College Football Playoff National Championship

2026 College Football Playoff National Championship

The stage is set for a historic national championship showdown as top-seeded Indiana faces the Cinderella story of No. 10 Miami in the Hurricanes’ home stadium.

**Miami’s Remarkable Run**

The Hurricanes have defied all odds in this College Football Playoff, entering as the tournament’s most controversial selection and now standing one win away from their first national title since 2001. Their playoff journey has been nothing short of spectacular:

• Upset No. 7 Texas A&M 10-3 on the road in the first round
• Shocked defending champion No. 2 Ohio State 24-14 in the quarterfinals
• Survived No. 6 Ole Miss 31-27 in a thrilling Fiesta Bowl semifinal

Quarterback Carson Beck, a Georgia transfer who never appeared in a playoff game for the Bulldogs, has been instrumental in Miami’s success. In the semifinal victory, he threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns before running in the game-winning score from 3 yards out with just 18 seconds remaining.

Indiana’s Dominant Performance

The Hoosiers have been equally impressive, crushing opponents on their path to the championship. They demolished No. 9 Alabama 38-3 in the quarterfinals before dominating No. 5 Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl semifinal.

The Storylines

This matchup features Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a Miami native, facing his hometown team in what promises to be an emotionally charged atmosphere. The Hurricanes will have the home-field advantage at Hard Rock Stadium, where they’ll seek to capture their sixth national championship and first in 25 years.

With Miami’s never-say-die mentality meeting Indiana’s dominant playoff performances, this championship game has all the makings of an instant classic.