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Coveted 2026 WR Malachi Toney Trims Contenders to 10, Includes Gators

American Heritage 2026 wide receiver standout Malachi Toney trimmed his impressive list of potential suitors to 10. The Gators were included.

Brandon Carroll

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American Heritage wide receiver Malachi Toney — a premium talent in the 2026 cycle — made a major move in his recruitment on Thursday night as he cut his list of potential collegiate options to ten.

He named the Florida Gators alongside Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Tennessee.

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Despite being a tertiary focus as the 2024 and 2025 prospects sit at the forefront of the recruiting landscape, Toney’s talents have drew several suitors looking to forge an early rapport. 

Florida is on that list. He recently visited Gainesville for the first time with his mother.

The dynamic 5-foot-9, 165-pound wideout is a coveted entity after a superb freshman season at American Heritage. Toney, 14, reeled in 35 catches for 621 yards, an average of 17.7 yards per carry, and eight touchdowns, showcasing an uber-explosive skillset both in the open field and as a legitimate option in the red zone.

His production as a freshman is even more impressive given the fact he split touches with now-Ohio State wideout Brandon Innis and Miami running back Mark Fletcher.

While there’s still a way to go before his time arises, Toney's decision to cut his list at this stage — over two years out from the 2026 cycle’s close — shows he could be moving on an accelerated path toward a commitment.

The Gators, looking to equip the roster with dynamic playmakers out wide over the next several cycle, will pursue him diligently until that point. In order to win him over, UF will have to fend off the slew of powerhouse programs jockeying for position in his recruitment. 

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Brandon Carroll
BRANDON CARROLL

Brandon Carroll is a recent graduate of the University of Florida. He serves as the lead reporter for the Florida Gators FanNation-Sports Illustrated website, covering football, basketball and recruiting. When he isn't hard at work, he enjoys listening to music, playing flag football and basketball, spending time with his friends and family, and watching an array of television shows. Follow him on Twitter @itsbcarroll.

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