Freeman says Irish will adapt if Toney misses Miami game
The 11th-ranked Fighting Irish are preparing for two scenarios after Miami's top receiver is expected to undergo surgery for a high ankle sprain.
By Nikolai Morales ·
Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman stated that his team is building game plans for both possibilities regarding Miami star wide receiver Malachi Toney. The 11th-ranked Fighting Irish face the top-ranked Hurricanes on Saturday. Freeman noted that the Irish must be ready for Toney if he plays, but they also need a distinct strategy if he does not.
Sources close to the situation told ESPN reporter Pete Thamel that Toney is scheduled to have surgery for a high ankle sprain. The procedure is expected to keep him out for the Notre Dame matchup and likely for several additional weeks. A return during the postseason remains a possibility. Miami acknowledged the injury in a statement on Wednesday but did not offer further medical details at that time.
Freeman learned of the injury after practice concluded on Wednesday. Some members of his coaching staff received the news earlier in the day. Freeman emphasized that the Irish began preparing for the absence on Sunday. He described Toney as a dynamic player who requires specific defensive attention. Freeman said the Hurricanes have other capable athletes who will find ways to impact the game.
"We'll see if he plays or not," Freeman said. "If he doesn't, how we'll adjust, they've got great players. I'm not saying one person's going to replace Malachi Toney, but they have got a lot of great players on their team and they're going to find ways to get the best players on the field. And so we're going to have a good plan and be able to adjust to whatever happens on Saturday and whoever we see."
Toney leads the Hurricanes in receptions with 73, receiving yards with 1,027, and touchdowns with 13. He set that pace after his collegiate debut against Notre Dame last year. In that game, he caught six passes for 82 yards and a touchdown in a 27-24 home loss for the Irish. Cooper Barkate, who transferred from Duke alongside quarterback Darian Mensah, is second on the team with 28 receptions for 372 yards and four touchdowns.
Freeman noted that Miami has depth across multiple positions. He mentioned that the Hurricanes have running backs, tight ends, and young wide receivers who can step into roles. The coaching staff will determine the specific lineup on Saturday. The Irish will also manage their own injuries during the game.
Notre Dame will be without linebacker Drayk Bowen due to an ankle injury. Safety Brauntae Johnson and cornerback DJ McKinney are also sidelined with foot and ankle issues, respectively. Defensive linemen Francis Brewu and Jason Onye, both dealing with knee problems, are listed as questionable for the matchup.
