This past season, Miami Hurricanes freshman receiver Malachi Toney took college football by storm with an electric first season for his hometown team. He led the nation in catches (109), was fourth in receiving yards (1,211), and tied for sixth in touchdowns (10). He was everything the program could have hoped for as he played a major role in their journey to reaching the National Championship game this month.
However, the young star could decide he now wants to get better compensated for his elite talent. On Tuesday, a parody account opened the door to speculation claiming he added his name to the transfer portal. The rumor was quickly shot down by his mother.
But if one of the best receivers in the nation did jump into the portal, let’s look at six teams that would be in the running for his services.
Texas Longhorns
With 2026 likely being Arch Manning’s final season for the Texas Longhorns, it makes sense for the program to make the most of it. That means trying to get better weapons so he can live up to his Heisman potential. Seeing if Toney would have interest in heading to Texas to compete for another elite program and play with a talented QB prospect would be a smart move for the Longhorns.
Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes would still be seen as major players in Malachi Toney’s transfer portal market. With Carson Beck off the books, they will have more money to throw at the receiver if he wants a hefty pay bump in 2026.
Miami can’t lose both its starting QB (to graduation) and its top player on offense. They would do all they could to try to hold on to him. It doesn’t mean they will, but they have some unique advantages as they attempt to keep the hometown star in the city.
LSU Tigers
LSU is all in on giving new head coach Lane Kiffin what he needs to bring a championship to Baton Rouge for the first time since 2019. They have a new star QB in Sam Leavitt — also from the transfer portal — so they couldn’t be ruled out as a potential contender for Malachi Toney as well.
The combo of Leavitt and Toney would be dynamite in 2026 and push Kiffin and the Tigers into title contention in year one.
Ohio State
Usually, the saying is, “If you can’t beat them, then join them.” What about in the case of Ohio State, “If you beat them, why not join them,” after Miami ended the Buckeyes’ season in the college football playoffs.
The idea of Heisman Trophy finalist Julian Sayin throwing to both Jeremiah Smith and Malachi Toney — the two best receivers in the nation — next season would send a cold chill down the spine of every other team in the Big Ten.
Florida Gators
As mentioned before, Miami would still be a contender to re-sign Malachi Toney because he has already had big success in the program, but most importantly, it allows him to stay in his hometown. However, if he simply wants a change of scenery, along with a big payday, Florida could also be an option for the star receiver.
They are a team on the rise with new head coach Jon Sumrall, and switching to the Gators allows Toney to play for a major program while also getting to stay in his home state.
Oregon Ducks
After coming up short of a return to the championship game again, the big-spending Oregon Ducks will surely be motivated to complete the story in 2026. They were sure to be a playoff contender again after Dylan Raiola joined the transfer portal. However, with Dante Moore returning, he will likely be a Heisman contender for the Ducks next season.
Playing for another elite school, but getting passes from a future top-five NFL Draft pick will interest Toney.
