Trump and Rubio to Attend College Football National Championship in Miami

Former President Donald Trump and Florida Senator Marco Rubio are scheduled to attend the College Football Playoff National Championship game in Miami, according to sources familiar with the arrangements. The game, set for January 15, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium, will feature the top two teams in the final College Football Playoff rankings.

This marks the second consecutive year Trump has attended the championship game. He was present at the 2025 title game in Houston, where he was photographed holding a football presented by a Navy linebacker during the Commander-in-Chief Trophy presentation at the White House in April 2025. The image, captured by photographer Win McNamee, shows Trump with Navy Midshipmen linebacker Colin Ramos, underscoring the intersection of sports, military tradition, and political visibility.

The presence of both Trump and Rubio at the Miami event reinforces the championship's status as a high-profile gathering for political and business elites. For Rubio, a Miami native and former presidential candidate, the appearance offers a chance to connect with constituents and national media in his home state. For Trump, it continues a pattern of using major sporting events as platforms for public engagement and networking.

The College Football Playoff National Championship has evolved into more than just a sporting spectacle. It draws an estimated 100,000 visitors to the host city, generates tens of millions in economic impact, and attracts a who's who of American politics, business, and entertainment. The game's broadcast on ESPN typically draws over 20 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched television events of the year.

Miami's selection as the host city for the 2026 championship was announced in 2021, following a competitive bidding process. The city previously hosted the championship in 2021, which saw Alabama defeat Ohio State. Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins and the Miami Hurricanes, has undergone significant renovations to accommodate major events, including the addition of new premium seating and technology upgrades.

The political dimension of the event reflects broader trends in American sports culture, where major games often serve as backdrops for political networking and messaging. Previous championships have seen attendance from figures including former President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush, and numerous senators and governors. The event's timing in January, just weeks before presidential primaries in some states, adds another layer of strategic importance for politicians seeking to boost their profiles.

For the teams competing, the championship represents the culmination of a grueling season. The College Football Playoff system, which expanded to 12 teams starting with the 2024 season, has created more pathways for teams to reach the title game but has also intensified scrutiny on selection criteria and conference strength. The 2026 game will be the third under the expanded format.

The economic impact on Miami is substantial. The 2021 championship in Miami generated an estimated $300 million in economic activity for the region, according to the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses see a significant boost, though the event also requires substantial security and logistical coordination.

As the game approaches, the presence of high-profile political figures will likely draw additional media attention beyond the sports coverage. For Trump and Rubio, the event provides a platform that blends sports, entertainment, and politics—a combination that has become increasingly common in modern American public life.