As we inch closer to Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship showdown between No. 1 Indiana and No. 10 Miami, both programs have released their initial injury reports - and while Indiana’s side is mostly business as usual, Miami’s offense could be missing a key weapon when the lights come on at Hard Rock Stadium.
Indiana: No Surprises, But Depth Takes a Hit
For the Hoosiers, there are no unexpected names on the list, but the cumulative losses still sting. Defensive end Stephen Daley, DE Kellan Wyatt, and defensive back Bryson Bonds are all out with season-ending injuries - a trio that’s been sidelined for some time now. Add in the transfers of DB Jah Jah Boyd, CB Amariyun Knighten, and DE William Depaepe, and Indiana's defensive depth has definitely been tested throughout this postseason run.
Running back Lee Beebe Jr. is also officially out for the season, continuing Indiana’s trend of having to adjust on the fly. The Hoosiers have done just that, leaning on their depth and development to keep things rolling through the playoff gauntlet.
One name to keep an eye on is Brendan Franke - Indiana’s kickoff specialist and long-range field goal option. He’s listed as questionable and hasn’t seen the field since October 25.
That said, Franke was fully suited up and labeled a game-time decision ahead of Indiana’s semifinal win over Oregon, so there’s still a chance he suits up in the title game. His availability could be a factor if the game comes down to special teams execution or long-range kicks.
Miami: Lofton’s Status Looms Large
The Hurricanes, on the other hand, are dealing with a few more moving parts - particularly on offense. Tight end Elija Lofton is officially out.
That’s a significant blow for Miami, as Lofton leads all tight ends on the roster and ranks fourth on the team overall with 23 catches, 218 yards, and three touchdowns. He’s been a reliable target and a chain-mover all season, especially in red zone situations.
Without Lofton, Miami will likely turn to redshirt senior Alex Bauman. He’s no stranger to the offense, hauling in 17 passes for 144 yards and a score this season. Bauman has experience and a steady presence, but Lofton’s absence will be felt - particularly in Miami’s play-action and short-yardage packages.
Linebacker Malik Bryant, wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw, and defensive lineman Donta Simpson are also listed as out, further thinning Miami’s rotation on both sides of the ball.
Two more names to monitor: defensive back Damari Brown and defensive lineman Cole McConathy II. Both are listed as questionable.
Brown, in particular, is a key piece of the Hurricanes’ secondary. At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, he’s played in 13 games this season, tallying 24 tackles and a pass breakup.
He missed last week’s semifinal win over Ole Miss, and his availability could impact how Miami matches up against Indiana’s passing game.
Targeting Penalty Sidelines Xavier Lucas for First Half
Another wrinkle for the Miami secondary: starting defensive back Xavier Lucas will miss the first half of the national title game due to a targeting penalty in the semifinal. He’ll be eligible to return after halftime, but that first-half absence could be critical - especially if Indiana comes out aggressive through the air.
Kickoff Details and Final Availability
The national championship kicks off at 7:50 p.m. ET on Monday night, with ESPN carrying the broadcast live from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. As per College Football Playoff protocol, teams are required to submit injury and availability updates in the days leading up to the game, with a final report due 90 minutes before kickoff.
For now, both teams will be keeping close tabs on their questionable players, while game plans are being fine-tuned to account for the confirmed absences. With a title on the line, every snap - and every player available - could make the difference.