2026 College Football National Championship Preview
No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers vs. No. 10 Miami Hurricanes
The 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship showcases one of the most compelling finals in recent memory: an undefeated Indiana Hoosiers (15–0) squaring off against a resilient Miami Hurricanes (13–2) squad looking to capture its first national title since 2001.
Players to Watch
Indiana Hoosiers
QB — Fernando Mendoza
Indiana’s Heisman Trophy winner has been nothing short of spectacular. Mendoza has thrown for 3,349 yards and 41 touchdowns this season, showing elite accuracy and poise as he leads a balanced, high-octane offense.
RBs — Roman Hemby & Kaelon Black
This tandem has formed one of college football’s most productive ground games. Hemby and Black have combined for nearly 2,200 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns, giving Indiana both power and speed out of the backfield.
WR — Elijah Sarratt / Charlie Becker / Omar Cooper Jr.
Sarratt has emerged as a red-zone threat with a nose for the end zone, while Becker’s big-play ability and Cooper’s consistent production keep defenses honest and open up the field for Mendoza.
Miami Hurricanes
QB — Carson Beck
The Hurricanes’ senior quarterback has thrown for 3,581 yards and 29 touchdowns this season, blending pocket efficiency with leadership that helped Miami overcome an underdog playoff path.
RB — Mark Fletcher Jr.
Miami’s workhorse, Fletcher has been crucial between the tackles, averaging strong yardage and helping balance the Hurricanes’ attack. His performance against Indiana’s stingy run defense will be vital.
WR — Malachi Toney
The explosive playmaker has been Miami’s biggest deep threat all season, capable of flipping momentum with a single catch.
DL — Rueben Bain Jr. & Akheem Mesidor
This dynamic edge duo has powered one of the nation’s top pass rush units. Putting consistent pressure on Mendoza will be Miami’s best bet to slow Indiana’s elite offense.
What to Expect From Indiana
Indiana comes in as the favorite, riding a historically efficient season on both sides of the ball. The Hoosiers rank near the top of the country in scoring offense and defensive efficiency, and their trio of running backs gives the offense a punishing identity.
Under coach Curt Cignetti, a culture of discipline and preparation has fueled their undefeated run, including quality wins over Ohio State, Alabama, and Oregon. Expect Indiana to:
Control the clock with a balanced attack
Lean on its offensive line to protect Mendoza
Force Miami into long, methodical drives
Indiana’s ability to sustain drives and avoid turnovers has been one of the team’s biggest strengths this season.
What to Expect From Miami
Miami’s path to the title game was carved through resilience, knocking off several ranked opponents and leaning on a defense that ranks among the nation’s best.
Under coach Mario Cristobal, the Hurricanes blend high-end recruits with seasoned transfers. Their defensive front, led by Bain and Mesidor, is designed to disrupt rhythm and force mistakes. Despite missing tight end Elija Lofton due to injury, Miami’s playmakers like Fletcher and Toney give their offense big-play potential. Expect Miami to:
Attack with a balanced offense between the run and short passing game
Rely on their pass rush to fluster Mendoza
Seek explosive plays to counter Indiana’s ball-control strategy
Who’s the Favorite?
Indiana enters the championship game as a clear favorite, with betting lines and analytics models showing them ahead by roughly a touchdown or more. ESPN analytics gives the Hoosiers around a 68 percent chance to win based on current data.
However, Miami’s speed and defensive pressure can flip momentum in an instant, meaning this could turn into a chess match between explosive offense and disciplined control.
What Do I Think
It is true that Miami has a tangible home-field advantage with the national championship being played at Hard Rock Stadium. The Hurricanes will be comfortable, the crowd will be in their favor, and the energy should feel more like a Miami home game rather than a neutral site.
That said, I don’t believe it will be enough to stop Indiana.
Fernando Mendoza has been unstoppable all season, and I don’t see that changing on the biggest stage. His poise, accuracy, and decision-making consistently neutralize pressure, and Indiana’s balanced offense allows him to stay in control of the game.
Miami’s athleticism and emotion will create moments, but Indiana’s discipline and consistency are the difference. In the end, I expect Indiana to control the tempo, limit mistakes, and let Mendoza lead the way.
In my opinion, Indiana wins the national championship.
Final Take
This matchup is more than a title game. It is a contrast of styles: Indiana’s precision and juggernaut offense versus Miami’s athleticism and disruptive defense. If Indiana wins the trench battle and limits turnovers, the Hoosiers will bring home their first national championship. But if Miami can force mistakes and generate splash plays, a Hurricanes upset is well within reach.