Miami commit Malachi Toney talks the Hurricanes and relationship with fellow commit Dereon Coleman: “He’s a game-changer”

When Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage four-star 2026 wide receiver Malachi Toney committed to the Miami Hurricanes last August, fellow 2026 prospect Dereon Coleman was one of the first people to reach out to congratulate Toney.

At the time, Coleman had not yet received his offer or committed to Miami, but Coleman knew where he wanted to be.

“When I committed on August 22nd, he texted, ‘Now tell them to come get me,'” Toney told CaneSport. “I texted him when he committed, ‘They came and got you.'”

With Coleman on the board for the Hurricanes in the 2026 class, Toney is looking forward to strengthening his bond with the four-star quarterback. Since he announced his pledge to the Canes, Toney has watched plenty of film on Coleman and loves what he has seen.

“He’s a nice player, and I’ve been watching his film because, of course, I want to build a bond with him before we get to Miami,” Toney said. “He’s a game-changer.”

This offseason, Toney has been focused on fine-tuning his craft heading into his junior season after hauling in 49 receptions for 773 yards and eight touchdowns.

Toney is the No. 228 overall prospect in the 2026 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking, and he’s focused on a big season for his team.

“Really just focused on grinding and getting better,” Toney said. “Having a better season than last year, and this season I’m really focused on team goals. I’m not too big on myself this year but instead winning a national championship and a state title.”

As the longest-tenured commit in the Hurricanes 2026 class, Toney has enjoyed his time as a Miami pledge.

Despite his commitment, programs such as Alabama, Penn State, Syracuse, Florida State, and Oregon have remained persistent in his recruitment, with communications from those programs amplifying starting June 15 when contact was allowed.

“It was great, and every school reached out, to be honest,” Toney said.

Although several programs across the country continue to push for Toney, his relationship with Miami wide receiver Kevin Beard is one of the top reasons he has stayed locked in with the Hurricanes.

“Just the relationship that I’ve built with Coach Beard,” Toney said. “He reaches out to me whenever he gets the chance, sending me quotes and Bible verses. We’ve built a great relationship.”

CaneSport’s take

Toney has continued to progress physically since the end of his sophomore year, now standing at 5-foot-10, 185 pounds. Throughout the spring and summer, we’ve had the chance to watch Toney on multiple occasions and it’s easy to see why the Hurricanes are so high on the four-star prospect.

The post Miami commit Malachi Toney talks the Hurricanes and relationship with fellow commit Dereon Coleman: “He’s a game-changer” appeared first on On3 .