Tonight, the College Football Playoff National Championship brings a season of dedication, sacrifice, and hard work to a climactic conclusion. It stands as the final measure of months of preparation, resolve, and competition that have long defined college football-a beloved and uniquely American tradition.
For more than 150 years, college football has been a cherished fixture in American culture. Every fall and winter, massive crowds flock to stadiums in college towns all across our Nation to witness the epic display of loyalty, rivalry, tradition, and regional identity erupting throughout the stands and on the field below. From the very first collegiate matchup in 1869, our country's love of this storied Saturday ritual has been passed down from one generation to the next and endured as an iconic American institution.
At its best, college football reflects our timeless American values of family, freedom, unity, and hard work and represents the pinnacle of our national spirit. It is seen in the players whose focus, discipline, and unwavering grit are forged in every practice and workout. It is upheld by the coaches who set high standards, demand greatness, and help cultivate incredible student-athletes-and even better Americans-who stop at nothing to achieve their God-given potential both on and off the field. And it is sustained by the fans whose dedication gives college football its lasting meaning, passion, and glory.
Melania and I congratulate the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes on making it to the College Football Playoff National Championship. God bless the talented players and dedicated coaches, the families who love and support them, and the faithful fans who cheer them on. May the best team win!
