The No. 1 seed Indiana Hoosiers will face the No. 10 seed Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, January 19, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. This game marks both teams' first appearance in a national title game, with Indiana seeking to cap a perfect 15-0 season and Miami aiming to extend a seven-game winning streak after a bumpy regular season.
Background
Indiana has turned heads this season under head coach Curt Cignetti. The Hoosiers went 12-0 in the regular season, then beat Ohio State 13-10 in the Big Ten championship to lock in the top playoff seed. They kept rolling with a 38-3 rout of No. 9 Alabama in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal and a 56-22 demolition of No. 5 Oregon in the semifinal. Their average margin of victory sits at 28.6 points per game, the best in college football. The defense forces turnovers often, with multiple takeaways in 10 games, and ranks top 10 nationally in scoring defense, sacks, tackles for loss, and turnover margin. The offense hits top 25 marks in scoring, passing efficiency, first downs, and red-zone trips.
Miami's path differed. Ranked No. 10 to start, the Hurricanes hit a 5-0 mark early, beating teams like Notre Dame, South Florida, and Florida State. Losses to Louisville and SMU dropped them, and they missed the ACC title game. Still, they grabbed the last at-large playoff spot over Notre Dame, a team they beat in Week 1. As the No. 10 seed, they won on the road at No. 7 Texas A&M 10-3 in windy conditions, upset No. 2 Ohio State 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal, and edged No. 6 Ole Miss 31-27 in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal on a late touchdown drive. Their defense leads the nation with 47 sacks and allows just 86.5 rushing yards per game. Offense stays balanced, top 30 in completion percentage, first downs, time of possession, scoring, and passing efficiency.
The teams split two meetings in the 1960s, with no matchup since. Cignetti faces Mario Cristobal, who steadied Miami after an October slump. Indiana returns to the playoff for a second straight year.
Key Details
Team Matchups
Indiana's offense relies on Heisman winner quarterback and a deep passing game, backed by a strong line. They outscored playoff foes by 69 points total. Miami's front seven, led by Rueben Bain Jr. (13 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks) and Akheem Mesidor (15.5 TFL, 10.5 sacks), will test that line. The Hurricanes sacked Texas A&M nine times, Ohio State seven, and Ole Miss five in playoff wins. Indiana's line must hold to protect the QB and run effectively.
Miami's offense features quarterback Carson Beck, running back Mark Fletcher Jr., and wideout Malachi Toney. They rank high in third- and fourth-down conversions. Indiana's defense, elite against the run and pass, forced turnovers in big spots. Special teams could decide it too, with both sides strong there.
Injury Report
Indiana rules out seven players for the game, including some depth pieces, but no stars. Kick specialist Brendan Franke is questionable. Miami gets key pass rushers back near full strength after minor issues.
Game Logistics
ESPN broadcasts the matchup. Indiana opened as an 8.5-point favorite. Hard Rock Stadium hosts, giving Miami a home-field edge in front of packed crowds.
"Miami's defense has been the story of our playoff run," said Hurricanes defensive coordinator. "We've got to bring that same fire against Indiana's offense."
What This Means
A win gives Indiana its first national title and caps the only undefeated FBS season. It would mark a quick rise for Cignetti, who posted a 23-2 record over two years. Miami claims its first championship since 2001, rewarding Cristobal's rebuild and validating their late surge. The game tests if playoff experience and momentum beat regular-season dominance. Indiana overwhelmed Alabama and Oregon with superior talent across the board. Miami thrived as underdogs, beating higher seeds with physical play and timely drives. The trench battle looms largest—whichever front controls the line likely controls the game. Miami's three wins over SEC teams (Florida, Texas A&M, Ole Miss) show they match big programs. Indiana's 12 double-digit wins prove consistency. Both programs debut in the title game, adding history. The outcome shapes offseason talk: Indiana as a new power or Miami's resurgence. Fans watch how 12-team playoff format rewards paths like Miami's gritty road wins versus Indiana's top-seed march. Either way, Monday crowns a champion from an unpredictable 2025 season marked by upsets and surprises.
