It started in August, we watched upsets in October, we debated what teams should make the cut in November, and now there are just two teams left standing. Miami has defied the odds this playoff, going from the last team in, to one of two still standing. Notre Dame was so mad that the Canes made it that they skipped their bowl game. The Hoosiers on the other hand really defied all odds as a program. In just their second season under Curt Cignetti, they are a win away from taking it all. Here’s our 2026 CFP National Championship preview.
Indiana has the Heisman winner; they have the love of the entire nation. And now they are facing the bad guys from Miami. The country has pretty much made up its mind on how this game is going down. But let’s not forget that the Canes are getting a home game. Let’s break down the 2026 College Football National Championship.
Players to Watch
Miami: Carson Beck – Beck was counted out a year ago after leaving Georgia. The Bulldogs turned on him, he was mocked by analysts, but Miami took a chance on him and it paid off well. Beck has tendencies where his game just isn’t there. He relies heavily on his run game, but when the Hurricanes put themselves in long distance, this offense can stall and we saw that happen against Ole Miss. Ultimately, Beck must play his most complete game ever. He has to control the turnovers and use his arm to make plays if he wants a chance to win.
Indiana: D’Angelo Ponds – It feels too obvious to put Fernando Mendoza here, so I’ll pick the player that scored points for the Hoosiers a week ago. Ponds picked off Oregon QB Dante Moore on the first play of the game and took it for six points. He leads one of the best secondaries in the nation. The entire Indiana defense isn’t just good, they are suffocating. They have shown that scoring will not come easy for whoever plays them and Ponds helps lead that unit.
Keys to the Game
Miami: They have to figure out how to slow down Indiana. The Hoosiers can force you to punt just as quickly as they can march down the field and score. Miami needs a run-first attack that can pound the ball and chew up clock. Mark Fletcher Jr. better be in store for a game of over 150 yards rushing and Beck needs to be ready to bring it with his arm. They have a banged up secondary and will need to keep it away from Mendoza as often as possible.
Indiana: Just do exactly what you’ve been doing all season. This looks like one of the most dominant college football teams that we have seen in years. I might say they are the best team since the Joe Burrow LSU Tigers that matched their way to a Natty. They have played just two games in the CFP and are outscoring their opponents 94-25. Don’t change a thing is their key to victory.
Prediction: Indiana 31 Miami 17