Miami hasn’t beaten a No. 1 team in more than 25 years.
Whether that drought ends Monday night depends on the Hurricanes’ ability to slow college football’s most consistent team this season.
A victory over Indiana in the national championship game would be Miami’s first win against an AP No. 1 opponent since 2000. That’s when they defeated Florida State. Since then, Miami has lost seven of eight games against top-ranked teams. The Hurricanes previously won eight straight from 1981-91, according to ESPN.
A win over Indiana in the national title game would be Miami’s first victory over an AP No. 1 team since 2000 (def. Florida State)
The Canes have lost 7 of their last 8 matchups against AP No. 1 teams after winning 8 straight from 1981-91. pic.twitter.com/XMy1m2CsEI
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) January 19, 2026
That stat shows how quickly Curt Cignetti has transformed Indiana into a college football powerhouse. The No. 1 Hoosiers (15-0) have played cleaner football than anyone in the Power Four. They’re positioned for the program’s first national title and a finish unlike anything Bloomington has seen since the 1960s.
Scouts acknowledge Miami’s talent advantage almost universally. The Hurricanes’ roster features more projected NFL players. Draft picks remain a common measuring stick for evaluating talent.
But when 25 opposing coaches, scouts and front office members were polled, 21 picked Indiana to win. They cited execution, discipline and quarterback play in critical moments, according to ESPN’s Bill Connelly.
Miami’s path to victory is straightforward. They need to shorten the game.
The Hurricanes huddle, bleed the play clock and lean on the run game. They controlled the ball for more than 41 minutes against Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl. They’ll need a similar tempo against Indiana. The early indicator will be whether Miami can run consistently and avoid obvious passing downs.
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Indiana has been ruthless this postseason. The Hoosiers blew out Alabama and Oregon after edging Ohio State in the Big Ten title game.
Fernando Mendoza has repeatedly won third downs and late-game moments. That’s the exact area where scouts believe the difference will show.
Miami has been here before in spirit. In 1983, the Hurricanes shocked Nebraska to announce a dynasty. This time, they’re underdogs again.
Only now, they’re trying to end an old streak while standing in the way of Indiana’s bid for perfection.
