The 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship pits the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers against the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Indiana seeks its first national title with an undefeated season on the line, while the Hurricanes chase their first championship since 2001 on their home field.
At a Glance
- Indiana deferred the coin toss and will open the second half with possession.
- The Hoosiers scored the game’s first touchdown via tight end Riley Nowakowski in the second quarter.
- Quarterback Fernando Mendoza leads Indiana and projects as the top pick in April’s NFL draft.
- Miami’s fifth-year QB Carson Beck transferred from Georgia and is starting under center.
- Why it matters: A win would give Indiana its first national title in program history, while Miami hopes to cap its inaugural CFP run with a championship at home.
First Half Highlights
Indiana won the coin toss and elected to defer, giving Miami first crack on offense. After both teams settled for only a field goal in the opening quarter, Indiana broke the deadlock with six minutes left in the second. Tight end Riley Nowakowski barreled into the end zone for the game’s opening touchdown, sending Hoosier fans into a frenzy.
The Quarterbacks
Fernando Mendoza has guided the Hoosiers to an unblemished record and is widely expected to hear his name called first in the upcoming NFL draft. The Las Vegas Raiders, holding the top selection, are in dire need of a franchise quarterback. Across the field, Carson Beck brings extensive experience after four seasons at Georgia before transferring to Miami.
Historical Stakes
Indiana has never claimed a national championship, and this marks the program’s maiden appearance in the title game. Miami owns five national titles, but the most recent came in 2001. The Hurricanes also triumphed in 1983, 1987, 1989, and 1991.
Broadcast Information
The game airs live on ESPN and streams simultaneously on ESPN.com and the ESPN app.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana’s defense must contain Beck and Miami’s playmakers to preserve perfection.
- Mendoza’s performance under championship pressure could solidify his draft stock.
- Home-field advantage fuels Miami’s bid for an upset and its first championship in 25 years.
