Toney's 73 catches put pressure on Miami's ankle status

Malachi Toney, the Miami receiver and top Heisman Trophy candidate, suffered an ankle injury during Wednesday practice. His status for the upcoming game against No. 4 Notre Dame remains unclear as the Hurricanes prepare for the weekend matchup.

Miami's athletic department stated that Toney is undergoing further evaluation by the team's medical staff. The department said it will share updates as appropriate but did not confirm whether the star receiver is expected to play.

Toney has dealt with ankle issues earlier this season without missing any games. He has appeared in all 24 contests for Miami since enrolling. This season, he has 73 catches, 1,027 receiving yards, and 13 touchdown receptions. Those numbers rank him second in the Football Bowl Subdivision for receptions, tied for second for touchdown catches, and third for receiving yards.

If Toney is limited or out, Miami (8-0, No. 1) faces a challenge against Notre Dame (7-1, No. 11), which fields the nation's top-ranked defense. Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman called Toney as good as anyone he will see earlier this week.

The game is a rematch of the Week 1 contest last year. Miami won that game, an outcome that secured the Hurricanes the final at-large spot in the College Football Playoff and kept the Irish out.

Toney accounts for 35% of Miami's catches, 39% of its receiving yards, and 46% of its touchdown receptions. He is in his second year at Miami and is 18 receptions away from the school record of 200. His 2,238 career receiving yards rank sixth in school history.

The Hurricanes play the Irish this weekend. Toney and quarterback Darian Mensah are both Heisman favorites. Miami leads the nation in several offensive categories.