The Miami football program has suffered a devastating blow to its national title hopes with the news that star wide receiver and Heisman hopeful Malachi Toney will undergo ankle surgery. However, while the surgery hurts Miami as they head into a massive Notre Dame matchup, getting Toney's ankle fixed now could have the wideout back in time for the College Football Playoff.
“The early feel on the recovery timetable for Miami star receiver Malachi Toney was in the range of 4-6 weeks, sources tell
@CBSSports,” per Matt Zenit. “Gives him a shot to be back as early as possibly the ACC title game. At the very least, in position to be back for the College Football Playoff.”
After the Miami-Notre Dame tilt on Saturday night, the Hurricanes have winnable games against Duke, Virginia Tech, and Boston College, followed by the ACC Championship. So, even if Toney's absence costs them the Notre Dame game, chances are good that Miami makes the CFP.
Article Continues BelowToney has been one of the most dangerous players in college football this season, racking up 73 catches, 1,027 yards, and 13 touchdowns in eight games.
The other silver lining for the Miami football program is that Toney is a true sophomore, meaning he cannot enter the 2027 NFL Draft and should be back in Coral Gables next season. The question is, though, who will his quarterback be? Toney's teammate and fellow Heisman contender, Darian Mensah, does have another year of college eligibility, but with names like Arch Manning, Drew Mestemaker, CJ Carr, and others leaning toward staying in school, Mensah may leave for the pros as the potential No. 1 overall pick.