INDIANA SEEKS PERFECTION AGAINST MIAMI IN CFP FINAL
College football’s ultimate prize is on the line in the College Football Championship. Top-ranked Indiana faces Miami on Monday, January 19, 2026, for the College Football Championship. Indiana enters the game with an undefeated 15-0 record, completing a historic journey. Miami also finished its season strong, entering the championship with a 13-2 record and earning an at-large bid to the college football playoffs. This highly anticipated matchup promises an intense battle for college football supremacy in the upcoming College Football Championship.
Indiana’s Unprecedented College Football Championship Run
The 2025 season marks Indiana’s greatest ever, with Head Coach Curt Cignetti leading the Hoosiers in his second season. Indiana achieved many program firsts, including defeating a top-five opponent on the road and reaching No. 1 in all major polls. This historic run saw them secure their first win at Penn State and finish the regular season 12-0, marking their first undefeated regular season since 1945. Furthermore, they won the Big Ten Championship Game, beating rival Ohio State for the first time since 1988, securing their conference title and first outright Big Ten title since 1945. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a key player for Indiana, won the Heisman Trophy, throwing for 3,349 yards and 41 touchdowns, with his leadership being crucial for the Hoosiers’ offense, which averages 42.6 points per game.
Rose Bowl and Peach Bowl Victories on the Road to the College Football Championship
As the No. 1 seed, Indiana earned a playoff bye and played in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal, where they convincingly defeated No. 9 Alabama 38-3. This marked their first Rose Bowl win and their first bowl victory since 1991. They advanced to the Peach Bowl semifinal to meet No. 5 Oregon, winning 56-22. This victory propelled them to their first national championship game appearance, the ultimate goal for any team striving for the College Football Championship. Indiana’s playoff record stands at 2-1 as they look to cap off their incredible 15-0 season with a championship title.
Miami’s Road to the College Football Championship Final
Miami earned the final at-large spot in the college football playoffs as the No. 10 seed. Head Coach Mario Cristobal leads the Hurricanes in his fourth season, bringing a 13-2 record and a seven-game winning streak into the championship. Their playoff journey began with a win over No. 7 Texas A&M. Miami then upset the defending champion Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl as a 9.5-point underdog, their first major bowl win since 2004. In the Fiesta Bowl semifinal, Miami faced No. 6 Ole Miss, winning a close contest 31-27 thanks to a decisive drive led by Quarterback Carson Beck. Miami’s defense is also a strength, recording 47 sacks and 16 interceptions, ranking among the nation’s best. The Hurricanes aim for their sixth national championship, with this being their first appearance in the College Football Championship since 2002.
Key Matchups and Stakes for the College Football Championship
The College Football Championship game will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, Miami’s home stadium, though Miami is the designated visiting team. The all-time series between Indiana and Miami is tied 1-1, with the teams not having met since the 1960s. Indiana is favored by 8.5 points in what represents a historic opportunity. They could become the first undefeated champion in the expanded playoff era, solidifying their place among college football’s greatest teams. For Miami, it’s a chance to bring another title home and recapture past glory. The broadcast begins Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, with College GameDay providing extensive pre-game coverage. The current news surrounding this game highlights the storylines, with Miami’s quest for a championship being a major topic. This College Football Championship game is a significant event in college affairs.
