MIAMI — When the University of Miami Hurricanes and the Indiana Hoosiers line up for the College Football Playoff National Championship, the matchup won’t just be about two programs chasing a trophy. It will also be about the football factory that never stops producing: the state of Florida. The Sunshine State is sending 58 Florida-native players into the biggest game of the season a loud, undeniable reminder that Florida doesn’t simply develop talent- Florida sets the standard.
What makes this even more cinematic is the star power at the center of it. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, a Miami native, will be playing for Indiana in the title game — a hometown kid who grew up in the heart of Florida football and now brings that same edge to the national stage. And it’s bigger than one player: the proof is in the Trophies. Three of the last ten Heisman winners are Florida-born, with the award going back-to-back Florida natives — Travis Hunter (2024) and Fernando Mendoza (2025). Florida isn’t just supplying rosters. Florida is supplying the sport’s brightest stars.
Sunshine State Roll Call:
Miami, FL (14)
Alberto Mendoza; Fernando Mendoza; D’Angelo Ponds; Rueben Bain Jr.; Jamari Sharpe; Andres Williams; Ezekiel Marcelin Jr.; Bryce Fitzgerald; Bobby Washington Jr.; Amari Wallace; Ryan Rodriguez; Wesley Bissainthe; Jack Whitehouse; Henry Pikus
Fort Lauderdale, FL (8)
Jordan Lyle; Mark Fletcher Jr.; Armondo Blount; Ryan Mack; Isaiah Taylor; OJ Frederique Jr.; Carter Davis; Ahmad Moten Sr.
Orlando, FL (4)
Malik Bryant; Jaden Wilkerson; Demetrius Campbell; Briton Allen
Tampa, FL (3)
Girard Pringle Jr.; Kellen Wiley Jr.; Booker Pickett
Jacksonville, FL (3)
Myles Kendrick; Carson Beck; Deryc Plazz
Hollywood, FL (2)
Joshisa Trader; Amariyon Knighten
Ocala, FL (2)
Tony Johnson; Tommy Kinsler IV
Blountstown, FL: Artavius Jones
Cape Coral, FL: Yeroval Valdes Alfonso
Clearwater, FL: Sean Cuono
Coral Gables, FL: Stone Stroud
Dania Beach, FL: Chris Wheatley-Humphrey
Gainesville, FL: Mykah Newton
Jupiter, FL: Dylan Reiman
Lake City, FL: Amare Ferrell
Lakeland, FL: Roljiah Hardy
Liberty City, FL: Malachi Toney
Milton, FL: Emory Williams
Palm Bay, FL: Chase Smith
Plantation, FL: Damari Brown
Pompano Beach, FL: Xavier Lucas
Sanford, FL: Max Buchanan
Sarasota, FL: Joe Borchers
St. Johns, FL: Matthew McCoy
Sunrise, FL: Chris Ewald Jr.
Wildwood, FL: Zechariah Poyser
Winter Garden, FL: Terrell Walden II
This is what people mean when they say “Florida breeds football.” It’s not a slogan, it’s a résumé. From Miami’s deep south talent pool to Broward’s relentless pipeline, from Jacksonville’s grinders to Tampa’s tough-nosed linemen, Florida keeps sending players into the biggest moments, the biggest games, and the biggest spotlight.
So when that ball goes up and the national championship begins, remember what you’re really watching: 58 Florida stories — different cities, different journeys, one shared DNA from the Sunshine State. So in the words of the great rapper Jeezy, its time to put on for my City.
