Indiana and Miami have staunchly different histories in college football, but will nonetheless face off for a national championship on Monday, Jan. 19.
The Hoosiers, one of the losingest programs in college football history, have achieved one of the sport’s greatest turnarounds under second-year coach Curt Cignetti. Indiana is ranked No. 1 and has a 15-0 record only two years after finishing 3-9 in 2023, and is looking to cap off a perfect season with its first national title.
No. 10 Miami, meanwhile, hasn’t been back to the national title game in over two decades, but has one of the most impressive group of alumni of any program. The Hurricanes were a dominant force throughout the late 1980s and into the early 2000s, winning five national championships during a 19-year span from 1983 through 2001.
Perhaps nothing explains the school’s differences than their all-time teams: The Hurricanes have numerous NFL standouts and unanimous All-Americans, with many stars left off the list. Indiana, meanwhile, has eight consensus All-Americans all-time — two of whom are from this season.
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Here’s a look at Indiana and Miami’s all-time teams, according to USA TODAY Sports:
Indiana football all-time team
The biggest decision was what to do at quarterback. Trent Green got consideration, as did Antwaan Randle El, who won Big Ten MVP on a 5-6 team. Randle El was electric running the option and had a nine-year career in the NFL as a receiver. We’ll find room for him as an all-purpose selection, but it’s hard to pick against the school’s only Heisman Trophy winner, Fernando Mendoza. Anthony Thompson was the closest Hoosier to win the trophy prior to this season and gives the Hoosiers some pop in the backfield. Besides QB, the choice between Vaughn Dunbar and Tevin Coleman was probably the toughest left for this roster.
On defense, current Hoosier D’Angelo Ponds (CB) makes the list, joined by NFL vets Adewale Ogunleye, Mike Dumas and Tracy Porter, who broke Indiana hearts with an interception return for a touchdown against Peyton Manning and the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV.
Offense
QB: Fernando Mendoza, 2025
RB: Anthony Thompson, 1986-89
RB: Vaughn Dunbar, 1990-91
WR: James Hardy, 2005-07
WR: Thomas Lewis, 1991-93
FB: Tom Nowatzke, 1962-65
OL: Rodger Saffold, 2006-09
OL: Dan Feeney (2012-16)
OL: John Tavener, 1941-46
OL: Bob Skoronski, 1953-55
OL: Carter Smith, 2022-25
All-purpose: Antwaan Randle El, 1998-2001
Defense
DL: Adewale Ogunleye, 1996-99
DL: Jerome Johnson (2017-19)
DL: Nathan Davis, 1993-96
DL: Jammie Kirlew, 2006-09
LB: Joe Norman, 1975-78
LB: Micah McFadden, 2018-21
LB: Van Waiters, 1983-87
DB: Tracy Porter, 2004-07
DB: D’Angelo Ponds, 2024-25
DB: Tim Wilbur, 1978-80, 1982
DB: Mike Dumas, 1988-90
Special teams
P: Jim DiGuilio, 1991-94
K: Pete Stoyanovich, 1985-88
KR: Marcus Thigpen, 2005-08
PR: Tim Wilbur, 1978-80, 1982
Miami football all-time team
Miami’s defense, particularly its all-time secondary, is virtually unmatched in the history of college football. Ed Reed, considered by many the greatest safeties ever, headlines the group. There’s also Sean Taylor, Antrel Rolle and Bennie Blades, who were top-12 picks to the NFL. Ray Lewis, one of the NFL’s greatest linebackers ever, also patrols the unit.
The offense is no slouch, either. Edgerrin James, Michael Irvin and Jim Otto are all Pro Football Hall of Famers. Fellow Hall of Famers Andre Johnson and Jim Kelly are notable omissions from the list.
Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa was the lone player from the Hurricanes’ current roster to make the list:
Offense
QB: Ken Dorsey, 1999-2002
RB: Edgerrin James, 1996-98
RB: Willis McGahee, 2001-02
WR: Michael Irvin, 1985-87
WR: Reggie Wayne, 1997-2000
TE: Kellen Winslow II, 2001-03
OL: Francis Mauigoa, 2023-25
OL: Bryant McKinnie, 1999-2001
OL: Brett Romberg, 1999-2002
OL: Leon Searcy, 1988-91
OL: Jim Otto, 1957-59
All-purpose: Santana Moss, 1997-2000
Defense
DL: Warren Sapp, 1991-94
DL: Ted Hendricks, 1966-68
DL: Danny Stubbs, 1983-87
DL: Russell Maryland, 1987-90
LB: Ray Lewis, 1993-95
LB: Dan Morgan, 1997-2000
LB: Jonathan Vilma, 2000-03
DB: Bennie Blades, 1984-87
DB: Antrel Rolle, 2001-04
DB: Sean Taylor, 2001-03
DB: Ed Reed, 1997-2001
Special teams
P: Matt Bosher, 2007-10
K: Carlos Huerta, 1988-91
KR: Devin Hester, 2003-04
PR: Santana Moss, 1997-2000