As the Miami Hurricanes gear up for their first shot at a national title in over 20 years, the injury report heading into the championship game is hitting like a blindside blitz. With just days to go before kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami’s depth is being tested in a big way - especially on the offensive side of the ball and in the secondary.
Let’s start with the biggest blow: sophomore tight end Elija Lofton is officially ruled out. Lofton exited the Fiesta Bowl semifinal against Ole Miss after taking a hard hit on a 15-yard reception in the first half. It didn’t look good then, and now it’s confirmed - he won’t be suiting up for the title game.
That’s a tough loss. Lofton has been a rising star in Miami’s offense, finishing the season with career highs in receptions (23), receiving yards (218), and touchdowns (3).
His physicality and athleticism gave opposing linebackers fits all year. Without him, the Hurricanes lose a versatile weapon in both the passing game and run blocking.
Stepping up in his place will be senior Alex Bauman, who’s been sharing reps throughout the season. Bauman brings experience and reliability, but he’ll be asked to do more than he has all year.
Behind him, freshman Luka Gibert - all 6'7", 255 pounds of him - could see meaningful snaps. It’s a big moment for the young tight end, and the coaching staff will be counting on him to hold his own under the brightest lights.
Adding to the attrition at tight end, former freshman Brock Schott entered the transfer portal on January 1 and has since committed to Indiana. That leaves Miami thinner than they’d like at a position that’s been a steady part of their offensive identity.
Over on defense, the Hurricanes will be without starting cornerback Xavier Lucas - at least for the first half. Lucas was ejected for targeting in the semifinal, and by rule, he’s suspended for the opening two quarters of the championship game. The call stirred plenty of debate, especially given the stakes, but the ruling stands.
Lucas has been a cornerstone of Miami’s secondary this season. His stat line tells the story: 45 total tackles (30 solo), two tackles for loss, one interception, and eight passes defended.
He’s physical, instinctive, and brings swagger to the back end of the defense. His absence, even for a half, is significant.
There’s a glimmer of hope, though. Redshirt sophomore Damari Brown is listed as questionable and could return just in time.
Brown hasn’t played in the College Football Playoff yet, but he’s a proven contributor with 24 tackles and a pass defended this season. If he’s able to go, his presence would help stabilize the cornerback rotation until Lucas returns in the second half.
The defensive line is also dealing with uncertainty. Sophomore Cole McConathy II is questionable after appearing in just two regular-season games this year, where he didn’t record any stats. While he may not be a major piece of the rotation, any depth helps in a game where attrition can be a deciding factor.
The good news? A few key defenders - edge rusher Akheem Mesidor (elbow), defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. (ankle), and cornerback OJ Frederique - are not on the injury report. That’s a welcome sign for a unit that’s already facing adversity.
Elsewhere, the Hurricanes will be without freshman wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw and junior linebacker Malik Bryant. Defensive lineman Donta Simpson Jr. is also unavailable after entering the transfer portal.
On the other side, the Hoosiers are dealing with their own personnel issues. Redshirt senior kicker Brendan Franke is questionable, and they’ll be without several players due to injuries or transfer portal departures - including edge rushers Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt, safety Jah Jah Boyd, cornerback Amariyun Knighten, safety Bryson Bonds, running back Lee Beebe Jr., and edge rusher Andrew DePaepe.
Both teams have taken hits from the transfer portal, but for the most part, their cores remain intact. And that’s a good thing - because this is the biggest game either program has played in recent memory.
For Miami, it’s even more special. They’ll be chasing a national title in their own backyard, inside Hard Rock Stadium - something no team has done in the BCS or College Football Playoff era.
The countdown is on. January 19. 7:30 p.m.
ET. ESPN.
The Hurricanes are one win away from history - but they’ll have to navigate some key absences to get there.