President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are set to attend the College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami on Monday. The two will bond over sports amid a high-stakes matchup between the Indiana Hoosiers and the University of Miami Hurricanes.
The game pits the top-seeded, undefeated Hoosiers (15-0) against the Hurricanes (13-2), who advanced after a strong showing in the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State, 24-14. Indiana was no joke either, throttling Oregon, 56-22.
It marks the first CFP title appearance for both programs: Indiana, chasing its first-ever national championship and an undefeated season, and Miami, aiming for its first title since 2001.
According to Axios, Trump and Rubio’s attendance underscores the close working relationship between the president and his Secretary of State, one of his most favored Cabinet members. And it certainly bodes well for his future prospects, whether in 2028 or 2032.
“They like to bro out over football. It’s not all talk about Venezuela,” one insider told the outlet.
🚨#BREAKING – President Trump and Marco Rubio to attend college football national title game together in Miami.
— Cryptid Politics (@CryptidPolitics) January 14, 2026
It’s clear that momentum is heating up behind Rubio 2028 as he and Trump continue to show a close bond and legendary chemistry. pic.twitter.com/L3F9TMSlu5
Trump and Rubio to ‘Bro Out’ at National Championship Game
Now, this is where it will get interesting. Where it will test the ‘bro out’ theory.
Trump has not publicly declared a favorite in the matchup but has praised Indiana’s star quarterback, Fernando Mendoza — this year’s Heisman Trophy winner — in recent comments. Mendoza, a Cuban American who grew up near the University of Miami campus, attended the same high school as Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal and had family ties to UM.
With that being said, his Secretary of State is very much a Miami guy.
Rubio, a Miami native, University of Miami law alumnus, and longtime supporter of the Hurricanes, is “100 percent” backing the Canes, per reports. His connections run deep: he’s friends with coach Cristobal, and his son Anthony Rubio played football growing up with some current Miami players before walking on at the University of Florida.
Trump’s appearance continues a pattern of high-profile sports outings in his second term, positioning him as a visible figure in American athletics.
READ MORE: Indiana vs. Miami National Championship Game Tickets Hit Record Average Price
President Trump and Secretary Rubio will enjoy the ultimate perk of not having to worry about exorbitant ticket prices. As sitting officials attending in an official capacity, they bypass the resale frenzy that has made this matchup one of the most expensive college football games ever at Hard Rock Stadium.
They’ll be there amid skyrocketing ticket costs on the secondary market — where average resale prices have surpassed $5,500 (more than double last year’s championship average), with the cheapest get-in tickets exceeding $3,000–$3,300 (including fees) and premium seats reaching $10,000 or even higher.
Meanwhile, Rubio recently humorously nixed rumors that he might be the new coach of the Miami Hurricanes.
I do not normally respond to online rumors but feel the need to do so at this moment
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 8, 2026
I will not be a candidate for the currently vacant HC and GM positions with the Miami Dolphins.
While you never know what the future may bring right now my focus must remain on global events…
Rubio also made waves in the sports world by suggesting President Trump should take over the college football playoffs. He was worried at the time that the Hurricanes wouldn’t even make the tournament.
“This is the most wonderful and magical time of the year. By that, of course, I’m referring to the College Football Playoff,” Rubio joked with reporters during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
“I’m a Florida Gator, but if the University of Miami gets screwed out of the College Football Playoff after going 10-2 and beating Notre Dame, the whole thing should be scrapped, and you’re (Trump) going to have to take over,” he added.
Turns out, the Hurricanes not only made the tourney but are one win away from a championship.