True Freshman Malachi Toney Reacts to Miami's CFP Title Run in New Video Before Indiana Game

Miami star Malachi Toney is shouldering the burden that comes with all of his hometown connections in this year's College Football Playoff championship.

The true freshman, who attended American Heritage High School, stayed close to home for college. And now he can potentially lift a national title in front of a lot of friends and family with Monday's game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Toney called it "a blessing" to not only have advanced this far but also get the opportunity to be an example for the younger generation in South Florida:

The 5'11" pass-catcher has been one of the biggest breakout stars of 2025. He barely cracked the top 50 at his position in 247Sports' composite rankings, yet it took one year of college ball for him to look like an NFL-caliber talent.

Toney has 99 receptions for 1,089 yards and nine touchdowns.

Malachi Toney TD

00:22

The Plantation, Florida, native also feels like a throwback in the sense that local talent has powered the best Hurricanes teams of the past. The seeds of their five championships were planted when head coach Howard Schnellenberger implemented his "State of Miami" strategy in recruiting.

Even this early into his career, Toney might ascend to legendary status if he can help Miami return to the college football mountaintop.