Hurricanes lose close CFB title game against Indiana
The Miami Hurricanes are facing a critical setback just days before the biggest game of their season. Miami football will be without starting tight end Eli Lofton for College Football Playoff National Championship against the Indiana Hoosiers on MondayJanuary 19, 2026 Lofton is officially listed on the latest injury report. It removes a reliable target from Hurricane’s passing attack at the worst possible time. He led Miami’s tight end group with 23 receptions for 218 yards and three touchdowns this season. He also ranked fourth on the team in total catches.
With Lofton asidehead coach Mario Cristobal is expected to lean more heavily on redshirt senior Alex Bauman. The latter posted 17 catches for 144 yards and one score this year. Miami will also be without linebacker Malik Bryant, wide receiver Daylin Upshaw and defensive lineman Donte Simpson. That further stretches the Hurricanes’ depth as they prepare to face an undefeated, top-seeded Indiana team.
Miami’s appearance in the national title game caps a remarkable season in 2025. The Hurricanes finished 13–2. They earned their first College Football Playoff appearance in an expanded 12-team format. After opening the year 5–0 and climbing to No. 2 nationally, Miami endured midseason losses to Louisville and SMU before surging into the postseason.
That surge included a defensive victory over Texas A&M. They also booked a statement from upset defending champion Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. They recently had a dramatic 31–27 Fiesta Bowl semifinal victory over Ole Miss. Now, no hands, but checked Miami is trying to overcome another hurdle in search of its first national championship since 2001.
2026-01-17 02:40:00
