Miami will face Notre Dame without star receiver Malachi Toney after an ankle injury at practice led to surgery. The injury is not considered season-ending, and a return for the College Football Playoff remains possible—but Miami’s unbeaten season now faces a major test without its top offensive weapon.

By the Numbers
  • Miami is 8-0 and ranked No. 1 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings.
  • Toney has 73 catches for 1,027 yards and 13 touchdowns this season.
  • Notre Dame is 7-1 and favored by 7.5 points.
  • The first round of the College Football Playoff is six weeks away; this injury typically requires at least four weeks to recover.
Yes, But

Toney’s surgery and indefinite absence are a serious setback for Miami, especially against a ranked opponent. Still, reports say the injury is not season-ending, leaving open a potential return for the postseason.

State of Play
  • Toney is expected to miss Saturday’s game against Notre Dame.
  • Miami must replace the production of its leading receiver while his recovery timeline remains uncertain.
  • The Hurricanes are still viewed as having a chance to get Toney back for the playoff.
What's Next

Miami will try to keep its unbeaten run intact in South Bend without Toney. His recovery and the team’s playoff standing will shape whether he gets another chance to play this season.

Bottom Line

Miami’s immediate challenge is to prove it can win without Toney; its longer-term hope is that surgery preserves his chance to return for the postseason.