by Brennan Zoeller and Jilliann Denbo

From taking down No. 9 Alabama 38-3, to then embarrassing No. 5 Oregon 56-22, the undefeated 15-0 Hoosiers don’t seem to be slowing down as they head into Monday’s national championship game against Miami (13-2).  

On Monday, Indiana hopes to win it all in Miami. Since 1899, the Hoosiers have never won a football national championship and have been among the programs with the most football losses.

Hoosier fans hope that changes Monday night.

“I think they’ve worked harder than anyone else and deserve it. They’re professional when it counts and don’t show mercy, which is why they’re so good,” said sophomore John Steele.

Some are sure Indiana will beat Miami, but others are still nervous only because they are used to losing.

“Miami is obviously a great team, but I think we may be even better. I am still nervous but I think some of those nerves stem from so many years of watching IU football lose. I’ve been conditioned to expect us to lose and I am still trying to remind myself that we have a real possibility to win the national championship,” said Northaven Academic improvement coordinator Kelly Allen, an IU fan.

This national championship game is bringing many long-time fans together to watch their all time favorite team.

“Family had a lot to do with me being an IU fan. But in 1987 I was 15 years old watching Keith Smart hit a last second shot to win the basketball national championship against Syracuse. If you have to pick a moment, that’s when I knew I was a Hoosier,” said IU fan Robert Denbo.

Fans have always been giving a lot to the IU community, doing anything they can to show true support.

“I show my support for my team by sharing stuff on social media and wearing my IU gear. I give to the Alumni Association as well. IU has the largest Alumni Association in the entire nation and it has the most people raising lots of money by going to games and by watching games on TV,” said Northaven principal and Hoosier fan Laura Morris.

While some fans have been cheering from home on their TVs , others have actually been going to the games.

“Seeing the joy on IU fans’ (of all ages) faces as they attend these games has been so exciting. It has been a thrilling time for fans,” Allen said from experience after being to many games.

When Allen says “of all ages,” she means it. Students all the way to teachers and parents have been ecstatic and call it a “miracle.”

“It’s crazy. I went from not even thinking about Indiana when it came to football as a fan, to now about to win a national championship. It’s a miracle,” said sophomore Liam Wooden.

The Hoosiers football team has brought hope to many, and this hope is shown and expressed in different ways, reaching all audiences.

“The way the team works together to accomplish this year’s wins has given me so much hope. Our Heisman (winner Fernando) Mendoza has also been performing better than amazing. Since 1975 I’ve been an IU fan and they’ve never come this far,” said JHS graduate and IU fan Kathleen Brennan.

With the national championship on Monday, Indiana fans are pumped up more than ever, with very high expectations.

“I think Indiana has a pretty good chance of beating Miami in the national championship because the Hoosiers have proven to be a powerhouse with trust in each other throughout the season,” stated Josie Zoeller, 2024 JHS graduate.

No. 1 Indiana (15-0) will play No. 10 Miami (13-2) in the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026:

• Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
• TV/Radio: Broadcast on ESPN. Radio coverage is available through the IU Alumni Association, featuring Don Fischer’s call synced to the telecast.