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The College Football Playoff National Championship is locked in, with the Indiana Hoosiers set to battle the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Indiana enters the game hunting for a perfect finish, while Miami is trying to end a national title drought that stretches back 25 years.
One of the most talked about angles leading up to the showdown has been the status of tight end Brock Schott. The former Miami player moved to Indiana during the transfer portal window, sparking a big question online: Is he allowed to play against his old team in the title game?
Brock Schott officially entered the transfer portal after the 2025 season and later committed to the Indiana Hoosiers, per the player movement database (transfer portal records). Schott was a four-star prospect from Leo-Centerville High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and he signed with the Hurricanes during his senior year in high school, according to recruiting evaluations (247Sports recruiting rankings).
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound tight end saw limited action as a freshman at Miami. He posted 2 catches for 24 total yards, averaging 12 yards per grab, according to Miami’s 2025 season stats (Miami team stat sheet). Despite the small sample size, the move brought him back to familiar territory, as he grew up in Leo, Indiana.
Schott is listed on Indiana’s roster for the 2026 season, but NCAA regulations require transferred athletes to finish enrollment, compliance clearances, and eligibility verification before they can compete (NCAA transfer rules). Because Schott completed his transfer after Miami’s season wrapped up and only shortly before the title game, he has not been cleared to play in the CFP Championship.
Instead of taking the field, he will be watching from the sideline as Indiana chases a championship against his former team. It’s an ironic twist: Schott left Miami for better opportunities, only to see his old and new programs collide without him taking a snap.
Meanwhile, Indiana is preparing for its biggest game in school history. After going undefeated in the regular season and winning the Big Ten title, the Hoosiers earned the No. 1 seed in the CFP. They defeated Alabama in the playoff opener and rolled past Oregon in the Peach Bowl to reach the final.
Miami has authored its own remarkable postseason run as well. The Hurricanes beat Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Ole Miss to punch their ticket to the title game, according to CFP bracket updates (CFP playoff records).
The National Championship will be played on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium, which adds another layer of intrigue since it’s Miami’s home field. The matchup features two teams riding major momentum, both with a chance to etch their names into college football history.
Even though Brock Schott won’t suit up, he’ll be closely watching as Indiana tries to finish a legendary season—and Miami aims to break a decades-long drought—on the sport’s biggest stage.
FAQ:
Will Brock Schott play for Indiana in the National Championship?
No. Brock Schott will not play in the National Championship because he has not completed NCAA transfer eligibility requirements before the game.
Why isn’t Brock Schott eligible to play?
NCAA rules require transferred athletes to finish enrollment, eligibility, and compliance steps before competing. Schott’s transfer happened late, so he was not cleared in time.
What teams are playing in the National Championship?
The 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship will feature the Indiana Hoosiers vs. the Miami Hurricanes.
How did Indiana reach the National Championship?
Indiana went undefeated, won the Big Ten title, earned the No. 1 CFP seed, and defeated Alabama and Oregon in the playoff.
Was Brock Schott originally from Indiana?
Yes. He is from Leo, Indiana, and played high school football at Leo-Centerville High School in Fort Wayne.
Also Read: Alabama’s Top 5 Transfer Additions for 2026 Reload
