College football's first Cuban Super Bowl pits a star QB vs. an entire city
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College football's first Cuban Super Bowl pits a star QB vs. an entire city
Rick Jervis, USA TODAY·USA TODAY Sports
·
11 min read
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Corrections & clarifications: A previous version of this story incorrectly named the College Football Playoff semifinal game between the University of Miami andOle Miss. It was the Fiesta Bowl.
MIAMI – Banners flap along South Beach's Alton Road, heralding both Hoosiers and Hurricanes.
At the coffee window at La Carreta on Bird Road, an epicenter of the Cuban community in Miami's Westchester neighborhood (pronounced "Weh-ché-te" in the truncated lingo of Cuban Americans), recent talk pinged between business and politics and the upcoming national college championship game that is roiling this tropical city.
"It's huge," said Nicolas Gutierrez, 61, an attorney, as he shared shots of Cuban coffee with friends outside La Carreta. "It's the biggest thing that I can remember we've ever had, sports-wise."
They're calling it the "Cuban Super Bowl."
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Mendoza is Cuban American and a product of alocal Catholic all-boys school.The Hurricanes are led by head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal – both also Cuban Americans from Miami. On Jan. 19, they'll face off in the College Football Playoff National Championship game just outside Miami, where more than 1 million Cubans and Cuban Americans reside.
For weeks during the playoffs, Mirabal drove past a digital billboard near his Miami home heralding the national championship game to be played there. For weeks, the sign didn't register − just another speck blurring past him on his drive to work.
Then, on Jan. 16, he drove past it again. This time it landed, hitting him like a clean, open field tackle: He and the Hurricanes were playing for the national title in his backyard.
"It's a reality," Mirabal told USA TODAY. "I think you have to be where your feet are at. But, it's pretty cool. I'm not going to say, 'It's just another game.' There is no other game after this one."
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Having so many Cuban Americans involved in the title game is also a testament to the hard work and grit that comes from the exile community, he said.
"I've known [Cristobal] since he was 14 years old," Mirabal said. "This program is built under the character, values and morals of his mom and his dad. That came from their Cuban roots, their Cuban ancestry."
"Are coach Cristobal and myself proud of the fact that we're Cuban?" Mirabal asked. "Damn right."
Nicolas Gutierrez, right, discusses the upcoming College Football Playoff National Championship game with friends Lawrence Valido, center, and Rafael Echarria, left, at La Carreta Restaurant on Bird Road in Miami, an epicenter of Miami's Cuban community.
Cristobal played football there in the 1980s with Fernando and Alberto's father, Fernando Mendoza IV.
South Florida has seen its share of championships, including theMiami Dolphins,Miami Marlins,Miami Heatand Miami Hurricanes of the 1980s and '90s. But never has such a confluence of Cuban competitors descended on the area.
"In the history of sports in America, there has never been a Cuban moment like this one," Dan Le Batard, South Florida media personality and head of the "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz" podcast, told USA TODAY. "This hasn't happened, not even in baseball, which is the preferred sport of Cubans. We've had Cuban excellence. We haven't had this."
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after the Indiana vs. Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza poses with the Heisman Trophy on Saturday at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.
(Michael Niziolek, The Herald-Times)
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) passes against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first quarter during the 2025 Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025.
(Aaron Doster, Imagn Images)
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) holds the MVP trophy on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, after winning the Big Ten football championship against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
Dec 6, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with the MVP trophy after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) gets loose before the Indiana versus Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times)
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates following the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with the MVP trophy following the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) passes to Riley Nowakowski (37) during the Indiana versus Michigan State football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times)
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after throwing a touchdown Nov. 1, 2025 during the second quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
(Tommy Gilligan, Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)
Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O'Haren, Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 8: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts after the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on November 8, 2025 in State College, Pennsylvania. The Indiana Hoosiers defeat Penn State Nittany Lions, 27-24. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
(Isaiah Vazquez, Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts to a play in the fourth quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium on November 01, 2025 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
(Greg Fiume, Getty Images)
Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O'Haren, Imagn Images)
Nov 1, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) speaks with a referee before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) runs during the Indiana versus Michigan State football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times)
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) before the Indiana versus Illinois football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times)
Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (5) after defeating the Oregon Ducks by the score of 30-20 at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) prepares to throw the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the fourth quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
1/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after the Indiana vs. Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
1/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after the Indiana vs. Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
2/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza poses with the Heisman Trophy on Saturday at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.
(Michael Niziolek, The Herald-Times)
3/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) passes against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first quarter during the 2025 Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025.
(Aaron Doster, Imagn Images)
4/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) holds the MVP trophy on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, after winning the Big Ten football championship against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
5/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
6/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Dec 6, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with the MVP trophy after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)
7/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
8/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
9/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) gets loose before the Indiana versus Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times)
10/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates following the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
11/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with the MVP trophy following the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
12/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) passes to Riley Nowakowski (37) during the Indiana versus Michigan State football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times)
13/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after throwing a touchdown Nov. 1, 2025 during the second quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
(Tommy Gilligan, Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)
14/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O'Haren, Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images)
15/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 8: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts after the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on November 8, 2025 in State College, Pennsylvania. The Indiana Hoosiers defeat Penn State Nittany Lions, 27-24. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
(Isaiah Vazquez, Getty Images)
16/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts to a play in the fourth quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium on November 01, 2025 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
(Greg Fiume, Getty Images)
17/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O'Haren, Imagn Images)
18/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Nov 1, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) speaks with a referee before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
(Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images)
19/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) runs during the Indiana versus Michigan State football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times)
20/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) before the Indiana versus Illinois football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
(Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times)
21/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (5) after defeating the Oregon Ducks by the score of 30-20 at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
22/22
See 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in action for Indiana Hoosiers
Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) prepares to throw the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the fourth quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
'This kid is special'
On South Beach, in anticipation of the crowds drawn to the national championship game, city leaders closed parts of Ocean Drive in front of Lummus Park to traffic, converting the stretch of street lined with Art Deco hotels into a pedestrian-only party. Palm trees, still wrapped in holiday lights, dot the iconic avenue. Strollers braced against a cold snap, and passersby paused to take selfies in front of a giant, lighted "2026 National Championship" statue.
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A large stage rests on the beach, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, where organizers plan to host concerts. On the morning of Feb. 16, a group of friends from the Los Angeles area strolled on the sand, taking in the brisk, salty air. They weren't Hoosiers or Hurricanes fans but decided to visit Miami to be near the game.
A giant "2026 National Championship" is set up on South Beach in the run up to the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Jan. 19, between Indiana University and the University of Miami.
Like many around Miami-Dade County, they were split on who they were rooting for.
Anthony Gagliardi, 24, who regularly vacationed in Miami with his family growing up, would like to see Miami win, given the school's history and his connection to the area. But he liked the idea of two teams who haven't recently won a championship – inIndiana's case, never – battling it out for the title.
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"Regardless of what side wins, you're happy with the outcome," he said.
Joe Vecchione, 53, said he's been awed by Fernando Mendoza's meteoric rise and marveled at all the overlapping storylines. The storybook ending, he said, would be Mendoza helping Indiana claim its first-ever national title.
"This kid is special," Vecchione said. "You hear him talk, his energy, the way he plays the game, the way he carries himself. I just can't see him not walking off with that trophy."
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Besides the dramatic tension of having a number of Columbus High School grads playing against each other, the spotlight on the Cuban community is unlike anything they've seen before, Gutierrez said.
Rudy Puig, an executive committee member at Columbus, said his group met in the days leading to the semifinal games to plan a watch party. When both Miami and Indiana won their matches, they realized they had a much bigger event on their hands.
The school will broadcast the game on the jumbotron screen overlooking the football field, along with food trucks and acaja china, or traditional Cuban pig roast. More than 500 attendees are expected. Classes the next day, Jan. 20, are canceled.
"The Cuban community is going to win on Monday and Columbus is going to win on Monday," Puig said. "It's just epic."
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Footballmania in the heart of "Weh-che-te"
Le Batard's podcast has deployed reporters to La Carreta and Columbus High School to interview people, polled family members for predictions and created a gameshow parody to determine which of its staffers are "most Cuban" and which arecubano arrepentido– or fake Cuban.
"The storyline is the most unusual in the history of a program at Miami that has plenty of history," Le Batard said.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson attended the University of Miami on a full athletic scholarship, graduating in 1995 with a Bachelor of General Studies degree in criminology and physiology.
(Jerod Harris, Getty Images for CinemaCon)
Social media star and TV personality Alix Earle attended the University of Miami and graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing (BBA) and established a scholarship through the Miami Herbert Business School to support juniors and seniors in business programs.
(Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY)
Actor Ray Liotta studied acting at the University of Miami in the 70's where he met fellow actor Steven Bauer.
(Pascal Le Segretain, Getty Images)
Actor Sylvester Stallone attended the University of Miami in the late 60's, where he studied drama and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 1998.
(LOIC VENANCE, AFP via Getty Images)
Alex Rodriguez signed a letter of intent to play baseball at the University of Miami, but turned pro with the Seattle Mariners before playing for the school.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
Music superstar Gloria Estefan graduated from the University of Miami in 1979 and received an honorary doctorate in1993.
(Anthony Devlin, Getty Images for MSC World America)
Recording artist Ben Folds briefly studied at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
Spanish singer and songwriter Enrique Iglesias attended the University of Miami between 1993-94 studying business before starting his musical career.
(SUJIT JAISWAL, AFP via Getty Images)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Miami School of Law in 1996, graduating cum laude.
(FABRICE COFFRINI, AFP via Getty Images)
Sports reporter Dan LeBatard graduated from the University of Miami in 1990 with a degree in journalism
(Jason Koerner, Getty Images)
Stephen 'Steve-O' Glover of "Jackass" fame spent time at UM in 1993.
(Robin Marchant, Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival)
Producer, actor, writer and comedian Jeff Garlin spent one semester at University of Miami in the 80's where he began performing stand-up comedy.
(Jason Mendez, Getty Images)
Musician Bruce Hornsby graduated from the University of Miami School of Music in 1977.
(Gary Miller, Getty Images)
Henry Edward Roberts, "Father of the personal computer" was born in Miami and originally attended University of Miami studying medicine.
(Provided)
Olympic gold medal winning diver Greg Louganis attended the University of Miami in 1978 on a diving scholarship, transferring to UC Irvine in 1980 to work with coach Ron O'Brien.
(George Long, Imagn Images)
Sports agent Drew Rosenhaus graduated from UM in 1987.
(Jeff Hanisch, Imagn Images)
Broadcaster Suzy Kolber attended the University of Miami and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in telecommunications in 1986.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
Actor Laverne Cox attended IU on a dance scholarship studying for two years in the 90's before transferring to Marymount Manhattan College in NYC.
(Dan MacMedan, USA TODAY)
"Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" actor Jonathan Banks attended IU in the mid-1960's and appeared in a production of "Threepenny Opera" with fellow actor Kevin Kline. Banks dropped out shortly after making the Dean's List.
(Dan MacMedan, USA TODAY)
Dallas Mavericks owner and businessman Mark Cuban earned his degree in management from IU in 1981.
(Jerome Miron, Imagn Images)
Actor Kevin Kline began his IU career in music before switching to speech and theater, graduating in 1970.
(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY)
"Hunger Games" author Suzanne Collins graduated from Indiana University in 1985 with a B.A. in theatre and telecommunications.
(VALERIE MACON, AFP via Getty Images)
"Hoosiers" director David Anspaugh attended Indiana University from 1965-69 where he began shooting 16mm films.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
Writer/director Angelo Pizzo grew up in Bloomington and attended IU where he met David Anspaugh, before they both went to film school at USC.
(Mike Windle, Getty Images)
Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh earned his BA in telecommunications, minoring in Theater in 2008.
(SUJIT JAISWAL, AFP via Getty Images)
Television journalist Jane Pauley attended IU from 1968-72 graduation with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
(Dave Kotinsky, Getty Images)
Sportscaster Dick Enberg earned his master's and doctorate degrees in health sciences at IU and began his legendary broadcast career there doing the Little 500 bicycle race and Hoosier sports games.
(Patrick Gorski, Imagn Images)
Producer/writer/director Ryan Murphy was a journalism major at IU graduating in 1988.
(Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images)
Actor Lee Majors played football at IU from 1957-59 before transferring to Eastern Kentucky University.
(VALERIE MACON, AFP via Getty Images)
Broadcaster Joe Buck began his career while a student at Indiana University in 1989 studying English and Telecommunications.
(Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images)
Donald Fehr graduated from IU in 1970 with a degree in political science before going to law school. He worked as executive director in both the NHL and Major League Baseball.
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)
1/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson attended the University of Miami on a full athletic scholarship, graduating in 1995 with a Bachelor of General Studies degree in criminology and physiology.
(Jerod Harris, Getty Images for CinemaCon)
1/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson attended the University of Miami on a full athletic scholarship, graduating in 1995 with a Bachelor of General Studies degree in criminology and physiology.
(Jerod Harris, Getty Images for CinemaCon)
2/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Social media star and TV personality Alix Earle attended the University of Miami and graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing (BBA) and established a scholarship through the Miami Herbert Business School to support juniors and seniors in business programs.
(Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY)
3/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Actor Ray Liotta studied acting at the University of Miami in the 70's where he met fellow actor Steven Bauer.
(Pascal Le Segretain, Getty Images)
4/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Actor Sylvester Stallone attended the University of Miami in the late 60's, where he studied drama and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 1998.
(LOIC VENANCE, AFP via Getty Images)
5/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Alex Rodriguez signed a letter of intent to play baseball at the University of Miami, but turned pro with the Seattle Mariners before playing for the school.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
6/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Music superstar Gloria Estefan graduated from the University of Miami in 1979 and received an honorary doctorate in1993.
(Anthony Devlin, Getty Images for MSC World America)
7/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Recording artist Ben Folds briefly studied at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
8/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Spanish singer and songwriter Enrique Iglesias attended the University of Miami between 1993-94 studying business before starting his musical career.
(SUJIT JAISWAL, AFP via Getty Images)
9/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Miami School of Law in 1996, graduating cum laude.
(FABRICE COFFRINI, AFP via Getty Images)
10/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Sports reporter Dan LeBatard graduated from the University of Miami in 1990 with a degree in journalism
(Jason Koerner, Getty Images)
11/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Stephen 'Steve-O' Glover of "Jackass" fame spent time at UM in 1993.
(Robin Marchant, Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival)
12/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Producer, actor, writer and comedian Jeff Garlin spent one semester at University of Miami in the 80's where he began performing stand-up comedy.
(Jason Mendez, Getty Images)
13/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Musician Bruce Hornsby graduated from the University of Miami School of Music in 1977.
(Gary Miller, Getty Images)
14/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Henry Edward Roberts, "Father of the personal computer" was born in Miami and originally attended University of Miami studying medicine.
(Provided)
15/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Olympic gold medal winning diver Greg Louganis attended the University of Miami in 1978 on a diving scholarship, transferring to UC Irvine in 1980 to work with coach Ron O'Brien.
(George Long, Imagn Images)
16/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Sports agent Drew Rosenhaus graduated from UM in 1987.
(Jeff Hanisch, Imagn Images)
17/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Broadcaster Suzy Kolber attended the University of Miami and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in telecommunications in 1986.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
18/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Actor Laverne Cox attended IU on a dance scholarship studying for two years in the 90's before transferring to Marymount Manhattan College in NYC.
(Dan MacMedan, USA TODAY)
19/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
"Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" actor Jonathan Banks attended IU in the mid-1960's and appeared in a production of "Threepenny Opera" with fellow actor Kevin Kline. Banks dropped out shortly after making the Dean's List.
(Dan MacMedan, USA TODAY)
20/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Dallas Mavericks owner and businessman Mark Cuban earned his degree in management from IU in 1981.
(Jerome Miron, Imagn Images)
21/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Actor Kevin Kline began his IU career in music before switching to speech and theater, graduating in 1970.
(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY)
22/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
"Hunger Games" author Suzanne Collins graduated from Indiana University in 1985 with a B.A. in theatre and telecommunications.
(VALERIE MACON, AFP via Getty Images)
23/31
Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
"Hoosiers" director David Anspaugh attended Indiana University from 1965-69 where he began shooting 16mm films.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
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Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Writer/director Angelo Pizzo grew up in Bloomington and attended IU where he met David Anspaugh, before they both went to film school at USC.
(Mike Windle, Getty Images)
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Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh earned his BA in telecommunications, minoring in Theater in 2008.
(SUJIT JAISWAL, AFP via Getty Images)
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Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Television journalist Jane Pauley attended IU from 1968-72 graduation with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
(Dave Kotinsky, Getty Images)
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Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Sportscaster Dick Enberg earned his master's and doctorate degrees in health sciences at IU and began his legendary broadcast career there doing the Little 500 bicycle race and Hoosier sports games.
(Patrick Gorski, Imagn Images)
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Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Producer/writer/director Ryan Murphy was a journalism major at IU graduating in 1988.
(Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images)
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Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Actor Lee Majors played football at IU from 1957-59 before transferring to Eastern Kentucky University.
(VALERIE MACON, AFP via Getty Images)
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Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Broadcaster Joe Buck began his career while a student at Indiana University in 1989 studying English and Telecommunications.
(Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images)
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Cane or Hoosier? Guess where these celebs went to college
Donald Fehr graduated from IU in 1970 with a degree in political science before going to law school. He worked as executive director in both the NHL and Major League Baseball.
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)
Before major league baseball was but a glimmer in city leaders' eyes, before Dwyane Wade and LeBron James brought multiple NBA championships to the city, Miami had football.
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The 1972 Miami Dolphins delivered the NFL's only perfect season and, later, head coach Don Shula and Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino captivated audiences.
Starting in the 1980s, the Miami Hurricanes began their dominance of college football, winning national titles in 1983, 1987, 1989 and 1991, with teams notorious for their bad boy swaggers and legendary coaches like Jimmy Johnson. The last title they won: 2001.
Cuban exiles who had settled in Miami were infected with the winning zeal and passed it down to their children, said Carlos Gobel, 47, a first-generation Cuban American and high school football coach who has coached youth sports for more than 20 years in South Florida.
But through the championship runs, Cubans were more spectator than participant, he said. The fact that a Cuban American quarterback prodigy and Cuban American head coach – both from Miami – are the headliners of the game give it a surreal, proud sheen unfelt in previous eras, Gobel said.
"The stars have aligned to make this the perfect, storybook-type game," Gobel said. "It's truly incredible."
Gobel said he's awed by what Mendoza has achieved but predicted most of Miami will still be rooting – loudly – for Miami. Talk of the big game has flooded every text thread, social media channel and watercooler chat he's been in.
"Miami hasn't seen the kind of party that's going to be thrown if the Hurricanes happen to win on Monday," Gobel said. "Football just reigns supreme here."
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At Media Day on Jan. 17, players from both teams faced questions about strategy, practice − and the fact that they'll be playing against former high school teammates.
Bryce Fitzgerald, a safety for Miami, played both offensive and defense while at Columbus High School with Alberto Mendoza.
The two remained friends and texted each other almost daily throughout the season. Alberto Mendoza would tease his former teammate about playing for Miami, Fitzgerald said.
"He was saying, 'Miami this, Miami that,'" he said, "then, it was us proving him wrong."
That friendly text banter stopped the moment Indiana beat Oregon in the semifinals, paving the way for an Indiana-Miami showdown. The two haven't communicated since.
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"I'm just ready to see him on the field," Fitzgerald said.
Alberto Mendoza recounted for reporters the story of how his grandparents fled communist Cuba to start a new life in Miami. How his paternal grandmother, Marta Menocal Mendoza, arrived in the United States via Operation Pedro Pan, a clandestine exodus of more than 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban youth from the island. How his grandfather and namesake, Alberto Espino, came from Cuba as a young man with nothing and had to work his way back up.
"They came here, they had nothing," he said. "They built their way from the very bottom to the top."
He said playing for the national title in Miami in front of his community was "incredible."
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"It's awesome that we can expand the awareness of what Cuban Americans can do," Alberto Mendoza said. "We're not just in Miami. We're expanding to Indiana and other places."
Ryan Rodriguez, an offensive lineman for Miami, was also raised in Miami to Cuban American parents. He said the opportunities for others like himself are endless.
"Like right here, I'm speaking with someone from USA TODAY. Who would've thought that?" he said. "I'm just a Cuban American kid from Miami."
He said he hopes the game and all the media coverage it draws inspire others in his community to follow in his footsteps.
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"Cuban Americans are making the most of our opportunities," Rodriguez said. "We made an impact, we've made a little splash. And there's a lot of us."
Andres Fernandez also grew up a rabid fan of the University of Miami football program and today is a season ticket holder. He traveled to each of the Hurricanes' recent postseason wins in the playoffs, including the team's dramatic 31-27 victory against Ole Miss at the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona.
He's also Fernando Mendoza's former quarterbacks coach at Columbus High School and is in regular contact with the star college quarterback.
The vast majority of Miamians will root for the Hurricanes, Fernandez said. But many, like himself, will have his allegiance seriously tested.
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Best case scenario: Fernando Mendoza throws an epic, five-touchdown game – but the Canes still get their first national title in more than two decades, Fernandez said.
"It's going to be hard to watch, for sure," he said.
Indiana fans pose in front of an Art Deco lifeguard stand on South Beach, repurposed in the colors of Indiana University and the University of Miami, before the College Football National Championship game on Jan. 19.
'These are the pioneers'
Sylvie Galvez-Cuesta, a guidance counselor at Columbus, has a son who attends the high school and is in close contact with the Cristobal family. She was also a close mentor to Fernando Mendoza during his years at Columbus and attended his Heisman Trophy victory party in New York City last month.
Besides his on-field achievements, Fernando Mendoza's religious dedication (he routinely credits God for victories) and relentless praising of others for his success has made him a popular icon in Miami, especially among the city'sabuelas, or grandmothers.
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Galvez-Cuesta's own 85-year-old mother has watched every Indiana University game this season, she said. She'll be watching the national championship closely and probably pulling for the Hoosiers and their young Cuban American quarterback.
"People's loyalties overall are going to lie with UM," she said. "But I will say that Fernando has made a lot of IU fans in Miami-Dade County."
Whatever the outcome, the game will signal a major sports flashpoint for the Cuban community and could potentially galvanize future Cuban football players, Le Batard said.
"This is the way that you grab generations: You tether kids to a story that hasn't been seen before, make them care," he said. "These are the pioneers. This is the opportunity that you get to shape lifelong fans who will have memories they will never forget."
That may already be happening: Cristobal's two sons currently play at Columbus. And the Mendozas' youngest brother, Max, was accepted this week, guaranteeing another generation of Mendozas and Cristobals keeping football relevant in the Cuban community – at least for a few more years.
Jervis is a national correspondent based in Austin, Texas. Follow him on X: @MrRJervis.