MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Fans packed the Playoff Fan Central on Saturday as the Miami Hurricanes first took center stage during media day ahead of Monday’s College Football Playoff national championship game vs. the Indiana Hoosiers.

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The Canes and Hoosier faithful gathered around the media hub at the Miami Beach Convention Center to meet players and coaches, listen to interviews, and watch team members discuss their preparation and mindset entering the final game of the season.

Fans also had the opportunity to view the national championship trophy up close as players emphasized their focus on winning it.

While reaching the championship game marked a milestone for the program, Hurricanes players and coaches said their attention remains on preparation and execution rather than celebration.

“We’re ready to roll,” said Hurricanes tight end Alex Bauman. “We’re preparing each and every day and going 1-0 each and every day. We know Indiana’s a great team, we just have to play our best ball.”

Miami standout freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney said he and teammate CJ Daniels were talking Saturday morning and admitted it still hasn’t sunk in that they are headed to a national championship game.

Toney said it will hit him “when we run out of the tunnel.”

Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor shared his “Canes Mount Rushmore,” highlighting Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin as his top four on the all-time list.

Hurricanes defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. told reporters that no matter what the outcome of Monday’s game is, he won’t hide his emotions.

“I’m gonna cry. I know it’s really my last game in college. It’s been a long but quick three years,” Bain said. “It’s like a fairy tale for me, because I started at Hard Rock Stadium, and it’s gonna end at Hard Rock Stadium. I’m gonna cry.”

Meanwhile, Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a Miami native, reflected on his memories as a Hurricanes fan and the players he enjoyed watching while growing up.

Mendoza said he admired former Canes quarterbacks Brad Kaaya and Malik Rosier and even has photos of himself at games with one side of his face painted orange and the other green.

The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner was the center of attention Friday at the CFP media day as he looks to bring Indiana their first ever national title.

“It’s so special I get to play in Miami, where Christopher Columbus is located, in front of all my Columbus brothers,” he told Local 10’s Will Manso.

Lifelong fans also couldn’t contain their excitement to see the Hurricanes back in the national championship game after the team’s last title win was back in 2001 vs. Nebraska.

“We are lifers. We’re happy about it,” said Canes fan Lova Brunson, who attended the event.

Another fan, Chris Leon Jr., said the atmosphere added to the anticipation ahead of the title game.

“I’m so pumped — very pumped for today,” Leon said.

The CFP organization is hosting a series of events throughout the weekend to build excitement leading up to Monday’s game.

Media availability for Indiana, the Hurricanes’ opponent, started at 10:30 a.m. Playoff Fan Central will remain open until 6 p.m. at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Free concerts are also scheduled Friday and Saturday nights at Lummus Park as part of the championship weekend festivities.

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