Hoosiers Make History: Indiana Tops Miami 27-21 to Win First Ever College Football National Title
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — On Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium, the Indiana Hoosiers captured their first national championship in football history, defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. The dramatic victory capped off an unprecedented undefeated 16-0 season for Indiana — a feat not seen in major college football since Yale’s 1894 campaign. (ESPN.com)
A Game of Momentum Swings
After a tightly contested first half, Indiana took a 10-0 lead behind strong defensive play and timely special teams execution. A critical moment came early when the Hoosiers blocked a Miami punt; Isaiah Jones recovered it for a touchdown, swinging momentum firmly in Indiana’s favor. (Herald Sun)
Miami, playing the title game in its home stadium — the first team to do so in CFP history — refused to go quietly, keeping the score within reach throughout the second half. But Indiana’s balance and resilience ultimately proved the difference. (wplg)
Heroics from Fernando Mendoza
The game’s defining performance came from Heisman Trophy–winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who finished with 186 yards passing and delivered a signature moment late in the fourth quarter. Facing fourth-and-4 from the Miami 12 with 9:18 remaining, Mendoza bulled his way into the end zone on a 12-yard touchdown run, giving Indiana a 24-14 lead. (WAKA 8)
Earlier, Mendoza connected for key yardage and showed poise under pressure despite being sacked several times by Miami’s defense. His leadership and versatility were instrumental down the stretch. (SI)
Miami’s Fight Back
The Hurricanes responded following Mendoza’s touchdown. Quarterback Carson Beck found offensive rhythm, driving Miami into Indiana territory. Miami’s Mark Fletcher Jr. rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns to cut the deficit to 24-21 and keep the game in question. (wplg)
A field goal by Indiana’s Radicic with 1:42 left extended the lead to 27-21, forcing Miami into desperation mode on their final possession. (wplg)
Nail-Biting Finish
With Miami threatening in the final minute, Indiana defensive back Jamari Sharpe — a Miami native — sealed the victory with a critical interception of Beck’s pass with under a minute to play. That turnover kept Miami from completing the comeback and sent the Hoosiers into celebration. (Wikipedia)
Historic Turnaround for Indiana Football
The win represents more than just a title — it caps one of the most remarkable program turnarounds in college sports. Just two seasons earlier, under head coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana finished 3-9 and was mired in football futility with more all-time losses than any other major college team. (WAKA 8)
In 2025-26, Indiana not only claimed the Big Ten Championship and a CFP title, but also completed a perfect season — the first time a team has finished 16-0 in the modern era. (apnews.com)
Legacy and Future Impact
For Miami, the loss stings but still marks a notable season, as the Hurricanes finished 13-3 and reached their first national title game in the CFP era. For Indiana, this victory will be remembered as one of the most improbable and inspiring championships in college football history — a true crossroads moment for the Hoosiers’ program. (wplg)
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