Who are Illini fans taking in the CFP title game?
The 2025 college football season will end Monday night in Miami when the Hoosiers and Hurricanes face off in the 2026 CFP championship game.
While Illinois fans probably hoped the Illini could have found a way to this game (or at least into the Playoff), there’s still a lot for the Orange and Blue to watch out for at Hard Rock Stadium.
First off, there’s the odds. FanDuel Sportsbook has No. 1 Indiana as a 8.5-point favorite over No. 10 Miami. The total 47.5 for the title game, and the moneyline for the Hoosiers is -330. It’s +265 for the Hurricanes.
A majority of those who filled out a recent SBN Reacts survey are taking the Hoosiers, despite the touchdown spread.
Could you blame them? Curt Cignetti’s squad has blown out EVERYONE this season — from Illinois back in September to Alabama and Oregon in the CFP.
And, I hate to say it, but they’re kind of likable. You may not love Cignetti’s schtick, but it’s entertaining and they play a good style of football, and who doesn’t love Fernando Mendoza?
That’s why a majority of respondents are also cheering for Indiana on Monday.
Plus, wouldn’t you rather see a Big Ten school claim the top prize for the third straight year, rather than the ACC (even though Illinois did memorably blow out ACC champion Duke back in September, as well).
I have a feeling the Hoosiers will win because it feels like a team of destiny moment. And maybe this will inspire us all that if the worst program in college football history can win it all, then Illinois can one day, too.
Category: General Sports
