President Donald Trump is once again stepping into the national spotlight—this time through one of America’s most beloved traditions: college football.
Ahead of Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship, Trump congratulated Indiana and Miami as they prepare for a high-stakes showdown in Florida. The president is expected to attend the game alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, underscoring the administration’s growing presence at major cultural events.
In an official White House message, Trump praised college football as a cornerstone of American life, calling it a powerful reflection of the values that unite the country.
According to the president, the sport represents family, freedom, unity, and hard work—principles that have shaped generations of Americans.
For more than a century, college football has drawn millions of fans into packed stadiums across the nation. Every fall and winter, communities rally behind their teams, creating fierce rivalries, lifelong traditions, and memories passed down from parents to children.
Trump highlighted how the sport’s origins date back to the 19th century, long before professional leagues dominated television screens. Despite massive changes in media and culture, college football has endured as a uniquely American institution.
“At its best,” the president said, “college football captures the very spirit of our nation.”
Trump extended well wishes to both teams as the Indiana Hoosiers make their first-ever appearance in the national title game under second-year head coach Curt Cignetti. Meanwhile, the Miami Hurricanes are chasing their sixth championship—and their first in more than 25 years.
“Melania and I congratulate the Hoosiers and the Hurricanes on reaching the College Football Playoff National Championship,” Trump said. “God bless the players, coaches, families, and the loyal fans who support them. May the best team win.”
Sports have become a defining feature of Trump’s second term, both culturally and politically.
Earlier this year, the president signed the “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order, reinforcing long-standing distinctions in athletic competition. The move prompted immediate changes at the NCAA level, though resistance from several Democrat-controlled states has sparked ongoing legal disputes now making their way through the courts.
Trump has also taken aim at the rapidly evolving business side of college athletics.
Following discussions with legendary former Alabama coach Nick Saban, the president signed the “Saving College Sports” executive order, placing new limits on name, image, and likeness (NIL) payments while requiring schools to protect funding for non-revenue sports programs.
Outside of policy, Trump has remained highly visible at major sporting events across the country.
He has attended multiple UFC events with Dana White, appeared at the Ryder Cup in New York, visited a New York Yankees game on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and watched the U.S. Open men’s final. In November, he also made history by attending a Washington Commanders game—becoming the first sitting president to attend an NFL regular-season matchup since 1978.
Monday night’s championship game will feature top-seeded Indiana, led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, taking on Miami at Hard Rock Stadium.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. Eastern—setting the stage for a title game that blends competition, tradition, and national pride.
