Toney Named to Paul Hornung Award Watch List
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami sophomore wide receiver Malachi Toney was named to the 2026 Paul Hornung Award preseason watch list, the Louisville Sports Commission announced Monday.
Presented by Texas Roadhouse, the Paul Hornung Award is given annually to the most versatile player in college football. Toney is one of 39 players selected to this year’s watch list and one of six representatives from the ACC.
Toney had an incredible freshman campaign in 2025. The Liberty City, Fla., native led the nation and set a Miami single-season record with 109 receptions. He also led the ACC with a program-record 1,211 receiving yards and caught a team-high 10 touchdown passes.
In addition, Toney rushed for 113 yards and one touchdown and added 298 yards as a punt returner. He finished the season with an incredible 1,622 all-purpose yards and added two touchdown passes on seven attempts last year.
Following his debut season, Toney was named ACC Rookie of the Year, ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year and the Football Writers Association of America’s Offensive Freshman of the Year. He also earned first-team All-ACC recognition at wide receiver, second-team All-ACC honors as an all-purpose player and second-team All-America distinction from The Associated Press.
Miami opens its 2026 season Sept. 4 at Stanford. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. on ESPN.
