College Football Championship Preview: Indiana vs. Miami
The college football season reaches its dramatic conclusion tonight as the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes meet on the sport’s biggest stage. Two programs with very different identities and paths to the championship now stand one win away from immortality.
Indiana looked seriously impressive in their last game, like they could steamroll anybody that gets in their way, which is apparently what they’ve done all season long. I stepped away from the game for only 20-30 minutes, and when I returned I figured out that they had basically scored a touchdown every six minutes that I was out of the room. That is crazy! Scoring nearly 60 points in a bowl game like that is one of the more impressive things I’ve seen lately. Seeing and hearing the quarterback talk after the game was equally entertaining. How can you not love the quarterback’s enthusiasm and desire to glorify God?
I like the coach and quarterback for Miami also. I love that Mario Cristobal gave glory to God after their win. It’s not a trite or flippant thing people just throw out there and say in situations like that, although I suppose it can be for some. It is an acknowledgement that we believe there is a God in Heaven above and every good and perfect gift comes from Him. It doesn’t mean everything in life is good, but the things that are, we thank Him for humbly knowing that we are not promised or guaranteed anything in life, so we attempt to appreciate and not take for granted the things that do go right given how often things seem to go wrong. Miami’s defense is one of the most physical I’ve seen all year. In some ways I feel like they may have to carry the team just based on what the balance of the team looked like last game. I have concerns about the health of Miami given how close their last game was going down to the last few minutes. Health clearly doesn’t seem to be much of a concern for Indiana. Miami has the Championship history, but Indiana looks unstoppable this year, so it should be a very interesting contest. It’s also interesting that a 10th ranked team even made it into the Championship game, which is what I’ve been hoping to see more of in the expanded playoff system. This has never even really been allowed by the structure of the playoff format to happen until this year or last year when the playoff expanded to include more teams, so that’s exciting. Under the old format, Miami would not even be here right now, but tonight they have a chance to go out there and win a National Championship and that’s exciting to see! I hope more teams can make similar runs in the years to come.
A Clash of Styles
This match-up offers a compelling contrast. Indiana has built its championship run on discipline, balance, and execution. The Hoosiers thrive on controlling tempo, sustaining drives, and limiting mistakes. Their ability to dominate time of possession and capitalize in the red zone has frustrated opponents all season.
Miami, on the other hand, brings speed, swagger, and explosiveness. The Hurricanes are at their best when the game opens up, relying on big plays through the air and an aggressive defensive approach that can flip momentum in seconds. If Miami finds its rhythm early, the Hoosiers could be forced out of their comfort zone.
Key Matchups to Watch
Indiana’s Offensive Line vs. Miami’s Pass Rush
Indiana’s success hinges on protection and consistency up front. Miami’s defense thrives on pressure, and if the Hurricanes can disrupt the Hoosiers’ timing, it could swing the game.
Miami’s Skill Players vs. Indiana’s Secondary
Miami’s playmakers excel in space, while Indiana’s secondary has made a living on sound coverage and forcing turnovers. Whichever unit wins this battle could decide the championship.
Coaching and Game Management
Championship games often come down to adjustments. Indiana’s methodical approach contrasts with Miami’s aggressive play-calling, setting up a chess match on the sidelines.
For Indiana, a title would represent one of the most remarkable achievements in program history, cementing a season defined by consistency and belief. For Miami, it would reaffirm the Hurricanes’ place among college football’s elite and add another chapter to a storied legacy.
Expect a tense, emotional game with momentum swings and high stakes on every snap. Whether it’s Indiana’s steady control or Miami’s explosive flair that prevails, tonight’s championship promises to deliver a fitting end to an unforgettable season.
Date
Monday, January 19, 2026
7:30 p.m. ET kickoff (with ESPN pregame coverage ahead of kickoff)
Location
Hard Rock Stadium — Miami Gardens, Florida
📺 Where to Watch
TV: ESPN (national broadcast)
Streaming: Available on platforms that carry ESPN (e.g., ESPN app, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, etc.)
