Michael Irvin offers high praise for Malachi Toney: 'There is no time that he's not open'

Through Miami’s undefeated start to the 2025 season, freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney has emerged as a top target for Carson Beck. He’s been impressive to start his college career, and Hall of Famer Michael Irvin had some high praise Friday.

During an appearance on SportsCenter ahead of Miami’s Friday night matchup with Louisville, Irvin explained what makes Toney stand out. It starts with the preparation, but he also finds ways to get open in the soft spots of the defense.

But Irvin also sees a ferocious blocker. That combination of strength and intelligence is why he’s so impressed by Toney’s performance through five games.

“He’s special for the type of football being played now,” Irvin told Kevin Negandhi and Booger McFarland. “We’ve seen him and we’ve marveled at what he does shoulders down. But he has such a great understanding of the game shoulders up. That’s what makes him special. He is, in the NFL version, of Travis Kelce. There is no time that he’s not open because he knows wherever your defense is weak, he’ll be sitting there.

“And then, he can run by you. His RAC, run after catch, is spectacular. Watch him block. Watch him block. He has that Napoleon complex. He will whoop your tail. … Malachi, he’s blocking, he will whoop your tail. I said, boy, that boy’s strong.”

Malachi Toney arrived at Miami this year as a four-star prospect out of Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage. He was the No. 420 overall player from the 2025 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.

Toney entered Friday’s game with 29 receptions for 375 yards and three touchdowns to start his freshman season. He also earned a spot on On3 | Rivals’ Charles Power’s midseason True Freshman All-American team.

“Toney’s versatility has made him a key player in Shannon Dawson’s attack,” Power wrote. “The offensive coordinator can line him up all over the field to create mismatches, and Toney consistently finds ways to separate and make plays in space. He has shown excellent burst and acceleration in the open field, often winning foot races once he hits the second level. His 211 yards after the catch easily leads all true freshman wide receivers, showing his ability to turn short throws into big gains.

“Toney has been at his best in big moments, combining for 189 yards and three touchdowns in marquee matchups against Notre Dame and Florida State. The youngest player on this year’s Midseason True Freshman All-American Team, Toney reclassified from the 2026 to the 2025 cycle and only recently turned 18, making his early production even more remarkable.”