2026 College Football Playoff National Championship Preview: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 10 Miami – Matchups, Predictions, Odds, TV Info & Printable Bracket

The stage is set for the conclusion to the 2025-26 college football season as the unbeaten No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers (15-0) face off against the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes (13-2) in the College Football Playoff National Championship. This marks the 12th edition of the CFP title game. Of course, there are lots of awesomeness (aka storylines) that we’re tracking.Indiana chasing its first-ever national championship under head coach Curt Cignetti, while Miami aims to become the first team to win the title on its home turf at Hard Rock Stadium. The Hoosiers dominated their semifinal with a 56-22 rout of No. 5 Oregon, showcasing their explosive offense and stout defense. Miami, the last team to secure a playoff spot, has battled through upsets to reach this point, proving their grit in a loaded ACC.

When Does the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship Take Place?

The 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship Kickoff is scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or casual viewer, this preview breaks down the key matchups, players to watch, predictions, and more.

Matchup Breakdown

The expanded 12-team CFP format delivered thrills from the first round on December 19-20, 2025, through the quarterfinals (December 31-January 1) and semifinals (January 8-9, 2026). Indiana, the top seed and Big Ten champions, earned a first-round bye before routing No. 9 Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal and overwhelming No. 5 Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl semifinal. Miami, as the No. 10 seed and an at-large ACC team (they missed the conference title game), upset higher seeds along the way: a 10-3 first-round road win at No. 7 Texas A&M, a 24-14 stunner over No. 2 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal, and a gritty 31-27 comeback victory over No. 6 Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal.

Round	Indiana’s Path	Miami’s Path
First Round	Bye	Win vs. No. 7 Texas A&M (10-3, campus site)
Quarterfinals	Win vs. No. 9 Alabama 38-3 (Rose Bowl)	Win vs. No. 2 Ohio State 24-14 (Cotton Bowl)
Semifinals	Win vs. No. 5 Oregon 56-22 (Peach Bowl)	Win vs. No. 6 Ole Miss 31-27 (Fiesta Bowl)

This matchup pits Indiana’s high-powered, balanced attack-led by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza and an undefeated 15-0 run-against Miami’s opportunistic defense and dynamic playmakers, including QB Carson Beck. The Hoosiers seek their first national title and a perfect 16-0 season, while the Hurricanes aim to make history by winning it all on their home field at Hard Rock Stadium.

2026 College Football Playoff National Championship Preview: Offense vs. Defense

Indiana’s Offense: Led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza (3,349 passing yards, 41 TDs, 6 INTs; plus 284 rushing yards and 6 scores), the undefeated Hoosiers boast one of the nation’s most efficient and explosive units, averaging over 40 points per game. Mendoza’s pinpoint accuracy (73% completion) exploits mismatches in the passing game, while a versatile backfield (including Justice Ellison and emerging contributors) wears down defenses on the ground. Their disciplined O-line rarely allows negative plays, creating third-and-manageable situations consistently. Expect them to probe Miami’s secondary early and control the tempo.

Miami’s Defense: The Hurricanes feature one of the most disruptive fronts in college football, thriving on negative plays, turnovers (top-10 nationally), and elite edge pressure from Rueben Bain Jr. (high QB hurries, multiple sacks in playoffs) and Akheem Mesidor. They’ll need to generate quick disruptions to slow Indiana’s rhythm and force Mendoza into uncomfortable decisions-but containing the Hoosiers’ balance and red-zone efficiency (near-perfect in CFP) will be a massive challenge.

Miami’s Offense: Quarterback Carson Beck (3,581 passing yards, 29 TDs, 11 INTs; quick release at 2.49 seconds) provides poise and efficiency, distributing to playmakers while a physical run game (improved in playoffs, e.g., Mark Fletcher Jr. averaging high yards per carry) keeps defenses honest. However, Indiana’s defense-top-tier in pressure rate (41%), sacks, and red-zone stops-held Oregon to 22 points and has suffocated high-powered attacks.

Indiana’s Defense: Anchored by edge rusher Mikail Kamara (strong pass rush contributor) and a shutdown secondary, the Hoosiers rank elite in pressure (third nationally) and have allowed under 20 points per game in the playoffs. Miami’s chunk plays and quick decisions could create opportunities, but forcing turnovers and limiting big gains will be crucial.

Keys to the Game:

Turnover Battle: Indiana boasts a massive + margin (elite differential); Miami strong but needs to match. The team that wins this likely wins the game.
Third Downs: Indiana converts at a high clip (48%+ offensively in key games); Miami’s defense forces opponents into tough spots (32% or better hold rate).
Special Teams & Physicality: Miami’s return game and home-field energy could flip momentum; watch for Indiana’s discipline to avoid penalties in a hostile environment.

Key Players to Watch

Indiana: QB Fernando Mendoza (Heisman winner; 3,349+ yards, 41 TDs passing; dual-threat impact), RB Justice Ellison (consistent production in backfield rotation), DE Mikail Kamara (key pass rusher in dominant front). Coach Curt Cignetti’s transfer-heavy schemes maximize their efficiency.
Miami: QB Carson Beck (experienced, quick-release leader; 3,581 yards, 29 TDs), WR Xavier Restrepo (reliable target in big moments), DL Rueben Bain Jr. (disruptive edge with sacks/TFLs leading playoffs). Mario Cristobal’s physical identity shines through these standouts.

Historical Context: Indiana enters uncharted territory, chasing their first national championship and a perfect 16-0 season after decades of struggles-transformed by Cignetti’s arrival and massive portal hauls like Mendoza. Miami, with five titles (last in 2001), could etch history by winning it all on their home field at Hard Rock Stadium, but they’re clear underdogs against the unbeaten juggernaut.

Odds & Predictions

Spread: Indiana -8.5 (Hoosiers heavily favored due to dominance, undefeated record, and CFP wipeouts).
Over/Under: 47.5–48.5 points (Lower total reflects strong defenses; could go under if fronts control lines).
Moneyline: Indiana -350, Miami +275–+300.
Prediction: Indiana 31-20. The Hoosiers’ balance, Mendoza’s elite play, and defensive pressure edge out Miami’s grit and home advantage, but a Beck-led rally isn’t impossible if turnovers swing. Player Prop: Mendoza over 250 passing yards (-110); expect efficiency in a controlled win.

TV/Stream Info & How to Watch

TV: ESPN (main broadcast with Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, and Holly Rowe).
Stream: ESPN App, WatchESPN, or fuboTV (free trial available).
Pregame: “College GameDay” at 5 p.m. ET from Hard Rock Stadium.
Radio: ESPN Radio nationwide.
Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster or secondary markets-premium prices for this historic South Florida showdown.