2026 National Championship: Indiana vs Miami Odds, Analysis, & Picks

The biggest trophy in college football is on the line on Monday, January 19, as the Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes clash in the 2026 National Championship. The kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Hoosiers, who are looking to complete an unbeaten season, smashed Oregon in the semifinals. As for the Canes, they eliminated the Ole Miss Rebels in the semis. Read on for the Indiana vs Miami picks.

Odds provided by TonyBet.

Indiana vs Miami Odds

The Hoosiers head into this game as a heavy -371 favorite on the moneyline at online betting sportsbooks.  Miami returns as a +254 underdog. The Hoosiers are also laying eight points on the spread. The total is set at 47 points.

Indiana vs Miami Analysis

Indiana’s story is one that will undoubtedly be made into a Hollywood movie or sports documentary someday. The Hoosiers are one of the most losingest programs in college football history, but they’ve completely turned things around under second-year head coach Curt Cignetti. Just two years ago, Indiana was 3-9, and now, they’re 15-0, and on the brink of a perfect season and a national title. It’s truly remarkable.

This team isn’t full of five-star prospects by any means, but they’re an elite group on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who just won the Heisman, leads the way. The future NFL signal-caller was fantastic in the 56-22 beatdown of Oregon. He completed 17 of 20 passes for 177 yards and five touchdowns. Outside of the 13-10 win in the Big Ten Championship against Ohio State, no other team has come even close to Indiana. Miami faces a very tall task here, because this squad truly looks unbeatable.

I don’t think anyone could’ve predicted that Miami would be competing for a National Championship this year, and they have the luxury of doing so in their own backyard at Hard Rock Stadium. Mario Cristobal’s group shocked the world in the quarterfinals, upsetting defending champions Ohio State, the same team who everyone expected to compete for a title against Indiana on January 19. Miami had other plans.

The No. 10-ranked program in the College Football Playoff then proceeded to beat Ole Miss 31-27 last week behind an impressive performance from Georgia transfer Carson Beck. The quarterback completed 23 of 37 throws for 268 yards and two TDs. Miami also got a huge performance from running back Mark Fletcher Jr, who ran for 133 yards. He’ll be a massive factor in Monday’s outcome. The Hurricanes will simply need to play perfect football to even have a chance here, but the home-field advantage certainly plays in their favor.

Indiana vs Miami Picks

Indiana has shown minimal weaknesses all season long, and there’s no reason to believe they will let up with a national title on the line. The Hoosiers’ storybook season will end in the best way imaginable – with a ring. Indiana comfortably covers.

Pick: Indiana -8 (-117)/TonyBet