Malachi Toney deserves his place among college football’s best receivers. Miami’s sophomore has already established himself as a productive pass catcher and a versatile offensive weapon. But when comparing him with Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, the discussion goes beyond receptions and receiving yards.
Smith presents a problem that starts with the matchup itself.
Listed at 6-foot-4 and 222 pounds, Smith gives defenses the dimensions of a physical outside receiver with the movement skills to threaten them throughout a route. Toney, listed at 5-foot-11 and 193 pounds, brings a different set of strengths. Both command attention, but Smith’s combination gives him the edge in this comparison.
Who Covers Smith?
A smaller cornerback has to contend with Smith’s size, reach and ability to play the ball above him. A bigger defender still has to stay with his acceleration and changes of direction. Press coverage puts a defender within reach of his strength. Playing off gives him room to build momentum and work into his route.
That is the central S³ assessment: Smith has the tools to challenge several defensive approaches. A defense can execute its coverage and still lose at the catch point.
Sending safety help can reduce those opportunities, but it also commits another defender. That changes the resources available to cover Ohio State’s other targets. Smith’s value extends to the coverage decisions he forces, even on plays when the pass goes elsewhere.
The Production Supports the Argument
Through five games in 2026, Smith holds the receiving advantage:
| Category | Jeremiah Smith | Malachi Toney |
|---|---|---|
| Receptions | 44 | 39 |
| Receiving yards | 823 | 604 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 9 | 6 |
| Yards per reception | 18.7 | 15.5 |
| Receiving yards per game | 164.6 | 120.8 |
Through October 3, 2026. Toney’s totals combine his first four games with five catches for 40 yards and no receiving touchdowns against Clemson.
Smith followed his 12-catch, 217-yard, four-touchdown performance against Illinois with 11 catches, 206 yards and two scores against No. 14 Iowa. The Iowa performance brought his career totals to 207 receptions, 3,381 receiving yards and 36 receiving touchdowns, all Ohio State records.
He is three touchdown catches away from tying Braylon Edwards’ Big Ten career record of 39, and four away from breaking it.
Toney Has His Own Case
Toney’s versatility deserves weight. As a freshman in 2025, he caught 109 passes for 1,211 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also contributed 113 rushing yards, 298 punt-return yards and two passing touchdowns.
Miami has several ways to put the ball in his hands. He is also a year behind Smith in college experience, leaving room for further development.
Still, I would take Smith to build a passing attack around. His physical advantages, movement and ability to finish difficult catches give him the stronger overall receiving profile right now.
Toney is a top receiver. Smith is a natural matchup problem for most opposing teams. That is the distinction driving the S³ pick.
Sources
- Ohio State: Iowa recap and career records
- Ohio State: Jeremiah Smith player profile
- Eleven Warriors: Smith’s five-game production
- Miami: Malachi Toney player profile
- Miami Herald via Yahoo Sports: Toney’s production through four games
- ESPN: Miami–Clemson box score
Matchup evaluations and the preference for Smith are S³ analysis.
