The Miami Hurricanes will be without star wide receiver Malachi Toney for at least the next four weeks after he underwent TightRope surgery on his ankle, a procedure Miami officials hope will allow his return for the College Football Playoff if the team qualifies.
Toney’s injury, sustained during Wednesday’s practice, was initially reported as uncertain for Saturday’s game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. However, ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel confirmed via X that Toney will undergo surgery, sidelining him for the foreseeable future. The high-ankle sprain required an MRI and X-ray, with Miami head coach Mario Cristobal confirming the injury in a statement.
The loss of Toney—ranked second in NCAA receptions (73), third in receiving yards (1,027), and third in touchdowns (13)—marks a significant blow to Miami’s offense, which has relied heavily on the sophomore’s production. Quarterback Darian Mensah, a Heisman Trophy frontrunner, will now need to adjust to Toney’s absence, though Miami remains undefeated and holds the No. 1 ranking in both the AP Top 25 and initial College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings.
Notre Dame’s playoff hopes hinge on Saturday’s result
Notre Dame, ranked No. 11 in the initial CFP rankings, faces a critical test against Miami, with former Fighting Irish quarterback Brady Quinn asserting that a loss would likely eliminate Notre Dame’s playoff aspirations. Quinn, now a college football analyst, stated on Wake Up Barstool that Notre Dame cannot afford another defeat, given their limited remaining schedule and the strength of Miami’s offense.
Miami’s offense, led by Mensah and Toney, has been a primary driver of the team’s success, including a double-overtime win over Florida State where Toney recorded 154 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The Hurricanes’ ability to maintain their undefeated record and secure a top-four CFP spot now depends on how effectively Mensah and the remaining receivers can compensate for Toney’s absence.
Surgical timeline and playoff return plans
According to CBS Sports, Toney’s surgery—performed to stabilize the high-ankle sprain—is expected to allow him to return in four to six weeks, a timeline Miami officials have described as optimistic. The Hurricanes’ next games include a matchup against Florida State on November 11, followed by contests against Georgia Tech and Duke before the CFP rankings are finalized.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, has struggled offensively in recent weeks, with Quinn noting their passing game’s inconsistency. The Fighting Irish’s ability to keep pace with Miami’s high-powered offense will be a key factor in determining whether they can secure a playoff berth.
Game details and broadcast information
The Miami-Notre Dame matchup is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday and will air on NBC. The game carries major implications for both teams’ playoff hopes, with Miami aiming to solidify its position as a top seed and Notre Dame fighting to stay in contention.
For Miami, the challenge will be adapting to life without Toney while maintaining their undefeated record. For Notre Dame, a loss could effectively end their playoff hopes, making Saturday’s game a must-win scenario.