BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) — Thousands of fans on Thursday snaked around Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall for a chance to snag a commemorative towel sporting “Never Daunted: Fast, Physical and Relentless” alongside the words “2026 National Championship.”
Senior Jake Kubeho couldn’t hold back how strongly he felt about the Hoosiers facing the Miami Hurricanes in Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship game. “I never thought we’d be in this situation, and now the Hoosiers are in the flipping National Championship, and I couldn’t be more proud as a student and as a member of this community, and I can’t believe my dreams are finally a reality.”
If IU wins, the university will be the first in the state to win the CFP championship.
Jessica Gize, a 1988 alumna, is all for it. She lined up with her dog just to grab one of the 10,000 IU fan towels. “I think the win is something you carry forever.”
She said she knows what it’s like to lose for such a long time. “You can be a gracious fan, but it’s about time to be a spirited one!”
Not only will the football team be making history, but so will the Marching Hundred band. The last time it played such a large event was the Rose Bowl in 1968.
Rosamaria McMahon, a senior and a band leader, said it’s a very exciting time. “Live in it. Live in history and you are making history and when is this ever gonna happen again? This is one of the moments when we’re living in history and we got enjoy it.”
The excitement was everywhere on campus on Thursday. Lots of people were smiling, and students said everyone is rooting for the team.
The football team will leave for Florida on Friday night, and the band will depart Saturday.
The game will start at 7:30 p.m. Monday. President Donald Trump announced Thursday he’ll be among fans at the game.
