Head coach Mario Cristobal met with the media to discuss the upcoming national championship game against Indiana. A transcript of the discussion is below:
On preparing for a national championship game at home
The routine honestly does not change. You still check into a team hotel at a specific time. You still have your meeting schedule, walk-throughs, meal times, curfews — all of it stays intact. The only real difference is that classes have started, and that actually helps us because it forces structure. We also now have 29 of our 30 new players practicing with us, which gives us added depth after losing guys to injury. But from a football standpoint, the process, the intensity, and the expectations do not change at all.
On the team’s injury situation
We’re in pretty much the same place we were going into the last game. Akheem Mesidor had a moment with his elbow but he’s full throttle now. Ahmad Moten went full speed today. OJ is good to go. Lofton is the one guy who is still day-to-day. Overall, though, we feel really good about where our roster is health-wise compared to where we were coming out of the Ole Miss game.
On leadership alignment between President Joe Echevarria and AD Dan Radakovich
Vertical alignment is absolutely everything in building and sustaining a program. If the university president and athletic director are not moving in the same direction, nothing works. The investment of time, people, energy, and money is too great. We’re extremely fortunate to have Joe Echevarria and Dan Radakovich completely aligned. That’s what allows you to recruit at a high level, retain players, and build something real.
On South Florida connections and local players
It’s always special when you’re competing against people you grew up with or know from South Florida. But beyond that, the brand of football played down here is different. It shows up in high school, college, and the NFL. Toughness, speed, and competitiveness are ingrained in these kids from an early age, and that shows up on the field.
On avoiding distractions while hosting the title game
Distractions only exist if you allow them. We get out in front of it. We communicate with families, we handle ticket issues early, and we make sure players are not dealing with outside noise. Once the week starts, we go into a hotel just like we do on road trips. We shut out the outside world and go to work.
On why this team has made a championship run
It’s a simple but undefeated formula — hard work, great people, and relentless effort. That combination doesn’t fail. This group has a care factor that is through the roof. They believe in the University of Miami. They believe in each other. That’s what’s carried us through adversity and tough moments.
On his players embracing his calm, disciplined mindset
We’re all very similar in how we’re wired. We love football, we value gratitude, and we’re not offended by being coached hard. Truth-telling and accountability are staples of this program. Whether it’s a perfect day or a rough day, we know we’re here for the right reasons.
On Mark Fletcher’s late-season surge
Mark is healthy and he’s experienced. That matters. You can’t replicate the value of thousands of reps. He’s seen every front, every blitz, every look. That shows up in how he runs, how he blocks, how he prepares. Development takes time, and he’s living proof of that.
On the friendship between Malachi Toney and Mark Fletcher
They’re two highly motivated, extremely talented young men who bring out the best in each other. Their mentality, their drive, their competitiveness — it spreads through the locker room. Their teammates respect them and follow them.
On what he learned from being FIU’s head coach
FIU taught me everything. You had to be the head coach, the CEO, the CFO — everything. We took over a program that hadn’t won in nearly two years and built it into a conference champion. It forced you to grow fast and learn every part of college football.
On the influence of his parents and high school coaches
My parents came from Cuba, worked multiple jobs, went to night school, and never made excuses. My high school coaches at Columbus helped raise me. That’s why I coach today — because of them.
On facing Fernando Mendoza, whose father he once played with
That’s what makes football special. It comes full circle. Fernando earned the Heisman. He’s had a dominant season. His brother will be just as good.
On what makes Fernando Mendoza special
He’s always two steps ahead. He understands coverages, protections, and how to manipulate defenses. He can beat you with his arm or his legs. He’s the best player in the country this year.
On what Miami’s postseason run means for the ACC
The ACC went 9-4 in bowls. We faced high-level quarterbacks and physical teams all season. That prepared us for the postseason and helped elevate our play.
On roster construction and veteran experience
Experience is irreplaceable. We have the right blend of veterans, portal additions, and high school recruits. They’re all wired the same way — hardworking and committed.
On what he remembers from facing Mendoza last season
You saw the talent then. Now the supporting cast and system are at an elite level, and that’s made all the difference.
On the meaning of the 1-0 mindset in the national championship
You don’t change the process. You refine it. The 1-0 mentality is what got us here, so we stick with it.
On Indiana’s defense
They’re fast, physical, violent, and extremely well-coached. It’s the best defense we’ve faced all year.
On Carson Beck’s game-winning drive
It was elite execution across the board — protection, routes, toughness. We practice two-minute situations constantly, so when the moment came, it felt routine.
…one player coach didn’t mention is Damari. Any chance he plays?
