President Trump and Secretary Rubio to Attend College Football Playoff Championship in Miami

16 January 2026 Sports

MIAMI, Fla. — President Donald Trump is set to attend the College Football Playoff (CFP) national championship game on Monday in Miami, where the Indiana Hoosiers will face off against the Miami Hurricanes. Accompanying the president will be Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marking another high-profile sports appearance for the administration. Trump’s attendance was initially reported by Axios and confirmed by multiple sources.

Monday’s game at Hard Rock Stadium is expected to draw significant attention not only for the thrilling matchup but also for the president’s presence, which continues a pattern of active involvement in major sporting events throughout his second term. Since returning to office, Trump has made several notable appearances at high-profile sports venues, signaling a strategic embrace of sports culture as part of his public engagement.

Earlier in the year, Trump was seen courtside at UFC 314 in Miami, where he sat alongside UFC President Dana White outside the octagon, and again at UFC 316 in New Jersey. These appearances underscore his affinity for combat sports and his desire to connect with a broad audience through athletics. In September, Trump also attended the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, further cementing his presence in diverse sporting arenas.

The College Football Playoff championship game is one of the most-watched sporting events in the United States, and Trump’s attendance is likely to amplify media coverage. The game pits the Big Ten champions, Indiana, against the ACC champions, Miami, in a highly anticipated contest that will crown the national champion for the 2025 season.

Secretary Rubio, a former U.S. Senator from Florida and a known sports enthusiast, will join the president, adding a political dimension to the event. Rubio’s involvement highlights the administration’s interest in leveraging sports diplomacy and public appearances to engage with constituents and sports fans alike.

Trump’s growing sports involvement has been noted by political analysts as a way to maintain visibility and connect with key demographic groups. The White House has not released detailed plans for the visit, but security and logistical preparations are underway in coordination with local authorities and the U.S. Secret Service.

The College Football Playoff itself is managed by the College Football Playoff organization, which oversees the postseason tournament that determines the national champion. The event rotates among major cities, with Miami hosting this year’s championship at the state-of-the-art Hard Rock Stadium.

Sports have long been a platform for presidents to connect with the public, from attending games to hosting championship teams at the White House. Trump’s active schedule of sports appearances during his current term reflects a continuation of this tradition, albeit with a more visible and frequent presence. Analysts note that this approach helps the administration maintain a connection with a broad swath of Americans who follow college football and other popular sports.

For more information on the College Football Playoff and the national championship game, visit the official NCAA website. Updates on presidential appearances and related security measures can be found through the Department of Homeland Security and the White House official site.

As the nation tunes in to watch Indiana and Miami battle for college football supremacy, all eyes will also be on the sidelines, where President Trump and Secretary Rubio are expected to make a notable appearance, blending the worlds of sports and politics once again.

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Written By
Marcus Reed follows major U.S. leagues, college sports and big events with an eye for the business, culture and community stories that live beyond the scoreboard.
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