CFP National Championship Preview: Indiana vs. Miami - Breaking Down Every Matchup
Let’s be honest - no one had Indiana vs. Miami penciled in as the national championship matchup back in August.
But here we are. Two programs that weren’t even on the radar when the postseason began are now 60 minutes away from hoisting the College Football Playoff trophy.
And while the history between these two is nearly nonexistent - just two meetings back in the 1960s - both teams arrive in Miami with legitimate reasons to believe they’ll leave as champions.
Quarterback Battle: Mendoza vs. Beck
Indiana rolls into this game with the Heisman Trophy winner under center, and Fernando Mendoza has been nothing short of sensational. After a regular season that exceeded even the most optimistic expectations, Mendoza has turned it up another notch in the postseason. He’s been ruthlessly efficient, making smart reads, protecting the football, and delivering in big moments.
Across the field, Miami’s Carson Beck has also impressed in his first year with the Hurricanes. He’s brought much-needed stability to the position and has largely avoided the kind of mistakes that can doom a playoff run. While Beck has had moments of inconsistency, his playoff performances have been poised and productive.
Edge: Indiana
Running Backs: Depth vs. Star Power
Indiana leans on a reliable duo in Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black. It’s a thunder-and-thunder combo - two physical backs who don’t dance behind the line, don’t lose yards, and wear down defenses over four quarters. They’ve been a big reason why Indiana has controlled the tempo in most of their games.
Miami, meanwhile, has the most explosive back in the matchup in Mark Fletcher. He’s been electric in the playoffs with nearly 400 yards in three games. But the drop-off to Charmar Brown is noticeable, and Miami doesn’t have the same level of depth or consistency.
Edge: Indiana
Receivers and Tight Ends: Playmakers Everywhere
Indiana’s receiving corps is deep, talented, and productive. Elijah Sarratt is a matchup nightmare - a big-bodied target who wins contested catches.
Omar Cooper Jr. leads the team in receiving yards and has been Mendoza’s go-to guy in clutch situations. Together, they’ve accounted for 28 of Mendoza’s 41 touchdown passes.
Add in Charlie Becker’s ability to stretch the field and Riley Nowakowski’s versatility, and it’s a complete group.
Miami’s Malachi Toney has been a breakout star as a freshman, dangerous in space and capable of turning short gains into chunk plays. Keelan Marion stepped up big in the Fiesta Bowl, and CJ Daniels provides another solid option. But the loss of tight end Elija Lofton stings, especially in a game where every possession will matter.
Edge: Indiana
Offensive Line: Two Solid Units, One Slight Edge
Both teams bring strong offensive lines into this one. Indiana’s front five has faced some of the best defensive lines in the country and held up well, paving the way for a run game averaging over five yards per carry. They’re physical, disciplined, and rarely get caught out of position.
Miami counters with a group that’s allowed just 19 sacks in 15 games. Left tackle Francis Mauigoa is a star, and the entire unit plays with a toughness that reflects their head coach. This is a close one, but Indiana’s consistency in both pass protection and run blocking gives them the nod.
Edge: Indiana
Defensive Line: Miami Brings the Heat
This is where Miami makes its money. Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor are not just future NFL players - they’re future first-rounders, and they’ve played like it all year.
With 19 combined sacks, they’re the kind of disruptors who can wreck a game plan. The Hurricanes’ defensive front is aggressive, athletic, and relentless.
Indiana doesn’t have a single dominant force, but they do have a cohesive unit. Tyrique Tucker earned first-team All-Big Ten honors, and the group as a whole has been steady. They don’t give up many big plays and do a good job controlling the line of scrimmage.
Still, Miami’s top-end talent gives them the edge here.
Edge: Miami
Linebackers: Indiana’s Strength Up the Middle
Indiana’s linebacker trio has been a force all season. Aiden Fisher and Rolijah Hardy both racked up over 90 tackles, and they’re not just stat stuffers - they make impact plays. Isaiah Jones and Hardy have also shown they can get after the quarterback, combining for 15 sacks.
Miami’s group is solid, led by Mohamed Toure, who made a seamless transition after transferring from Rutgers. Wesley Bissainthe brings leadership and versatility, and Raul Aguirre Jr. adds depth. But Indiana’s production and playmaking tilt this one.
Edge: Indiana
Defensive Backs: Ball Hawks All Around
Indiana’s secondary has made a habit of flipping momentum. D’Angelo Ponds is a shutdown corner, and Louis Moore is a game-changer at safety with six interceptions. Amare Ferrell complements Moore well, and the group overall has been opportunistic and reliable.
Miami’s secondary isn’t far behind. Jakobe Thomas leads the team in tackles and does a little bit of everything, while freshman Bryce Fitzgerald has been a revelation with six picks, including a game-sealer against Texas A&M.
This one’s close, but Indiana’s top-end talent and consistency give them the slight edge.
Edge: Indiana
Special Teams: Reliable vs. Risk-Taker
Indiana’s Nico Radicic has been automatic - 16-for-17 on field goals, all inside 50 yards. He’s dependable, and in a game like this, that matters.
Miami’s Carter Davis has a bigger leg and six makes from beyond 50, but he’s also missed four kicks in the postseason alone. That boom-or-bust profile could be a factor.
Edge: Indiana
Coaching: Two Impressive Journeys
Curt Cignetti is on the verge of pulling off one of the most remarkable coaching jobs in recent college football history. In just his second season, he’s taken Indiana - a program not exactly known for football glory - to the brink of a national title.
His team plays with discipline, avoids penalties and turnovers, and executes at a high level. That’s coaching.
Mario Cristobal, for all the heat he’s taken in past seasons, deserves credit for turning things around. Miami has been more consistent, more focused, and better prepared this year. His team has responded when it’s mattered most.
Still, Cignetti’s turnaround job stands out.
Edge: Indiana
Kickoff Info
The CFP National Championship Game between Indiana and Miami is set for Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Two programs. One trophy. And a matchup that, while unexpected, has all the ingredients for a classic.