Image source: AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
The No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers are just days away from the biggest moment in school history — their first-ever national championship appearance. But head coach Curt Cignetti admits the buildup hasn’t felt normal. Between the odd football calendar, classroom schedules, and a growing injury list, Indiana’s preparation has looked a little different than the usual “national title week” blueprint.
During a media session on January 16, Cignetti joked about the time warp he’s been living in. With the game in Miami, he compared the warm weather to the cold back home in Bloomington and laughed that he momentarily forgot the game was on a Monday, not a Saturday. Once classes ended, he said the Hoosiers officially entered “football camp mode” and shifted into full focus.
Injuries are the biggest storyline heading into Monday night, and Cignetti isn’t revealing much. He told reporters they would re-evaluate a few “game-time situations” on Friday to determine who can actually play. As he put it, “We’ll go through it the second time through on a couple of situations with injury. More on Friday, and then be ready to play.”
Indiana fans have reason to be nervous. Two starting defensive ends — Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt — are out with knee injuries. Kickoff specialist Brendan Franke is listed as questionable after not appearing since late October, though he was seen warming up at the Peach Bowl. Safety Bryson Bonds and running back Lee Beebe Jr. are both out for the season.
There is some positive news: edge rusher Mikail Kamara is expected to be available for what would be his first national title game. With injuries mounting, Cignetti is leaning heavily on a “next man up” philosophy. Defensive standouts like Daniel Ndukwe — who tallied two sacks in the Peach Bowl — plus Mario Landino and Kamara will be asked to cover major snaps. Indiana’s depth has carried them to an 8.5-point favorite status in the title game, and Cignetti’s steady demeanor has kept the team grounded through a historic season.
Miami dealing with setbacks too
On the other sideline, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal is dealing with his own injury concerns. The Hurricanes will be without star tight end Elija Lofton, who was ruled out after suffering an injury in the semifinal win over Ole Miss. Lofton has been one of Miami’s most productive weapons, leading all tight ends in receptions and touchdowns this year, so expect Alex Bauman to take on a larger role.
The defense will also begin the game short-handed. Starting cornerback Xavier Lucas must miss the first half due to a targeting penalty from the semifinal — a call the NCAA did not overturn. Cristobal confirmed that corner O.J. Frederique Jr. should be available despite recent bumps and bruises.
There is good news for Miami’s defensive line. Pass rusher Akheem Mesidor, a projected future NFL draft pick, had a brief injury scare last week but did not appear on the latest injury report. Cristobal also expects defensive lineman Ahmad Moten Sr. to be at full strength after battling an ankle issue.
Both teams enter Monday with question marks, but neither side seems shaken by the moment. Indiana is trying to finish a dream season with a national title; Miami is fighting for its biggest win in over two decades. No matter how strange the week has felt for Cignetti, the mission remains simple: end football camp with a trophy.
FAQ:
When is the national championship game between Indiana and Miami?
The game is scheduled for Monday night, marking Indiana’s first-ever appearance in a national title matchup.
Which Indiana players are listed as questionable or game-time decisions?
Kickoff specialist Brendan Franke is questionable, and a few players will be reevaluated on Friday ahead of the game. Cignetti is keeping final decisions close to the chest.
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