The 2025-26 College Football Playoff marks a turning point in the sport, delivering one of the most unpredictable and wide-open postseasons in recent memory and setting up a national championship matchup between the Miami Hurricanes and the Indiana Hoosiers.
With the expanded 12-team format fully in place, the playoffs rewarded conference champions while also allowing strong at-large teams to prove themselves on the field, not just on paper.
Indiana entered the postseason as the No. 1 overall seed after completing an undefeated regular season and defeating Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. That perfect run earned the Hoosiers a first-round bye, giving them extra rest and preparation as the bracket unfolded around them. Indiana’s position at the top of the field immediately signaled that this playoff would look different from past years dominated by the same traditional powers.
Miami’s road was far more demanding. The Hurricanes qualified as an at-large team and were forced to play in the opening round, navigating a bracket filled with established programs and difficult matchups. From the start, Miami relied on explosive offense, aggressive defense and timely playmaking to survive and advance. Each round tested their depth and composure, but the Hurricanes consistently rose to the moment, turning close games into statement victories.
Across the playoff field, familiar contenders such as Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama and Oklahoma all entered with championship expectations. However, the expanded format also introduced compelling new storylines, including first-time playoff appearances and deep runs from teams that previously would not have been invited. Upsets and narrow finishes defined the early rounds, reinforcing the idea that the gap between college football’s elite and its challengers has narrowed.
Indiana began its playoff journey in the quarterfinals, where its disciplined defense and efficient offensive approach immediately stood out. Rather than relying on flashy moments, the Hoosiers controlled tempo, limited mistakes and capitalized on opponents’ errors.
That formula carried into the semifinals, where Indiana once again showcased balance and poise, defeating a higher-profile opponent to secure its spot in the national championship game.
Miami’s semifinal appearance capped a grueling postseason path. Having already played additional games, the Hurricanes leaned into their identity as a resilient, battle-tested team.
Their semifinal victory came through a combination of speed on the perimeter, creativity on offense and defensive stops in critical moments. Miami’s ability to adapt and respond under pressure became the defining theme of its playoff run.
By the time the championship matchup was set, the storyline was clear. Indiana represented consistency, structure and the reward for season-long excellence, while Miami embodied momentum, toughness and the opportunity created by the expanded playoff system.
Their meeting in the national championship stands as a symbol of a new era in college football — one where opportunity is broader, outcomes are less predictable, and belief can carry a program all the way to the sport’s biggest stage.
Together, their paths highlight how the playoff expansion reshaped competitive balance. Teams were no longer judged solely by reputation, but by performance across months of football. Fans witnessed campus atmospheres, dramatic finishes and new contenders on a national stage.
As Miami and Indiana prepare to meet, the postseason has already achieved its goal: redefining what is possible in modern college football and proving opportunity now reaches programs once overlooked nationwide.