Surgery Expected for Miami WR Malachi Toney, Out vs. Notre Dame; CFP Return Status Unclear

Toney ruled out Saturday

Toney will miss Miami’s visit to Notre Dame after sustaining a high ankle sprain. He reportedly will have surgery, though no return date was given. Miami enters the matchup at 8-0 and ranked No. 1 in the CFP standings. Notre Dame is 7-1 and ranked No. 11, with the nation’s top-ranked defense, according to the article.

A major loss for Miami

Toney has 73 catches, 13 touchdown receptions and 1,027 receiving yards this season. Those totals rank him second in FBS in catches, tied for second in touchdown receptions and third in receiving yards among players entering this week.

He accounts for 35% of Miami’s catches, 39% of its receiving yards and 46% of its touchdown receptions. Before the injury, his Heisman Trophy odds were listed at +300, the second-highest.

Records mark his career

Toney set Miami’s single-game receiving-yard record with 234 in the season opener at Stanford, then established the school’s single-game receptions mark with 16 against Pitt last month. His 2,238 career receiving yards rank sixth at Miami, and his 23 touchdown catches are three short of Michael Irvin’s school record.

Playoff return expected

Miami is also relying on quarterback Darian Mensah, who, like Toney, is among the season’s Heisman favorites. The Hurricanes rank among the national leaders in several offensive categories. Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman praised Toney earlier in the week, saying, “He’s as good as anyone you’ll see.” Toney is expected to return during the CFP, but the article does not specify when.