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- Jacob Rhee

Here are my 10 biggest takeaways from the college football national championship game.

1. Settle in.

Indiana hosted Old Dominion to kick off this season. A cupcake, some might say. On the very first snap, Monarchs quarterback Colton Joseph took a read-option keeper 75 yards for a touchdown. He was not contacted. 7-0 ODU, after 11 seconds.

Fast forward five months, and I could argue that the Hoosiers just completed the most impressive front-to-back defensive campaign in the history of the sport. 2021 Georgia gave up 41 points to Bryce Young. 2024 Ohio State allowed 496 total yards in Eugene. IU never once had a bad day. Bryant Haines deserves a statue in Bloomington.

2. Ahead of schedule.

I’m so proud of Malachi Toney. Miami leaned on that kid to a ridiculous degree all year, and he kept on delivering. 1,622 all-purpose yards and 13 total touchdowns for the hometown hero.

Malachi will still be 18 when his sophomore campaign begins. I can’t wait to see how his unique skill set evolves.

3. Slippery slope.

Andrew Luck was too tough for his own good. He would stand in there and absorb a nasty hit, all to deliver that 20-yard hole shot with five percent more accuracy. It was admirable, but it was also irresponsible. Andrew retired before his 30th birthday because the injuries mounted.

I need Fernando Mendoza to protect himself. He got tagged by Caden Curry in Indianapolis, and finished Monday’s game with a bloody mouth and scraped arms. When there’s hardware on the line, I have no issue with him taking risks. Do not adopt this as your every-down playing style, though. You’re the most heartwarming story in sports at the moment, and we all want you in pads for a while. Understand when it’s time to choose your well-being over yardage.

4. Lonely road.

I do feel genuinely bad for Miami fans. Maybe not the obnoxious former players, who insist on roaming the sidelines and stealing attention from the individuals who are actually in uniform. Everyone else, though.

There is a silver lining here. The 2026 ACC somehow looks less intimidating than it did this season. Assuming Darian Mensah eventually makes his way to Coral Gables, there is zero competition to be found. The schedule screams 10-2 to me; these ‘Canes should be right back in the playoff hunt.

5. Raising the bar.

Generally speaking, new college football coaches don’t receive nearly enough time to execute their vision for the program. Bad in Year 1? Fans are muttering complaints under their breath. Bad in Year 2? You’re getting included in hot-seat articles. Bad in Year 3? Goodbye. Throw on business attire, and start interviewing elsewhere.

Because of Curt Cignetti, that trend is about to get even worse; the man has single-handedly eliminated every possible excuse in the vault for fresh hires. He was handed the keys to a 3-9 laughingstock, and brought a national title back to campus less than 800 days later. That’s impossible.

Guys like Jon Sumrall and Alex Golesh need to win, and they’re under immense pressure to do it fast. Clock is ticking, boys.

6. Flashback.

In 2021, the population of Bengals fans was infamously split down the middle. One group wanted Penei Sewell, while the other side pounded the table for Ja’Marr Chase.

I can already sense a similar debate ready to take place down in Nashville. Francis Mauigoa, Carnell Tate, or Jordyn Tyson? Protect Cam Ward, or give him a star outside?

I thought Francis was fantastic on Monday, but the two wideouts feel a touch more certain. Tennessee’s front office has a lot of pondering to do.

7. Balderdash.

I’m seeing mock drafts that have Omar Cooper Jr. in the late rounds. If he has to wait until Day 3 to hear his name called, every scout alive should feel ashamed. Roman Wilson was worthy of the 84th pick, and Cooper isn’t? Give me a break.

8. Same old.

Well, there it is. Carson Beck’s marathon of a career concludes in a very Carson Beck fashion. He gets picked on a telegraphed ball, and then scurries out of the scene before shaking hands with Mendoza. The 23-year-old had six seasons to grasp collegiate postgame etiquette, and it appears he never did. Even if you’re not in the mood to offer congratulations, at least do it for optics’ sake.

Perhaps the backup-needy Jaguars throw Carson a bone. In any scenario, I can’t imagine Beck ever receiving an earnest shot at an NFL QB1 job. The jarring lack of humility and accountability will block his path.

9. Phone booth.

Can you imagine being Josh Hoover right now? Everything Curt Cignetti touches turns to gold. Kurtis Rourke came to Bloomington after a nondescript campaign in the MAC, and showed up on Heisman ballots. Fernando Mendoza was an average ACC starter, and won the award in a landslide. You’re next in line. Curt hand-picked you. He watched your film, and liked what he saw. Hoover must be doing cartwheels in his room as we speak. His life is about to change drastically.

10. Time to peek ahead.

Let’s fling a prediction for next year’s championship into the atmosphere, just for fun. Oregon over Georgia. I’m sure I’ll feel differently come August.

Only 220 days until this beautiful sport returns. Hopefully the months go by quickly.

• National Championship Game Results: 1-0

• Overall Season Picks Record: 61-38

• Final CFB Prize Pot: $570

Glass Slipper Rewards Season begins soon. :)

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