As the 2025 college football season approaches its climax, excitement builds for the upcoming matchup between No. 10 Miami and No. 1 Indiana in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, slated for Monday night in Miami. Indiana is on the hunt for its inaugural national title, while Miami aims to capture its first championship since 2001.
Indiana’s journey to the championship game kicked off with a commanding 38-3 victory over Alabama during the CFP quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl, marking the Hoosiers’ first bowl victory since 1991. Following that impressive showing, Indiana continued its momentum with a decisive 56-22 win against Oregon, solidifying its place in the national championship.
On the other hand, Miami has made history by becoming the first team in the CFP era to compete for the national title in its home stadium, Hard Rock Stadium. The Hurricanes had to navigate a challenging path by winning three consecutive road games, beginning with a 10-3 first-round victory against Texas A&M. They went on to eliminate the reigning national champions, Ohio State, in the quarterfinals at the Cotton Bowl before securing their title game spot with a thrilling 31-27 victory over Ole Miss, highlighted by a late touchdown from quarterback Carson Beck.
Fans can catch the action of the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship starting at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will air on ESPN, with alternative viewing options available through various ESPN platforms.
The matchup holds significant narratives for both teams. Miami is looking to add a sixth national championship to its storied history, and coach Mario Cristobal, who was a player at the university from 1989 to 1992, aims to become the first coach in the AP poll era to win a national title both as a player and coach for his alma mater. Should Miami emerge victorious, they would also join an exclusive group as only the third two-loss champion in FBS history.
Meanwhile, Indiana’s remarkable rise has positioned the Hoosiers as the lowest-ranked team ever in the AP preseason poll (No. 20) to potentially win the national championship, reminiscent of Auburn’s journey in 2010. A victory for Indiana would signify a historic third consecutive national title for the Big Ten, achieving a feat not seen since the 1940s. Star quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who has personal ties to Miami through his father, will be a focal point in the matchup.
In terms of predictions, the matchup promises to be competitive and physical, particularly in the trenches. Indiana’s well-rounded team has solidified its place as a title contender, with an edge attributed to its disciplined playstyle and depth in key positions. Fans are in for an exhilarating game, with Indiana favored by 8.5 points to emerge victoriously.
As the stage is set for this thrilling finale, both teams carry their unique motivations and aspirations into what promises to be a memorable national championship game.