Mark Ingram Predicts Malachi Toney as 2026 Heisman Trophy Winner After Stellar Freshman Year

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The 2025 college football season wrapped up with the Indiana Hoosiers defeating the Miami Hurricanes to win the national championship.

With every team now into the offseason, focus shifts to 2026. Along with winning a national championship, a handful of players have their sights set on the Heisman Trophy. Given annually to the nation’s most outstanding player, it’s recognized as the most prestigious individual award in college football.

During an episode of “The Triple Option” podcast, former Alabama Crimson Tide running back and 2009 Heisman winner Mark Ingram predicted who he believes will win it in 2026.

“My way-too-early Heisman pick?” Ingram said. “Ima go with your boy, that’s fresh on my mind from the national championship game and the playoff run. He goes by the name of ‘Baby Jesus’ aka … Malachi Toney.”

As a true freshman in 2025, Toney exploded onto the scene for the Hurricanes. He appeared in 16 games, racking up 109 receptions, 1,211 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also had 23 rushes for 113 yards and one touchdown.

It’s made him one of the most recognizable players in the sport. His On3 NIL valuation of $1.3 million is already tied for the 33rd highest in college football.

A season like that wasn’t necessarily expected from Toney. Coming out of high school, he was just a three-star recruit and the No. 55 wide receiver, per 247Sports.

Now going into his sophomore season, he will have a new quarterback. With Carson Beck exhausting his eligibility, the team brought in former Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah through the transfer portal. He’s considered a Heisman contender in his own right.

After just one season at the collegiate level, Toney has already earned several accolades. That includes ACC Rookie of the Year and first-team Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-America honors.

Now with Ingram, a former Heisman Trophy winner, backing him as the wide receiver expected to take a major leap, Toney could become just the sixth wide receiver to win it.

Related: Miami Commit Sends Concerning Message About Hurricanes’ In-State Rival

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 31, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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