It all started with a simple line from Curt Cignetti.

And it resulted in maybe the most improbable title runs ever.

Indiana held Miami scoreless in the first half and took a 10-0 lead into the break.

Mark Fletcher Jr. opened the scoring for the Hurricanes in the second half with a 57-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to 10-7. Indiana responded by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown, pushing the lead to 17-7. Fletcher scored again to make it 17-14.

On fourth-and-5 from the 12-yard line, Fernando Mendoza powered into the end zone to extend Indiana’s lead to 24-14 with nine minutes remaining. Miami answered immediately with a 22-yard touchdown run by Malachi Toney, trimming the margin to 24-21.

Indiana added a field goal with 1:42 left to go up 27-21, setting up a potential game-winning drive for Miami. Carson Beck, however, threw an interception to seal the win for the Hoosiers, who went 3-9 just two seasons ago.

Indiana joins Yale (1894) as the only teams in college football history to ever go 16-0. This is the first time since 1940-42 that the Big Ten has won 3 straight national titles (Minnesota in 1940, Minnesota in 1941, Ohio State in 1942).

The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

On3 released its Way-Too-Early rankings Monday morning, ahead of the national championship game. ESPN, via Mark Schlabach, published its list Monday night after the game. For now, we’ll focus on On3’s rankings.

While we have nine months to debate who should be No. 1 heading into September, a few things stand out.

Notre Dame’s transfer class is ranked 10th nationally, and the Fighting Irish are eager to rebound after missing the College Football Playoff. The Irish’s defense could be one of the nation’s best and should dominate a favorable schedule featuring only two teams in On3’s Way Too Early Top 25 (No. 9 Miami and No. 13 BYU). Head coach Marcus Freeman appeared on the national championship broadcast and spoke extensively about his team’s outlook.

Oregon returns the potential No. 1 pick in the draft in Dante Moore, and also assembled a top-25 transfer portal class, highlighted by Minnesota safety Koi Perich, Alabama defensive lineman Terrance Green (6-foot-5, 330 pounds) and backup quarterback Dylan Raiola from Nebraska. All that being said, No. 6 feels WAY too low for the Ducks.

Michigan is ranked No. 11 after going 9-4 this season. The Wolverines retained Bryce Underwood and hired Kyle Whittingham away from Utah. They also added several impact players from the transfer portal, including multiple standouts from Utah. Given Whittingham’s track record and Michigan’s resources, Michigan could be strong next season. However, Whittingham will face a demanding first year, with the Wolverines slated to play six teams in On3’s way-too-early Top 25: Ohio State (No. 1), Indiana (No. 5), Oregon (No. 6), Oklahoma (No. 10), Penn State (No. 14) and Iowa (No. 21). Are they up to the task?

LSU at No. 12 is intriguing, largely because of the arrival of new head coach Lane Kiffin. The Tigers landed the No. 1 quarterback in the transfer portal, Sam Leavitt, though his availability for spring practice is uncertain due to injury. LSU is also closing in on Colorado transfer Jordan Seaton, the No. 4-ranked player in the portal.

After going 23-4 over the past two seasons — a better record than Georgia, Miami, Ole Miss, Texas and Alabama — BYU is finally earning the respect it deserves. Three of the Cougars’ four losses over the past two seasons came to College Football Playoff teams. Aside from graduating seniors, they retained every key contributor (namely QB Bear Bachmeier and RB LJ Martin) and are primed for a big 2026 season.

Alabama at No. 17 marks its lowest ranking in 19 years, dating to Nick Saban’s first season, when the Crimson Tide finished 7-6 and unranked. With Ty Simpson headed to the NFL, Keelon Russell and Austin Mack will compete for the starting quarterback job. Alabama also assembled a strong transfer portal class over the past few weeks, ranking 17th nationally. The Crimson Tide finished the season 11-4 after being routed by Indiana in the College Football Playoff.

USC’s No. 19 ranking feels low given the program’s momentum. The Trojans are bringing in the nation’s top 2026 recruiting class. Quarterback Jayden Maiava returns after one of the biggest improvement leaps in the country, leading a team that went 9-4 last season. He threw for 3,711 yards and 24 touchdowns, adding six rushing scores. Running backs Waymond Jordan and King Miller are both back, as is emerging receiver Tanook Hines. Most notably, the entire starting offensive line is returning. Even with a challenging schedule, the Trojans appear poised for a strong season.

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