Miami Hurricanes shocked top‑seed Indiana Hoosiers with a 31‑27 victory in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, securing the program’s first ever CFP title. The win, achieved on a hostile Indianapolis field, ended Indiana’s perfect season and highlighted Miami’s high‑risk offense and clutch defense. The game featured a dramatic fourth‑quarter drive by quarterback Tyler McAllister and a decisive defensive stand that sealed the upset.
Game Summary: Final Play‑by‑Play
The Final Play‑by‑Play
Miami’s offense, led by senior quarterback Tyler “T‑Bomb” McAllister, opened with a 45‑yard touchdown pass to wideout Jalen Torres. Indiana answered with a 12‑yard run by sophomore RB Malik “Flash” Johnson, tying the game at 7‑7. The Hoosiers took a 14‑10 lead before halftime after a 23‑yard field goal and a 5‑yard rushing TD.
In the second half, Miami’s defense, anchored by junior linebacker Dante Alvarez, forced a three‑and‑out on Indiana’s opening third‑quarter drive. McAllister then connected with tight end Marcus “Mack” Delgado for a 31‑yard score, giving Miami a 17‑14 lead. Indiana responded with a 68‑yard drive, highlighted by a 38‑yard pass to wideout Darius “Flash” Greene, retaking the edge at 21‑17.
With under five minutes remaining, Miami engineered a 75‑yard drive, featuring a 22‑yard scramble by McAllister and a 4th‑and‑2 conversion. The final strike came on a 9‑yard touchdown pass to Torres, extending the lead to 31‑21. Indiana answered with a quick 6‑play, 45‑yard drive ending in a 2‑yard TD run by Johnson, narrowing the gap to 31‑27. A last‑ditch 40‑yard field‑goal attempt by kicker Alex Martinez missed wide left, sealing Miami’s triumph.
Road to the Championship
Both programs entered the title game with historic firsts. Miami, a perennial ACC contender, had never advanced beyond the semifinal round. Their path featured a gritty 10‑3 win over No. 7 Texas A&M in the first round, followed by a 24‑14 upset of No. 2 Ohio State in the semifinal, a game defined by three forced turnovers.
Indiana, representing the Big Ten, earned the No. 1 seed after a flawless 13‑0 regular season, highlighted by a 38‑10 rout of Michigan and a 31‑24 victory over Penn State in the conference championship. Their semifinal triumph over No. 5 Clemson (28‑21) showcased a balanced attack, but the Hoosiers had never before faced a CFP final.
Pre‑Game Expectations and Odds
Betting markets heavily favored Indiana, with the spread set at Indiana –7.5 and an over/under of 58.5 points. Analysts highlighted Indiana’s disciplined defense and dual‑threat quarterback Caleb Reed, while noting Miami’s “high‑risk, high‑reward” offensive scheme under head coach Luis “Loco” Ramirez. The consensus was that Miami’s upset potential hinged on pressuring Reed and exploiting Indiana’s secondary with deep routes.
Future Implications for Miami and Indiana
Miami’s victory reverberates beyond the trophy. The Hurricanes now join an elite list of ACC teams to capture a national championship, a feat not achieved since Florida State in 2014. The win is expected to boost Miami’s recruiting classes dramatically, especially in the South Florida talent pool, where the program can now market a “national champion” brand to high‑school prospects.
For Indiana, the loss still marks a watershed moment. The Hoosiers’ ascent to the CFP final validates the Big Ten’s competitive depth and positions Indiana as a perennial contender. Coach Mark “Maverick” Donovan’s stock is soaring, with NFL interest in his staff already rumored.
The game also underscores the evolving parity in college football. The CFP’s four‑team format, combined with transfer‑portal dynamics, has enabled programs like Miami to engineer rapid turnarounds, signaling a shift away from traditional powerhouses dominating the championship.
Key Takeaways
- Miami’s 31‑27 win secures the Hurricanes’ first national championship in program history.
- The upset overcame a No. 1 seed, a 7.5‑point spread, and a hostile Indianapolis crowd.
- Both teams made their CFP debut, highlighting the increasing competitiveness of the playoff era.
- The victory is poised to elevate Miami’s recruiting and solidify Coach Luis Ramirez’s legacy.
- Indiana, despite the loss, has cemented itself as a top‑tier Big Ten contender and will remain a national threat in upcoming seasons.
