Malachi Toney was the breakout star of Miami’s season - a true freshman who didn’t just meet expectations, he shattered them. Over 1,200 yards, 109 catches (an ACC freshman record), and 10 touchdowns later, he looked like the future of Mario Cristobal’s offense. Now, that future is heading elsewhere.
Just days after Miami’s narrow six-point loss in the national championship, Toney’s name is officially in the transfer portal. His mother, Statravia Toney, confirmed the decision Tuesday, marking a dramatic shift from her social media stance just 48 hours earlier.
On Sunday, she clapped back at a fan suggesting her son should transfer to Ohio State, saying, “Don’t get it twisted, we’re home.” But home didn’t last long.
Now, Ohio State, Florida, and USF are the top contenders for Toney’s next stop. And the buzz around Coral Gables is as loud as it is stunned. This isn’t just any player hitting the portal - this is the guy Miami was banking on as their offensive centerpiece for 2026.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. A five-day window opened Tuesday for players from Miami and Indiana to enter the portal following the title game.
Toney has until Saturday to make it official, but the writing’s already on the wall. Miami had already seen eight players depart before facing Indiana, and the exodus is only picking up speed.
Toney’s departure hits especially hard because of what he meant to this program - and what he was poised to become. He wasn’t just productive, he was electric.
Defenses couldn’t contain him. He became the most reliable target in school history in just one season.
And Miami knew exactly what they had. According to CBS Sports, the school was preparing a massive raise to keep him in Coral Gables - a deal that would’ve put him among the highest-paid receivers in the country next season.
Think Texas’ Cam Coleman or Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith territory. “Whatever number you had in mind … more,” one source told Brandon Marcello.
Toney had already started building a brand off the field, too. He signed with Leaf Trading Cards and became the first college athlete to partner with Hellstar, a luxury apparel brand based in Los Angeles.
NIL wasn’t just a bonus - it was part of the package. Miami treated him like a foundational piece, second only to the quarterback in next year’s roster plans.
And let’s not forget: Toney chose Miami over Ohio State coming out of high school. A Fort Lauderdale native, he wanted to stay home, rep his city, and build something big with Cristobal. But now, the same program he turned down two years ago is back in the mix.
Whether this move is about money, opportunity, or simply a desire for a fresh start, one thing’s clear - this is a massive blow for Miami. Cristobal’s recruiting chops have been a calling card since he arrived, but keeping elite talent in-house is just as important as landing it. And losing a player like Malachi Toney, at this moment, sends shockwaves through the program.
The portal giveth, and the portal taketh away. For Miami, this one stings.