The energy in Coral Gables right now is basically electric, and for good reason. If you’ve been living under a rock, the U is back. Like, really back. People have been asking who does Miami Hurricanes play next for weeks as they’ve carved through the playoff bracket, and we finally have the ultimate answer.
It’s the big one. The one every fan has been dreaming about since the early 2000s.
The Massive Matchup: Miami vs. Indiana
The Miami Hurricanes are set to face the Indiana Hoosiers in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship. Honestly, if you told a casual fan at the start of the season that Indiana would be the #1 seed and Miami would be meeting them for the title, they probably would’ve laughed at you. But here we are.
Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and maybe call out of work:
- Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Time: 7:30 PM ET
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
- TV: ESPN
Yeah, you read that right. The Hurricanes are playing for the national title in their own backyard. Hard Rock Stadium is technically a neutral site for the CFP, but let’s be real—it's going to be a sea of orange and green. This is the first time the Canes have been in this position in over two decades.
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How Did We Get Here?
Miami's road to this game has been a total rollercoaster. They entered the playoffs as the #10 seed, which meant they had to take the long way home. They started by grinding out a 10-3 win against Texas A&M at Kyle Field—a game that was honestly a defensive masterclass. Then came the 24-14 win over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, followed by a thrilling 31-27 victory over Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl.
Indiana, meanwhile, has been a juggernaut. They’ve spent most of the season at #1 and haven’t really looked back. This is only the third time these two programs have ever met. The last time was in 1966. To say there’s no recent "film" on this rivalry would be an understatement.
Don't Forget the Hardwood: Basketball Schedule
While everyone is losing their minds over football, Coach L’s squad is quietly putting together a hell of a season. If you’re asking who does Miami Hurricanes play next on the court, you don't have to wait as long.
The Hurricanes men's basketball team travels to face Clemson this Saturday, January 17, 2026. Kickoff—well, tip-off—is at 2:15 PM ET. They’re currently sitting on a nine-game winning streak after beating Notre Dame 81-69 earlier this week. They’re 14-2 overall and look like a serious threat in the ACC.
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After Clemson, the schedule stays brutal:
- Florida State: January 20 at home (This is "Coach L Night," so expect a rowdy crowd).
- Syracuse: January 24 on the road.
- Stanford: January 28 at the Watsco Center.
The hoops team is 3-0 in conference play, and Nijel Pack and the crew are playing some of the most cohesive basketball we’ve seen in years. It’s a good time to be a Canes fan, basically across every sport.
Baseball is Peeking Around the Corner
For those of you already thinking about the smell of fresh grass and the ping of aluminum bats, Miami baseball starts their 2026 campaign on February 13. They’ll open at Mark Light Field against Lehigh. It’s a long season, but after a somewhat disappointing 35-27 finish last year, the expectations for 2026 are high.
What to Watch For on Monday Night
Back to the gridiron. The matchup against Indiana is a clash of styles. Miami has relied on a defense that refuses to break, while Indiana’s offense has been putting up video game numbers all year.
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One thing to keep an eye on is the "home field" advantage. Since the game is in Miami Gardens, the travel for the Hoosier faithful is a lot further than the commute for the local Canes fans. If Miami can get an early lead, that stadium is going to be deafening.
The biggest misconception right now is that Miami is a "lucky" #10 seed. You don't beat Ohio State and Ole Miss back-to-back by luck. This team has a chip on its shoulder, and they’re playing like it.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Tickets: If you haven't bought tickets for the National Championship, expect to pay a premium on the secondary market. Prices are already skyrocketing because of the local tie-in.
- Gear up: Local shops in Coral Gables are selling out of "CFP National Championship" gear. Get yours now before the Monday rush.
- Travel: If you're heading to the game, leave three hours earlier than you think you need to. Miami traffic on a Monday night plus a championship game? It's going to be a nightmare.