Malachi Toney: The Freshman Phenom Ohio State Must Contain to Keep Title Hopes Alive
Before he could legally cast a vote, Malachi Toney was already torching one of college football’s most storied programs on national television. Two weeks shy of his 18th birthday, the Miami freshman wideout introduced himself to the country in the Hurricanes’ season opener against Notre Dame - six catches, 82 yards, a touchdown, and a whole lot of “Who is this kid?” from fans and analysts alike.
Fast forward to the College Football Playoff, and Toney’s not just part of the offense - he is the offense. Much like Jeremiah Smith did for Ohio State in 2024, Toney has emerged as the go-to playmaker for Miami, and he’s doing it as a true freshman. Not many players step onto the college stage and immediately become the guy, but Toney’s done exactly that.
“He's their gadget guy. He can do everything,” said Ohio State defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
“He’s supposed to be in high school right now, and he’s out here making plays like a seasoned vet. It’s impressive.”
And it’s not just lip service. Toney’s numbers back it up - 89 receptions, 992 yards, and eight touchdowns through 13 games, all freshman records at Miami.
He’s added 20 carries for 98 yards and another score on the ground. And that’s not even accounting for his work on jet sweeps, where the slight pitch forward turns a run into a stat-padding reception in today’s offenses.
However you slice it, he’s been electric.
That electricity extends to special teams, too. Toney’s returned 17 punts for 269 yards - an average of 15.8 per return - and came within a shoestring tackle of taking one to the house against Texas A&M in the first round of the CFP. He’s the kind of player who can flip a field or a game in a blink.
“He’s a go-to guy for them,” said Ohio State nickelback Lorenzo Styles Jr. “Quick, fast, great skill set.
I’m excited for that matchup - me in the slot, our secondary, our whole defense. It’s going to be a challenge, but we’re ready.”
Styles and the rest of Ohio State’s defense have had 11 days to prepare since their win over the Aggies. That time has been crucial - not just for rest, but for film study and fine-tuning a game plan to deal with Miami’s motion-heavy, speed-based attack. And when it comes to defending a player like Toney, preparation is everything.
“There are going to be some unscouted looks, sure,” Styles said. “But we know our rules.
We know how we want to line up. We know how we want to attack their offense.”
That discipline and preparation have been a hallmark of Ohio State’s defense all season. Under Matt Patricia, the Buckeyes have become a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Constant disguise. Shifting pre-snap looks.
Defensive backs who read and react like NFL veterans. It’s no accident that Ohio State leads the nation in passing yards allowed per game (129.1) and ranks second in yards allowed per pass attempt (5.3).
“Give the credit to the players,” Patricia said. “They’ve embraced the complexity, studied the system, and now we can move pieces around in so many ways. It’s been fun to watch them grow.”
The Buckeyes’ back end is loaded. Safety Caleb Downs is a unanimous All-American and the Thorpe Award winner.
Cornerback Davison Igbinosun earned first-team All-Big Ten honors. And while the secondary will be tasked with tracking Toney all over the field, the front seven has a major role to play, too - especially when it comes to pressuring Miami quarterback Carson Beck.
Beck, now in his sixth year, has had a career season: 74.5% completion rate, 3,175 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 10 picks. He’s second in the country in completion percentage and among the top 20 in yards per attempt. He’s not just a game manager - he’s a field general with real command.
“He’s going to try to get it out quick,” Styles said. “He sees the field well, makes checks, adjusts protections - you don’t see that from a lot of younger quarterbacks.
His experience shows up on tape. We’ve just got to make him uncomfortable.”
Miami does have other weapons. Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. is coming off a 172-yard day at Texas A&M.
Receiver Keelan Marion has been a strong No. 2 option with 44 catches, 590 yards, and seven scores. But it’s Toney who tilts the field.
If Ohio State can contain him, the Hurricanes’ offense could stall - just like so many others have against the 2025 edition of the Silver Bullets.
“This is a really talented team,” said Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. “They’ve got playmakers all over the field.
But now that we know who we’re playing, the focus tightens. There’s a lot of familiarity between some of our guys and theirs - they grew up around each other.
There’s energy in the building. These guys are excited to get to work.”
And they’ll need to be. Because when Malachi Toney steps on the field, he’s not just a freshman.
He’s a problem. And if Ohio State wants to keep its repeat title hopes alive, solving that problem is priority No.