Are Purdue fans rooting for Indiana or Miami in CFP national championship?

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN — College rivalries rarely leave room for sympathy, but some Boilermakers are having a change of heart as Indiana University is scheduled to take on the Miami Hurricanes for the 2026 College Football Playoff national championship game. 

On almost any day of the year, most of the Greater Lafayette community stands united in support of Purdue sports. But on Monday, Jan. 19, some of those die-hard fans are trading in their black and gold uniforms for IU’s crimson and cream.

One such fan is Purdue sophomore Hayden Williams, who said he has no hatred toward IU’s football program this year. 

“IU just deserves it,” the construction management technology major said. “They deserve to be (at the championship), especially after going 15-0 this season.”

Williams is right. The Hoosiers have continued to fight their way through many difficult opponents this season, including a dominant No. 5 Oregon Ducks team and the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes.

“Personally, I'm cheering for IU because I don't like Miami," Williams said. "I don't think a lot of people like Miami, and I think it's good to just cheer on an Indiana school anyways.”

Another student, Sydney Abel, agrees that it would be a net positive for the state if IU pulls out the win against the Hurricanes. But not only is there a dismissal of the school rivalry for Abel, the junior has a newfound respect for the Hoosiers.

IU’s star quarterback Fernando Mendoza has become a household name across the state of Indiana. His reputation as a “high-class” and “humble” player has really elevated himself and his team, Abel said.

The Hoosiers had a large overhaul in the past two years, “and it says a lot about (coach Curt) Cignetti's reputation too, yet I still see Cignetti’s ego pretty much everywhere he goes,” she said.

For others, the Boilermaker spirit is just too strong to toss aside, especially for the championship game.

“If IU wins a football national championship before Purdue can win a basketball national championship, that would be crazy,” Purdue senior Daniel Ostoin said on his way to Mackey Arena on Wednesday night, where the Boilers were set to play Iowa.

If the Hoosiers manage a win over Miami, it will be the first football national championship. This achievement could be the final piece in IU’s football revolution, distancing itself from its unofficial previous title: the most losing team in college football history. 

The game “might be closer than people think,” the turf management student said. “Miami destroyed Ohio State and a couple other good teams in the tournament … so it might be pretty close.”

Yet it seems across the Wabash River, Lafayette locals are more favorable to the Hoosiers than some students on campus. 

Raul Renz, a 17-year Lafayette native and co-owner of TeraGraphics, also praised the Hoosiers’ coach. He mainly credits IU’s successful push to the playoffs this year to Cignetti and his coaching style.

“I think the coach does a really good job with his team. That's mainly why (they succeed),” he said. “If Purdue had a good coach, they'd probably do good, too.”

Renz also said a victory for IU would be appreciated across the state. He would enjoy seeing the Hoosiers celebrate a winning season.

Another local resident, Ethan Huffman moved to Lafayette last year and has embraced the Purdue fan base, even though his football loyalty lies with Notre Dame. Still, Huffman thinks Boilermakers should be rooting for IU on Monday.

One big factor for supporting Indiana is their talented coach and team, he said. It's Huffman’s hope that IU will be able to outscore the Hurricanes' offense and keep a comfortable lead of one or two touchdowns.

Although so close to the heart of Purdue’s campus, Huffman understands why the rivalry might sway others toward Miami. But he still thinks Indiana is the right call. 

“You're pulling for the same conference here and you're pulling for the state,” he said. “I think it’s only fair; a lot of people who were IU fans went for Purdue when they were in the (college basketball) national championship not that long ago.”

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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Are Purdue fans, students rooting for Indiana football in national championship

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