South Florida is buzzing with anticipation as the Miami Hurricanes gear up for a shot at their sixth national championship, set to face the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff title game at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the excitement has spilled beyond the gridiron—spanning the entire local sports scene and even prompting scheduling changes in the NHL to accommodate fans eager to witness this historic matchup.
For Miami head coach Mario Cristobal, this moment is the culmination of a journey rooted in family, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to hard work. The son of Cuban immigrants Luis and Clara Cristobal, Mario was raised in a household where grit and discipline were non-negotiable. “Grades had to be a certain way and there was no straying from doing the right thing,” Cristobal recalled. “And we weren’t perfect, but we had unbelievable, hard-nosed, tough and demanding parents that we maybe didn’t understand at the time but today we’re extremely grateful for.”
Cristobal’s coaching philosophy mirrors the values instilled by his parents. Since returning to his alma mater four years ago, he’s been on a mission to restore the Hurricanes to their former glory. Miami’s record this season—13-2, ranked No. 10 in both the AP and CFP polls—reflects a program on the rise, one that has weathered adversity and emerged stronger for it. Now, with the championship game looming, Cristobal stands on the brink of adding a third national title as coach to the two he won as a player.
Yet, Cristobal is quick to deflect the spotlight. “I spend more time appreciating the people around me and the opportunity that comes with it and pouring out any feelings that might arise in that manner,” he said. “That kind of thought process… it is not about me. I can assure you that every ounce in me is dedicated to those around me.”
His approach has resonated deeply with his players. Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. described Cristobal as “a dawg, man. It’s a guy that will get the job done no matter what. He loves adversity. That’s what a dawg is. He will push through it.” Fletcher, who lost his father last season, experienced Cristobal’s compassion firsthand when the coach adjusted the team’s schedule and arranged transportation so every player could attend the funeral. “That’s who he is,” Fletcher said. “He’ll do anything for us.”
The Hurricanes’ path to the championship has been anything but smooth. Cristobal’s first season at the helm in 2022 ended with a disappointing 5-7 record, including a humbling home defeat to archrival Florida State. The following year, Miami improved to 7-6. Last season, they soared to No. 4 in the AP Top 25, led by future No. 1 NFL draft pick Cam Ward, before faltering late. But Cristobal’s message never wavered: “We’re getting closer. Keep working.”
That persistence paid off. Miami began this season with a statement win over then-No. 6 Notre Dame—a three-point victory that ultimately secured their spot in the playoff field, leaving the Fighting Irish on the outside looking in. The Hurricanes climbed to No. 2 in the AP poll before a midseason slump dropped them to 6-2. With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the team held a pivotal meeting. Cristobal’s mantra, “go 1-0 this week,” took hold, and Miami rattled off seven straight wins to punch their ticket to the title game.
The story of Cristobal’s return to Miami is steeped in personal sacrifice and a deep sense of duty. After successful stints at FIU and Oregon, he was torn about leaving the Ducks, a program he’d built into a contender. But with his mother’s health declining, the pull of home was irresistible. Clara Cristobal, who passed away in the spring of 2022, remained a guiding force. On the day of her funeral—the very first spring practice of Cristobal’s tenure—he led the team before saying his final goodbyes. “If she could speak when I saw her, she’d say, ‘Get your butt back to work. What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be working and doing your job because people depend on you,’” Cristobal said. “And therefore, that’s always my understanding of how it’s supposed to be.”
The championship clash has captured the imagination of the entire region, including the Florida Panthers and their star forward, Matthew Tkachuk. A self-professed Hurricanes fan, Tkachuk was determined not to miss the big game—even as his own team faced the San Jose Sharks at home on the same night. Thanks in part to his lobbying, the NHL moved the Panthers’ puck drop to 6 p.m., an hour earlier than planned, allowing players and fans alike to catch the start of the CFP final. “I think some guys are trying to get our game pushed up a little bit, so we can watch it,” Tkachuk said last week, before Miami had even clinched its championship berth. “Their efforts were successful.”
Tkachuk’s affinity for the Hurricanes has grown since joining the Panthers. He’s even advocated for the university’s club hockey program to be elevated to varsity status and made a memorable appearance as a guest commentator on ESPN’s “College GameDay” from the Miami campus. With the Panthers chasing a third consecutive Stanley Cup and the Hurricanes vying for another national football title, Tkachuk summed up the mood in South Florida: “I think they’re trying to make South Florida ‘Titletown.’ So, it’d be pretty cool if they can do it.”
The synergy between Miami’s collegiate and professional teams has injected new energy into the local sports landscape. The Panthers, who have reached the Stanley Cup Final in each of the last three seasons and captured the last two titles, know the significance of championship runs for the community. The Hurricanes’ quest for glory has become a rallying point, uniting fans across sports and backgrounds.
As the Hurricanes prepare to face the formidable Indiana Hoosiers—undefeated at 15-0 and ranked No. 1 in both the AP and CFP polls—the challenge ahead is immense. Indiana, seeking its first national championship, represents a formidable obstacle. Yet, with Cristobal’s leadership, the Hurricanes have shown they can overcome adversity and rise to the occasion.
Quarterback Carson Beck, who transferred to Miami for his final collegiate season with the sole goal of playing for a national title, captured the spirit of the team’s journey. “I remember me and Coach Cristobal talking on the phone for the first time. I was sitting in Jacksonville in my house in my room, and I just had a big smile on my face and he had a big smile on his face. He said, ‘Let’s get to work.’ I believed in his vision.”
With the whole of South Florida watching, the Hurricanes are poised for a shot at history. Whether they’ll hoist the trophy remains to be seen, but their resilience, unity, and the unwavering support of their community have already made this a season to remember. As kickoff approaches and the eyes of the sports world turn to Miami Gardens, one thing is certain—the Hurricanes are ready to leave it all on the field.
