- - Miami to be without starting TE Elija Lofton for national championship game

John Leuzzi, USA TODAY NETWORKJanuary 16, 2026 at 7:21 PM

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Miami football will be without a key member of its offense for the College Football Playoff national championship game.

According to the initial injury report for the 2026 CFP Championship that was released on Friday, Jan. 16, the Hurricanes have ruled out starting tight end Elija Lofton for Monday's game at Hard Rock Stadium against No. 1 Indiana.

Lofton's rule-out comes after he was carted off the field in the Hurricanes' 31-27 win over No. 6 Mississippi in the CFP Fiesta Bowl semifinal on Thursday, Jan. 8. He finished with one catch for 15 yards in the win.

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The 6-foot-3 tight end ranks third among Miami's receivers for touchdowns at three on the season, and is fourth in receiving yards at 218 yards on 23 receptions.

Miami will also be without Xavier Lucas for the first half of the national championship game, as the Hurricanes' defensive back was ejected from the Fiesta Bowl following a targeting call in the second half.

Here's what to know about Lofton's status for the game, along with a look at both team's initial injury report:

Will Elija Lofton play in CFP Championship vs Indiana?

No, Miami ruled out Lofton in Friday's initial CFP injury report for the national championship game.

In a media availability this week, Miami coach Mario Cristobal told reporters that Lofton's status was in question for the game after getting banged up in the Fiesta Bowl.

Miami football injury report for CFP Championship vs Indiana

Here's a look at Miami's initial injury report for the national championship game:

LB Malik Bryant

TE Elija Lofton

WR Daylyn Upshaw

DL Donta Simpson

OUT (FIRST HALF — TARGETING)

DB Xavier Lucas

DB Damari Brown

DL Cole McConathy II

Indiana football injury report for CFP Championship vs Miami

Here's a look at Indiana's initial injury report for the national championship game:

DL Stephen Daley

DL Kellan Wyatt

DB Jah Jah Boyd

DB Amariyun Knighten

DB Bryson Bonds

RB Lee Beebe Jr.

DL Andrew DePaepe

K Brendan Franke

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miami football TE Elija Lofton out for CFP national championship game

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