-level numbers. And in a program with a rich history of elite receivers, Toney now sits atop the freshman record books for both receptions and receiving yards. He also owns the Hurricanes’ single-season record for receptions, regardless of class.
No. 10 didn’t just make waves - he made history.
And perhaps most importantly, he gave Miami fans something they’ve been craving: hope. Hope that “The U” is truly on its way back.
Hope that the Hurricanes can once again be a national powerhouse. And with Toney leading the charge, that hope feels a whole lot more real.
So yeah, the nickname might raise a few eyebrows. But if you’ve seen Malachi Toney play, you know - it fits.