College Football Playoffs
CFP Championship Game – #1 Indiana vs #10 Miami
Jan. 19, 2026 – 7:30 pm – Miami Gardens, Fl – ESPN
Frank Coyle / Head scout
Fernando Mendoza Looks to Guide Hoosiers to National Title
Carson Beck Hopes to Direct Another Impressive Miami Win
The CFP title game brings two new teams this year to the national venue in Indiana and Miami. The Hoosiers (15-0) look to complete their magical season and go undefeated through the regular season, Big Ten and CFP playoffs. Heisman trophy winner, QB Fernando Mendoza has been near flawless, dissecting the highly rated Bama and Ducks defense with impressive CFP wins. The Hoosiers are one of the most disciplined and efficient teams in history, under the guidance of HC Curt Cignetti. He has instilled discipline and organization on a club which did not win the Big Ten since 1967. Wideouts, Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper have provided big plays and sure handed targets consistently. Their defense has been a cohesive unit which plays sound disciplined football forcing offenses to beat them physically.
Miami (12-2) has combined three impressive CFP wins over Texas A&M, Ohio State and Ole Miss behind QB Carson Beck to earn the title game. A win tonight would be the Hurricanes first national title since 2001. They have responded to the guidance of HC Mario Cristobal, running a balanced offense and an aggressive physical defense which has taken over games through their stretch drive.
QB Carson Beck has provided good leadership and the ability to deliver the ball to a solid group of playmakers. Freshman sensation playmaker Malachi Toney has been a difference maker in key spots and gives them a dangerous weapon which they go to in critical situations. Runner Mark Fletcher has been a workhorse back, giving this attack an excellent balance in big games. Their aggressive defense has relied on a talented tandem of edge rushers in Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor to apply consistent pressure to give their secondary many opportunities on key passing downs.
The matchup has the makings of a classic contest with the Hoosiers looking to control the line of scrimmage and keep the Miami tough defense off balance. The Indiana offensive line has been highly productive and very underrated through the undefeated season. Miami looks to play their home field advantage to the fullest and bring out the alumni to create the old time Miami mystique. Their legacy of stars from Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to their long list of QBs over the past several decades will be in attendance.
