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1h ago

Indiana Faces Miami for CFP Crown at Hard Rock Stadium

Indiana is chasing a 16-0 finish that would be the first at the FBS level since 1894.

Jan 18, 2026; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal at the CFP head coaches press conference at JW Marriott Marquis Miami. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Auburn offensive linesmen Bart Eddins (53) and Mike Berry (66) celebrate after Auburn defeated Oregon in the BCS national championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Jan. 10, 2011.

Overview

  • Kickoff is Monday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, with sportsbooks listing Indiana around -8.5 (moneyline -340, total 47.5).
  • Indiana dominated its CFP run by outscoring Alabama and Oregon 94-25, and Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza has eight touchdown passes to five incompletions across those two games.
  • Miami advanced with three playoff wins away from South Florida and leans on a fierce edge rush led by Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, though defensive back Xavier Lucas must sit the first half.
  • The Hurricanes are the first team in the BCS/CFP era to play for a national title in their home stadium.
  • Indiana coach Curt Cignetti cautioned against the favorite’s tag, calling the 8.5-point spread “a set up,” as debate over Miami’s selection ahead of Notre Dame continues to frame pregame discussion.