After surviving a 31-27 thriller over Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl, Miami is set to face Indiana in the CFP national championship game Monday, Jan. 19, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
One of the biggest storylines early in the week is whether Miami can get cornerbacks O.J. Frederique Jr. and Damari Brown closer to full strength for the title game.
Miami dynamic-DB duo OJ Frederique and Damari Brown were held out with injury in the Semifinal, but couldn't be more hyped to play for the natty🏈
— Gabriella Chernoff (@GabbyJChernoff) January 9, 2026
"We just can't wait to be back next week!"@sportscronkite pic.twitter.com/xFm4mAlXuR
O.J. Frederique Jr. and Damari Brown are trending in the right direction
Brown was ruled out for the semifinal against Ole Miss after being listed as questionable earlier in the week. Brown has been trying to work back after missing time late in the season, and he had returned to practice leading into the semifinal.
Frederique's situation has been a little different. He was listed as probable ahead of the Ole Miss game after a scary injury in Miami's previous CFP win over Ohio State, when he was taken off the field on a stretcher and later spotted on crutches and in a walking boot. Frederique had been cleared to play and was be available against Ole Miss.
Miami coach Mario Cristobal had signaled optimism even before the semifinal. Now, the Hurricanes have an extra week of runway before the title game, and the secondary's depth could look a lot different if Brown is able to return and Frederique continues to trend upward.
Both defensive backs have been productive when available this season. Brown entered the postseason with 24 total tackles in 13 games, plus one pass breakup and one QB hurry. Frederique had 17 total tackles in nine games with five pass breakups.
Miami will release updated CFP availability designations as the week moves along, but the Hurricanes expect to keep getting bodies back as the national championship game approaches.