Malachi Toney, a four-star wide receiver hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and attending American Heritage High School, has made headlines in the college football recruiting world with his recent decision to decommit from the Miami Hurricanes.
Toney had been a steadfast commitment to the Hurricanes for over a year, pledging his allegiance to head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff during a time when maintaining such commitments has become increasingly challenging in the fast-paced recruiting landscape.
His decommitment, announced on Thursday, comes amid continued interest from prominent programs such as Alabama and Oregon. These powerhouse teams have been actively pursuing Toney, and their relentless recruitment ultimately influenced his decision to break ties with Miami.
According to 247Sports, Toney’s commitment had become a focal point in the recruiting discussions, but the attention from other elite programs proved significant.
Recently reclassified from the 2026 recruiting class to 2025, Toney remains one of the most sought-after recruits, currently ranked as the No. 25 wide receiver in the nation according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
This season, he has demonstrated his skills on the field with impressive statistics, accumulating 38 receptions for 585 yards and eight touchdowns over the first six games. His performance has undoubtedly enhanced his profile, making him a key target for top-tier college programs.
The timing of Toney’s decommitment raises eyebrows, particularly as he had just visited the Miami campus a day earlier. Additionally, his recent trip to Alabama, where he witnessed the Crimson Tide’s thrilling victory over the Georgia Bulldogs, adds context to his decision. As reported by On3’s Hunter Shelton, this visit may have played a pivotal role in reshaping his recruitment narrative.
Toney’s offer from Alabama dates back to December 2022, with Travaris Robinson serving as his primary recruiter. The Crimson Tide has shown a consistent interest in securing his commitment, both during the Nick Saban era and now under Kalen DeBoer.
As Toney navigates this crucial phase in his recruiting journey, the attention from elite programs like Alabama underscores the competitive nature of college football recruiting, leaving fans and analysts eager to see where his next decision will lead him. With Toney’s talent and potential, he remains a player to watch in the coming months as he weighs his options.