Malachi Toney expected to see significant NIL boost after stellar freshman season

Malachi Toney’s freshman season came to an end in a hard-fought 27–21 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the CFP title game, but not before the breakout star made his presence felt on college football’s biggest stage.

Toney’s on-field production played a key role in Miami’s success, and his rise won’t just be limited to the stat sheet. According to CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford, the freshman standout is expected to see a significant increase in his NIL valuation following the season.

The 18-year-old is already positioning himself among college football’s most valuable players, with his breakout year setting the stage for one of the sport’s fastest-rising NIL profiles.

Malachi Toney’s $1.3M NIL value predicted to jump around 120%–280%

Toney signed an NIL deal with Leaf Trading Cards, adding to an already impressive portfolio that includes a groundbreaking partnership with Los Angeles-based luxury fashion brand Hellstar, making him the first collegiate athlete to collaborate with the high-end label.

However, the Miami wideout has no intention of slowing down. Crawford noted that Toney is positioned to capitalize on several major opportunities moving forward, a development that could significantly raise his current $1.3 million NIL valuation, according to On3.

“Now, Toney’s set for a major increase in NIL compensation with a contract expected to make him one of the highest-paid players nationally at his position in 2026, a source with knowledge of the negotiation told CBS Sports,” Crawford wrote.

Crawford added that Toney’s projected NIL value could climb into the range of Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman’s $2.9 million valuation and potentially approach Ohio State standout Jeremiah Smith’s $4.2 million value.

“Toney’s compensation is expected to be in same ballpark of new Texas pass-catcher Cam Coleman, an Auburn transfer this cycle, and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, among other top-end wide receivers,” Crawford predicted.

Toney’s performances throughout the season have laid the groundwork for that rise, with his impact evident well before the national title game.

One of his key moments came in Miami’s 31–27 win over Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff semifinal. On one of the sport’s biggest stages, Toney delivered five receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown while adding 11 rushing yards in a statement performance.

Malachi Toney clinched the title of ‘best freshman’

Toney delivered a memorable performance in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

The Miami freshman hauled in 10 receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown. That effort helped him cap off a sensational debut season with 1,211 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

He’s earned the FWAA Offensive Freshman of the Year title from the Football Writers Association of America. He was also awarded the ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year honor. He’s even been honored with the “best freshman” title on On3’s list of College Football’s Best and Worst of 2025 by Chris Low.

With another offseason of development ahead, expectations are that those numbers will only climb in the 2026 season, both on and off the field.