Keller’s Korner - 2026 College Football Championship Game

Layered atop the historic matchup was a rich cultural connection: Miami Head Coach Mario Cristobal and Indiana’s Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza both share Cuban-American roots and both played football at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. With the local excitement, record-breaking ticket demand, and a “Hoosierslike” underdog narrative, the stage was set for a memorable night. The game sold out quickly, and energy filled every corner of Hard Rock Stadium.

Throughout the week, I had the opportunity to speak with coaches, players, media members, and—given my frequent focus—several Jewish figures surrounding the event. Rather than asking the same standard questions, I aimed for unique angles that captured the human side of this championship.

Curt Cignetti, Indiana Head Coach

When I asked Coach Cignetti who inspired him to become the leader he is today, he did not hesitate: his father.

“He was a great role model growing up,” Cignetti said. “I was the oldest of four children, and he led by example. He had a presence, a great work ethic, and disciplined commitment.”

He recounted how his father coached at Pitt, Princeton, and alongside Bobby Bowden at West Virginia before becoming WVU’s head coach in 1976. Tragically, cancer cut his tenure short at WVU during Curt’s senior year of high school. “He didn’t get to finish what he started,” he reflected, “but he was my big inspiration. My Dad went on to have an amazing coaching career at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.”

Mario Cristobal, Miami Head Coach

With Miami staying at the Fontainebleau rather than their Coral Gables campus, I asked Cristobal whether the change of routine was a distraction.

“We’re in a great routine,” he said. “The Fontainebleau is awesome, and we are in isolation—if you go over there, it looks like Fort Knox. We have the right people. They know how important it is to be locked in, and we came to the right spot.”

Carson Beck, Miami Quarterback

When I asked how he liked hotel life compared to campus, Beck lit up.

“I love it,” he said. “Being in the hotel lets you lock in. It’s football, sleep, football, sleep and then repeat. If I have a question, I just walk downstairs to a meeting room. It keeps me focused.”

Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Quarterback

Given his Miami roots, I asked Fernando whether he dreamed of playing for the Miami Dolphins—or perhaps the Indianapolis Colts.

“My favorite team to play for would be the Indiana Hoosiers—especially on Monday night,” he said. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The NFL is a blessing, but I’m staying in the present. I’m focused on this National Championship. God bless.”

Roman Hemby, Indiana Running Back

Roman’s interview felt personal, as he transferred from my alma mater, the University of Maryland.

He told me, “Being a Terp alum is something that is in my heart forever. After my career here, I want to pursue the NFL—God willing, a long career—and maybe get on ESPN one day.”

When I joked that he could make Maryland fans happy by joining the Washington Commanders, he laughed. “That would be awesome. I would be blessed to play anywhere. If any team takes a shot on me, I will repay them with hard work and dedication.”

Alberto Mendoza, Indiana Backup Quarterback

I asked Alberto to share something unusual about his older brother, Fernando.

Laughing, he said, “He is not a good singer. You do not want to hear him sing. Trust me.” With Pitbull performing the halftime show, Alberto added, “He is definitely no Pitbull.”

Andrew Cohen, Miami Wide Receiver (Redshirt)

As the only Jewish player on Miami’s roster, Andrew shared his plans beyond football.

“I loved my experience at Miami,” he said. “After I leave, I would love to move to Denver and get into snowboarding.”

Ian Plaskoff, Hoosier Network Reporter

Ian, a student reporter for Indiana, offered his prediction.

“I feel confident Indiana will put up enough points to win,” he said. This was his first year covering the team—one he called “so much fun”—missing only the Oregon game.

Dave Revsine, Lead Studio Host, Big Ten Network

As a longtime viewer of the BTN, it was a pleasure to speak with Dave as I often watch him on television. He told me he has been with the network since its 2007 launch and considers college football and basketball tied as his favorite sports to cover.

On Indiana’s rise?

“This is perhaps the most amazing sports story I have ever covered,” he said. “To think a school with the most losses in the history of the sport—one that won one conference game two seasons ago and needed four overtimes to beat Akron—could go undefeated and play for a National Championship is mindboggling.”

Brett Daniels, Director of Communications, College Football Playoff

Brett shared that he has spent five years with the college football playoffs and previously worked on Super Bowls and Final Fours.

“It is impressive to see the excitement for this game,” he said. “It shows the passion fans have to buy tickets.”

A Championship for the Ages

More than 67,000 fans packed Hard Rock Stadium for the soldout showdown. In a thrilling finish to a miraculous season, Indiana defeated Miami 27–21, completing one of the greatest turnarounds in college football history.

Celebrities such as Pitbull, Tom Brady, Michael Irvin, and Mark Cuban joined the crowd in witnessing a night that college football fans will not soon forget.

Neil Keller is a Jewish historian. Visit: www.NeilKeller.com to learn who is Jewish.

(Photo Credit Jeff Friedman)