Canes WR Toney puts on show in record opener

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  Kyle BonaguraSep 5, 2026, 01:16 AM ET

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  • Covers college football.
  • Joined ESPN in 2014.
  • Attended Washington State University.

STANFORD, Calif. -- Miami receiver Malachi Toney began his sophomore season with the most prolific receiving game in program history as the Hurricanes opened the season Friday night with a 45-6 win against Stanford.

Toney set a school record with 234 receiving yards, breaking Eddie Brown's mark (220) that had stood since 1984, and tied the single-game records for receptions (12) and touchdown catches (3). Only two of his catches, including a 47-yard touchdown, came in the second half.

"It means a lot, knowing how many greats played at this university," Toney said of the records.

It took all of one play for Toney and new quarterback Darian Mensah, the high-profile transfer from Duke, to show they were on the same page, connecting on a 48-yard pass on the Hurricanes' first play from scrimmage. The duo made it look easy the rest of the way, until both were removed in the third quarter with the game well in hand.

After the game, Toney made his way to the Miami fans to share his appreciation with those who made the cross-country trek.

"Them fans traveling six hours," Toney said. "I just wanted to at least let them feel me, touch my hand."

Mensah led Duke to the ACC title last year, throwing for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns, and his move to Coral Gables was one of the most high-profile moves of the offseason, following in the footsteps of quarterbacks Cam Ward and Carson Beck, both of whom transferred to Miami the previous two seasons.

His debut went about as well as Miami could have hoped for, as he finished 27-of-30 for a career-high 401 yards with five touchdowns -- a statistical performance that was better than anything from Beck a year ago. Mensah's passing yards and touchdowns were both records in a debut for Miami.

"His skill set really fits what we do," Miami coach Mario Cristobal said. "His ability to read the field and his ability to digest concepts and to continue to evolve is really, really impressive. Sky's the limit."

Cooper Barkate, who also transferred in from Duke, had four catches for 67 yards and a score.