Malachi Toney’s Heisman Trophy campaign has effectively ended after the Miami Hurricanes confirmed he will undergo surgery for a high ankle sprain. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the procedure places the star wide receiver on the sidelines for a minimum of four weeks, ruling him out for the remainder of the regular season. This significant setback removes one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football from the final stretch of the 2026 campaign, forcing Miami to navigate its path to the College Football Playoff without its primary offensive weapon.
High ankle sprain sidelines Miami star for four weeks, shifting ACC focus to playoff push.
Toney had positioned himself as a top contender for the award, operating at an elite level alongside Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith throughout the season. His absence now narrows the Heisman race to a duel between Smith and Darian Mensah, as voters weigh the impact of Toney’s early exit. While the injury is a massive disappointment for the Miami star, the program remains optimistic about his timeline, targeting a return for the December College Football Playoff games where his presence could prove pivotal in high-stakes matchups.
The loss of Toney presents a critical challenge for Miami as it chases a CFP berth, particularly with key upcoming contests against rivals like Notre Dame. The Hurricanes must now rely on depth and strategic adjustments to maintain their offensive rhythm without their top target. Although the Heisman window has closed, Toney’s season is far from over, and his expected return for the postseason keeps the focus on Miami’s ultimate goal of securing a national championship spot.
Source: Yahoo Sports
