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National Championship 2026

All Roads Lead Home

By University of Miami Joshua Prezant

January 16^th, 2026

Monday, January 19, 2026

GAME DAY

The Miami Hurricanes’ best football season in 23 years ended Monday night as the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Canes 27-21 in the College Football Playoff Championship Game before a crowd of 67,227 at Hard Rock Stadium.

Wide shot of the 2026 National Championship football game at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami. Stadium is packed with fans, large video screens display a swirling graphic.

Wide shot of the 2026 National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. A giant American flag covers the field with fireworks overhead, and stands are packed with fans.

Miami Hurricanes football team runs onto the field through flames and orange and white flags. A packed stadium of fans in orange cheer them on.

Miami Hurricanes football team runs onto the field through flames and fireworks. Crowd fills the stadium.

Football team runs onto the field led by the mascot holding an American flag, fireworks burst behind them. A packed stadium watches.

Football referee tosses a coin between Indiana and Miami players at Hard Rock Stadium before the 2026 National Championship game.

Football players in red and white and green and white uniforms converge in a scrum on a green field during a football game.

A Miami Hurricanes player is tackled by Indiana Hoosiers players during the 2026 National Championship game. The crowd is blurred in the background.

Two football players in white Miami Hurricanes uniforms high-five on the field. The player on the left wears #11

Football players in red and white and white and green uniforms collide on a green field. The player in red is being tackled by two players in white and green. Other players surround them. Text on uniforms is visible.

A crowd of Miami Hurricanes fans raise their hands in the

Fans in orange and green fill stadium seats at the 2026 National Championship game. Some hold signs that read,

A crowd of fans at the 2026 National Championship game, many wearing Miami Hurricanes colors. A fan holds a sign reading,

A crowd of fans cheers at the 2026 National Championship game. Many wear orange and green, hold up foam fingers, and wave signs that say

Marching band performs on a football field before a packed stadium. Band members wear green and white uniforms with orange plumes on their hats.

Overhead shot of the 2026 National Championship football field, with marching band in green and white uniforms, cheerleaders in orange and green, and fans in the stands.

Halftime show at the 2026 National Championship. A marching band plays instruments in unison, while dancers kneel on the field in white and teal uniforms. Stadium seating is visible in the background.

A dense crowd of fans wearing orange and green fills the stadium for the 2026 National Championship game. Many fans raise their arms in excitement.

A football quarterback throws the ball during the 2026 National Championship. The stadium is packed with fans wearing red. The quarterback wears a white uniform.

Miami Hurricanes player runs with the football during the 2026 National Championship game. The player wears a white uniform with orange and green trim. The background is orange.

A football player wearing a Miami Hurricanes uniform runs with the ball toward the end zone. The crowd is a sea of red and white.

Football player in white and orange uniform runs with the ball on a green field. The crowd and photographers watch on. The player wears number 4.

A football player with the number 4 runs with the ball during the 2026 National Championship game. He wears a white uniform with orange and green trim. A referee stands nearby. A large crowd fills the stadium.

A packed stadium of fans celebrates a Hurricanes touchdown. An LED sign reads

A packed stadium of Miami Hurricanes fans cheers during the 2026 National Championship game. Sebastian the Ibis, the team's mascot, stands with arms outstretched.

Wide angle view of a packed football stadium, fans in orange fill the stands. The green field reads

Miami player #10 runs with the football as an Indiana player #7 tackles him during the 2026 National Championship game on a brightly lit field.

A football player in a white and orange uniform gestures on the field during the 2026 National Championship game. In the background, a packed stadium is visible.

A large crowd of fans cheers at the 2026 National Championship football game. Many fans wear orange and green, raise their hands, and look toward the field.

Football team huddles on the field during the 2026 National Championship game. The crowd is a blur of color and lights in the background.

A crowd of Miami Hurricanes fans cheer at the 2026 National Championship game, waving orange towels and wearing team colors of orange and green.

A football player in a red Indiana uniform runs with the ball as a player in a white Miami uniform chases him. A crowd cheers in the background.

A crowd of fans watch the 2026 National Championship with expressions of shock and concern. Many wear orange and green clothing.

Three Indiana Hoosiers football players run on the field after winning the 2026 National Championship. The crowd cheers behind them.

Two Miami Hurricanes football players embrace on the field. They wear white uniforms and helmets. A crowd of fans and team members are visible in the background.

A crowd of Miami Hurricanes fans watch the 2026 National Championship game. They wear orange and green clothing and scarves and look toward the field.

Pregame

A crowd of Miami Hurricanes fans cheer before the 2026 National Championship game. They wear orange and green, make the

A crowd of Indiana and Miami fans pose together at the 2026 National Championship game. Many wear team colors of orange, white, and red, and hold up signs that read

Miami Hurricanes fans celebrate at a tailgate party. A man in a

Miami Hurricanes fans tailgate before the 2026 National Championship game. Fans are wearing orange and green, waving, and holding up foam fingers. Tents and flags are visible in the background.

Crowd gathers on a football field in front of Hard Rock Stadium for the 2026 National Championship. Cheerleaders, a marching band, and fans wearing team colors fill the field.

A marching band and cheerleaders perform on a football field before a crowd. The band wears green and white uniforms. The cheerleaders wear orange and white uniforms and hold pom-poms.

Official Alumni Tailgate at Hard Rock Stadium

Three alumni smile at the camera at the 2026 National Championship tailgate at Hard Rock Stadium. The alumni wear Miami Hurricanes apparel in orange, green, and white. Other fans are visible in the background.

A crowd poses at the Official Alumni Tailgate at Hard Rock Stadium. Cheerleaders with orange pom-poms stand with children in Miami Hurricanes gear. An adult in an orange

Miami Hurricanes fans celebrate at the official alumni tailgate at Hard Rock Stadium. A young girl sits on someone's shoulders, surrounded by cheerleaders with orange and green pom-poms.

Two smiling women in Miami Hurricanes shirts pose arm-in-arm at the official alumni tailgate at Hard Rock Stadium. The indoor event space is filled with fans in team colors.

A woman and two children wearing Miami Hurricanes gear pose with hands framing their faces at the official alumni tailgate inside Hard Rock Stadium. People in orange shirts sit at tables in the background.

DJ spins records at a 2026 National Championship party, wearing a Miami Hurricanes hat and jersey. Two cheerleaders with orange and green pom-poms stand behind him in uniform, in front of a large Miami football graphic.

CANES COMMUNITY WATCH PARTIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Fans wearing Miami Hurricanes apparel make the

A smiling couple wearing Miami Hurricanes apparel makes the U hand sign outdoors at night. The man wears an orange jersey with the number 7.

Three Miami Hurricanes fans pose at a bar. One man holds a

A group of five people stand in a hallway with music-themed decor. The person in front wears a Miami Hurricanes jacket and smiles. Above them is a light fixture with a Woodstock poster. A Grateful Dead poster is visible down the hall.

Three smiling fans in orange Miami Hurricanes gear make the

Four smiling Miami University friends hold up their hands to make an

Four people in Miami Hurricanes apparel sit at an outdoor table at night. The table has drinks and Miami Hurricanes stickers. A street with cars and lit buildings is in the background.

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Frost Band of the Hour Pep Rally at Fan Central

Miami Hurricanes cheerleaders stand on teammates' shoulders at a pep rally for the 2026 National Championship, as fans record with phones. A marching band plays in the background.

A crowd cheers for the Miami Hurricanes mascot, Sebastian, at the 2026 National Championship. Fans wear team colors, holding up drinks and phones, with a

A line of Miami Hurricanes cheerleaders performs on the field. They wear green and white uniforms and hold orange pom-poms. One cheerleader smiles with her arm raised.

A Miami Hurricanes cheerleader rides on teammate's shoulders, smiling and waving red and green pom-poms. Both wear green and orange uniforms.

Cheerleaders in green and white uniforms with orange pom-poms perform on a green field. A marching band stands behind them in the background, under bright lights. Banners read

Saturday, January 17, 2026

Canes Media Day, Fan Central, and AT&T Playoff Playlist Live!

Media Day

Media from all over the world gather at the Miami Beach Convention Center to interview the Miami Hurricane coaches and players while fans got to watch.

Two football players are interviewed after the 2026 National Championship game. The players wear white tracksuits and sit on benches in a large hall. A reporter holds a microphone with a purple

A football player in a white Miami Hurricanes tracksuit signs an autograph. Another player in a grey hoodie looks at his phone. A photographer takes pictures.

Miami Hurricanes coaches and players at podiums answer questions from a crowd of media at the 2026 National Championship press event. Monitors display

Miami player sits at a press conference for the 2026 National Championship game. He wears a black Miami t-shirt and looks forward with a serious expression. The backdrop features the

Football player speaks into a microphone labeled

A coach speaks at a press conference after the 2026 National Championship game. He sits at a table with microphones, wearing a green shirt. Cameras surround him, capturing the moment.

Miami Hurricanes football players in white tracksuits sit on bleachers as a reporter interviews them at a large indoor event.

Five athletes in white tracksuits pose with an orange rectangular mascot with a smiling face. The setting is a crowded indoor event with

Miami Hurricanes player poses with fans at a College Football Playoff event. Fans wear team colors, making

Fans in orange and green Miami Hurricanes apparel stand behind a banner. They make the

Fans wearing Miami Hurricanes apparel pose with

Football player in a white tracksuit signs an orange hat for a smiling fan in a green floral shirt. Other fans and press surround them in a large convention hall.

A football player signs a Miami Hurricanes helmet for a young fan at an indoor event. The crowd watches as the player in a white jacket autographs the orange helmet.

A football player signs an orange jersey for a smiling young fan. Other fans look on in the background.

Football player smiles as a fan takes a selfie with him. The player wears a Miami Hurricanes jacket. The fan wears an orange shirt with

A crowd surrounds a bald man in a white shirt as he signs autographs and poses for photos. Many wear Miami Hurricanes apparel in green, orange, and white. The scene takes place in a large indoor venue.

A football player signs a white hat for a fan. The fan wears a green Miami Hurricanes jersey. Other fans look on; one wears a Miami hat and a gold chain with a

Football player signs autographs for fans. He wears a white Miami Hurricanes jacket. Fans hold hats and photos to be signed.

Football player in white hoodie smiles as he signs the orange t-shirt of an older fan at the 2026 National Championship game.

AT&T Playoff Playlist Live!

Music artists Calvin Harris, John Summit and XANDRA performed during The AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! concert series for the 2026 College Football Playoff at Lummus Park in Miami Beach Saturday night.

Crowd of fans cheer at the 2026 National Championship, arms raised in excitement under blue stage lights at night. A woman in the front row shouts with her index finger pointing up.

Fan Central

Canes' fans were out in force at College Football Playoff's Fan Central at the Miami Beach Convention Center Saturday. From championship trophies and interactive fan activations to pep rallies, merchandise, and football clinics, the Miami Beach Convention Center was the place to be for college football fans.

Three young adults pose in a studio for the 2026 National Championship. A man in a varsity jacket waves, a woman holds pom-poms, and a football player flexes. Backdrops feature jerseys and helmets.

Two women pose in Miami Hurricanes jackets, one holding a football. Behind them are lockers with jerseys and helmets, lit with neon.

Blonde woman DJ raises arms in celebration, wearing headphones around neck. Pioneer DJ equipment visible on stage.

Large crowd at an outdoor nighttime concert, many people holding up phones. A woman sits on a man's shoulders, arm raised. Stage lights in the background.

Man poses with a mannequin wearing a Miami Hurricanes football uniform. The man wears a t-shirt that says,

Young boy stands next to a Sebastian the Ibis statue, holding a smaller mascot cutout. The statue is on a Goodyear-branded pedestal with a green turf and football field background.

Two people pose with a football trophy in front of a backdrop with football player silhouettes. The person on the left wears a Miami jersey and shorts, holding out one hand. The person on the right wears black athletic wear and a baseball cap.

A crowd of people stand behind black barriers on artificial turf at the 2026 National Championship. A large silver statue of a football player riding another player is in the background.

Dog in a Miami Hurricanes t-shirt sits on artificial turf with its tongue sticking out. A leash is attached to its collar. People are in the background.

A boy kicks a football on a tee on artificial turf. People watch in the background at an indoor event with Allstate signage.

Man in Miami Hurricanes shirt raises arms on indoor football field at 2026 National Championship event. Referees and fans surround him.

A young man runs with a football, wearing a

Girl sits on a mechanical football ride, holding the rope. She wears a Miami sweatshirt. The ride sits on a green mat that reads

A young boy in a Miami Hurricanes jersey races a man on a green field. Both are running toward the viewer, with a crowd watching in the background. A Capital One sign is visible.

A man and young boy run hand-in-hand on an indoor football field. Both wear Miami Hurricanes apparel. The man wears a hat and the boy wears jeans and a t-shirt. A

Two young men sprint on an indoor football field, racing from a

Friday, January 16, 2026

Category 5 Pep Rally on campus, team hotel arrival, and team welcome dinner and celebration.

Friday, January 16, 2026

Category 5 Pep Rally On Campus

Large crowd of University of Miami fans in orange and green apparel making

“Just bring it! Bring that passion. Bring that noise.”

A man speaks to a large crowd wearing Miami Hurricanes colors outside a building on a sunny day. Orange umbrellas dot the crowd. A sign reads,

Marching band members play silver trumpets at the 2026 National Championship. Musicians wear orange hats and shirts with the letter

Miami Hurricanes cheerleaders in uniform raise orange pom-poms outdoors. Some wear orange skirts, others green, with white tops bearing a

Team Arrival at Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Welcome dinner and celebration

Footnotes

Photography, production, and design by Joshua Prezant. Additional photography by University of Miami Athletics, College Football Playoff, and Matthew Rembold. Video by Franco LaTona.

Button Label

FootNotes

Photography, production, and design by Joshua Prezant. Additional photography by University of Miami Athletics, College Football Playoff, and Matthew Rembold. Video by Franco LaTona.

Fiesta Bowl 2026

National Championship 2026

All Roads Lead Home

FootNotes

Next Stop: National Championship

Fiesta Bowl Here We Come

Round One

December 2^nd, 2025

December 2^nd, 2025

‘Very unusual’ hurricane season comes to an end.

University of Miami

UM Network

Tools and Resources

Visit

FootNotes

Next Stop: National Championship

Fiesta Bowl Here We Come

Round One

December 2nd, 2025

December 2nd, 2025

‘Very unusual’ hurricane season comes to an end.

University of Miami

UM Network

Tools and Resources

Visit

December 2^nd, 2025

December 2^nd, 2025