Miami Loses Key Playmaker Ahead of National Championship Clash with Indiana
The Miami Hurricanes will be without a key offensive weapon when they take the field Monday night for the College Football Playoff National Championship against Indiana. Tight end Elija Lofton, a rising contributor in the Hurricanes’ offense, has officially been ruled out - a tough blow for both the team and the player with a title on the line.
Lofton, who started four games this season, made his presence felt with 23 catches and three touchdowns. He brought a physical edge and versatility to Miami’s attack, often lining up in multiple spots and creating matchup problems for defenses.
But after being carted off during the Fiesta Bowl win over Ole Miss, hopes for a quick recovery were dashed. Initially listed as questionable, Lofton has now been downgraded to out.
For Miami, this isn’t just about losing a tight end - it’s about losing a dynamic piece of the offense at the worst possible time. Lofton had become a security blanket in the red zone and a reliable option on third downs. His absence will force the Hurricanes to adjust their game plan against a tough Indiana defense that’s known for disguising coverages and bringing pressure.
And Lofton isn’t the only Hurricane who’ll be missing under the lights in the biggest game of the season.
Linebacker Malik Bryant, wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw, and defensive lineman Donta Simpson have also been ruled out. Each of them played roles in Miami’s rotation, and their absence trims the depth chart in key areas on both sides of the ball. Bryant, in particular, has been a steady presence in the linebacker corps, while Upshaw added speed to the receiving group and Simpson brought size and strength to the defensive front.
Adding to the challenge, defensive back Xavier Lucas will miss the first half due to a targeting ejection in the Fiesta Bowl. That’s a significant hit to Miami’s secondary, especially early in the game when momentum is up for grabs. Lucas has been a tone-setter in the back end, and his absence could open up opportunities for Indiana’s passing game in the first two quarters.
Miami does have a couple of players listed as questionable - cornerback Damari Brown and defensive lineman Cole McConathy II - and their availability could swing things slightly depending on how they progress over the next 48 hours.
Indiana, meanwhile, is dealing with its own injury report. The Hoosiers will be without several key contributors, particularly on the defensive side.
Defensive linemen Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt are out, along with defensive backs Jah Jah Boyd, Amariyun Knighten, and Bryson Bonds. Running back Lee Beebe Jr. and defensive lineman Andrew DePaepe are also sidelined, thinning Indiana’s depth in the trenches and the secondary.
Kicker Brendan Franke is listed as questionable, which could have special teams implications in what’s expected to be a tightly contested championship matchup.
Both teams are banged up heading into Monday night, but Miami’s losses - especially Lofton’s - loom large. With the national title at stake, every snap, every adjustment, and every player who steps up in the absence of a starter could shape the outcome.
One thing’s for sure: championship football is rarely about who’s available - it’s about who responds.