The Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes were not the College Football Betting future market favorites to make the College Football National Championship Game. Miami had a relatively disappointing regular season and failed to make the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game. However, when the College Football Playoff arrived, the Cane’s kicked into high gear. NFL scouts praise head coach Mario Cristobal for amassing what could be the most talented roster in college football. On January 19, the Canes will face the Indiana Hoosiers in the National Championship Game.
In an interesting twist, Miami will be playing the game on its home field. Although Hard Rock Stadium was scheduled to host long ago, Miami will have a strong contingent of fans on hand. Equally important, the Canes will not have to travel. Indiana’s utter domination and decimation of the Oregon Ducks in the semifinal caught the attention of gamblers. Indiana opened as a strong betting favorite. Head coach Curt Cignetti and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza are already legends. And with a win over Miami, they will enter college football immortality.
College Football Playoff National Championship Miami-FL Hurricanes vs. Indiana Hoosiers
| Date and Time: | Monday, January 19, 2026, 7:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Florida | +7½ ( -104 ) | 48½ ( -110 ) | +260 |  |
| Indiana | -7½ ( -116 ) | 48½ ( -110 ) | -320 | |
| ||||
Miami vs. Indiana Betting Odds Analysis
Indiana opened as a 7.5-point favorite with Miami a 7.5-point dog. In turn, Indiana is a -320 moneyline chalk with Miami at +260. The Hoosiers and Hurricanes opened at an over/under of 48.5.
Miami Hurricanes Team Overview
Last game, the Miami Hurricanes won 31-27 against the Ole Miss Rebels as 3.5-point favorites. The game went over the total of 52.5. As a result, Miami is 13-2 straight up, 10-5 against the spread, and 6-9 over/under the sports betting total. Late on, Miami has covered five out of its most recent six games. Miami went under the total in three of its last four matchups.
Miami ranks 26th for total offense, 22nd for passing, 62nd for rushing, 34th for scoring, and 40th for fewest turnovers committed. In comparison, Miami ranks 21st in total defense, 62nd vs. the pass, 7th vs. the rush, 4th in fewest points allowed, and 12th in takeaways.
Indiana Hoosiers Team Overview
Last game, the Indiana Hoosiers won 56-22 against the Oregon Ducks as 3.5-point favorites. The game went over the total of 50.5. Now, Indiana is 15-0 straight up, 10-5 against the spread, and 9-6 over/under the College Football Betting total. Late on, Indiana has covered its last four games. Indiana went under the total in two of its previous three matchups.
Overall, Indiana ranks 5th for total offense, 36th for passing, 8th for rushing, 5th for scoring, and 3rd for fewest turnovers committed. Indiana ranks 7th for total defense, 33rd vs. the pass, 3rd vs. the rush, 2nd for fewest points allowed, and 7th for takeaways.
Miami vs. Indiana Betting Trends
Miami has been an effective and profitable underdog. To show, the Hurricanes covered the spread in five of their last six games when getting points. The Hurricanes went under the total in three of their most recent five games as a dog. On the other hand, Indiana has been an outstanding betting value as a chalk pick. The Hoosiers covered the spread in 14 of their last 20 games when laying points. Additionally, the Hoosiers went over the total in 14 of their last 20 games as a favorite.
Miami vs. Indiana SBG Free Picks
Of course, most gamblers were impressed with Indiana’s blowout win over Oregon, perhaps too much. At the bare minimum, Miami is as talented, if not more so, than the Hoosiers. As was previously noted, the Hurricanes are outstanding underdog values. Specifically, the line is too high in Indiana and is driven by recency bias in the casual sector.
In this situation, Miami as an underdog offers vastly more value. Certainly, Indiana can win this game, but Miami has everything necessary to stay within the number, if not pull off the outright upset.
Miami vs. Indiana SBG Best Bet: Miami Hurricanes and Over the Total.