At a Glance
- No. 1 Indiana faces No. 10 Miami in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium
- Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza is projected as the top NFL draft pick in April
- Hurricanes signal-caller Carson Beck transferred from Georgia after four seasons
- Why it matters: Indiana seeks its first national title in its first-ever championship appearance, while Miami aims for its first crown since 2001 on home turf
The 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship pits the undefeated, top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers against the tenth-seeded Miami Hurricanes in a prime-time showdown at Hard Rock Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:50 p.m. ET/4:50 p.m. PT and will air on ESPN, with streaming available on ESPN.com and the ESPN app.
Perfect Season on the Line
Indiana enters the contest aiming to complete a flawless campaign and secure the program’s first national championship. The Hoosiers are making their initial appearance in a title game, adding historical stakes to every snap.
Under center for Indiana is Fernando Mendoza, the sophomore quarterback whose precision and poise have fueled the unbeaten run. His performance has positioned him as the projected No. 1 overall selection in April’s NFL draft, with the Las Vegas Raiders currently slotted to pick first and in need of a franchise quarterback.
Home-Field Hurricanes
Miami carries the underdog label into its home stadium, where the Hurricanes have lifted trophies five times-though none since 2001. The program’s previous titles came in 1983, 1987, 1989, and 1991, and a victory tonight would end a 25-year drought.
Fifth-year quarterback Carson Beck guides the offense after transferring from Georgia, where he spent four seasons. His veteran presence and familiarity with high-pressure environments provide Miami with steady leadership against the nation’s top defense.
Championship Facts
| Team | Seed | National Titles | Last Title | Key Player |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 1 | 0 | – | Fernando Mendoza, QB |
| Miami | 10 | 5 | 2001 | Carson Beck, QB |
Broadcast Details
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN.com, ESPN app
- Kickoff: 7:50 p.m. ET / 4:50 p.m. PT
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
Key Takeaways
- Indiana’s pursuit of perfection contrasts with Miami’s bid to reclaim past glory on its own field
- Mendoza’s draft stock adds a subplot to every throw
- Beck’s experience in SEC title games could prove decisive in crunch time
- The Hurricanes’ last championship came when current players were toddlers
- A Hoosiers win would crown the first perfect season in school history
Follow live updates as the Hoosiers and Hurricanes battle for the 2026 national championship.
