Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney's availability for Saturday's highly anticipated game against Notre Dame is uncertain due to an ankle injury. ESPN reported Wednesday that Toney, a star sophomore, is considered questionable to play in the matchup between the top-ranked Hurricanes and the No. 11 Fighting Irish.
Toney is expected to attempt to play despite the injury, given the significance of the game, according to college football insider Pete Thamel. The injury is not believed to be a long-term concern.
Toney has been a standout player for Miami this season, accumulating 73 receptions for 1,027 yards and 13 touchdowns. His performance has placed him in the Heisman Trophy conversation, entering the week with the third-shortest odds to win the award. He continued his strong play last weekend against North Carolina, recording seven catches for 75 yards and two touchdowns.
The sophomore receiver had a notable performance against Notre Dame in last season's opener, catching six passes for 82 yards and a touchdown in Miami's 27-24 victory.
The news of Toney's injury comes just one day after the undefeated Miami Hurricanes were named the No. 1 team in the initial College Football Playoff rankings. Notre Dame, with a 7-1 record, debuted at No. 11 in the rankings following a late-October loss to BYU. A victory for the Fighting Irish would keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive, while a loss would significantly hinder their chances with less than a month remaining in the regular season.