The second year of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff has delivered everything fans hoped for-drama, upsets, and storylines that stretch far beyond the box score. And now, it all comes down to one final clash: No.
1 Indiana vs. No.
10 Miami, with a national title on the line Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium.
This championship matchup is more than just a battle between two programs chasing glory. It’s a collision of two of the most compelling narratives of the postseason.
Let’s start with Ole Miss. The Rebels became one of the postseason’s biggest surprises-not just because they won two CFP games, but because they did it after head coach Lane Kiffin left the program for LSU following the regular season.
That could’ve been the end of the road. Instead, under new head coach Pete Golding, Ole Miss regrouped and made a run that turned heads across the country.
They were the last SEC team standing in the bracket, a reminder of the program's resilience and depth, even amid chaos.
But with Ole Miss out, the SEC’s championship drought continues. For the third straight season, the national title will go elsewhere-this time to either the Big Ten or the ACC.
And that brings us to Indiana. If the Hoosiers can finish the job Monday night, they’ll not only complete an undefeated season, they’ll also become the Big Ten’s third consecutive national champion, following Michigan (2023-24) and Ohio State (2024-25). That’s a remarkable run for a conference that has long battled the SEC for college football supremacy.
But what makes Indiana’s rise even more remarkable is how quickly it’s happened. Just two years ago, this program wasn’t on anyone’s radar as a national contender.
Now, under second-year head coach Curt Cignetti, they’re on the doorstep of a title. Cignetti’s journey is one of perseverance-after decades grinding through Division II, FCS, and Group of Five jobs, he finally got his Power Four shot in his 60s.
And he’s made the most of it, leading Indiana to the brink of a championship in just his second season.
Standing in their way is a Miami team that’s just as hungry and just as tough. The Hurricanes have built their identity in the trenches.
They’re physical, disciplined, and don’t back down from a fight. Under fourth-year head coach Mario Cristobal, Miami has clawed its way through the bracket with gritty performances and a defense that’s made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.
And now, they’ll try to finish the job on their home turf at Hard Rock Stadium.
It’s a fitting stage for a title game that’s been anything but predictable. Miami came into the playoff as the No. 10 seed and immediately made noise, knocking off No.
7 Texas A&M in a low-scoring slugfest. Then came a statement win over No.
2 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, where the Hurricanes’ defense stole the show. Now, they’ll try to complete one of the most improbable runs in playoff history.
Indiana, meanwhile, has looked every bit the No. 1 seed. After cruising past Alabama in the Rose Bowl, the Hoosiers are one win away from a perfect season and a place in college football history.
Here’s how the 2025-26 College Football Playoff unfolded:
First Round
- (9) Alabama 34, (8) Oklahoma 24 - A strong showing from the Crimson Tide to open the bracket.
- (10) Miami 10, (7) Texas A&M 3 - Miami's defense dominated in a gritty road win.
- (6) Ole Miss 41, (11) Tulane 10 - A blowout win for the Rebels under interim leadership.
- (5) Oregon 51, (12) James Madison 34 - The Ducks’ offense lit it up in Eugene.
Quarterfinals
- Cotton Bowl: (10) Miami 24, (2) Ohio State 14 - A massive upset that sent shockwaves through the bracket.
- Orange Bowl: (5) Oregon 23, (4) Texas Tech 0 - A shutout win that showcased Oregon’s defensive chops.
- Rose Bowl: (1) Indiana 38, (9) Alabama 3 - A dominant performance that solidified the Hoosiers as title favorites.
- Sugar Bowl: (6) Ole Miss 39, (3) Georgia 34 - A thrilling shootout that ended Georgia’s title hopes.
Now, all eyes turn to Monday night. Indiana and Miami-two programs with very different histories but equally compelling 2025-26 campaigns-will battle for it all. Whether it’s the continuation of the Big Ten’s recent dominance or the crowning of a Miami team that’s defied expectations at every turn, one thing is clear: this College Football Playoff has already delivered a postseason to remember.