The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Miami Hurricanes with a final score of 27-21 in the CFP National Championship game that took place on Monday, January 19, 2026.In a story for the ages, the Indiana Hoosiers completed one of the most improbable turnarounds in college sports history, defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 to win their first-ever college football national championship. On the evening of Monday, January 19, 2026, in a game that came down to the final minute at Hard Rock Stadium, Indiana finished a perfect 16-0 season, transforming from a perennial losing program to the undisputed top of the sport in just two years under head coach Curt Cignetti. A Tale of Two Halves and Clutch Plays The Hoosiers built a 10-0 halftime lead on the strength of a dominant defensive effort that stifled Miami's offense, holding them to just 69 total yards before the break. Miami, however, stormed back in the second half, with star running back Mark Fletcher Jr. breaking a 57-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to three points early in the third quarter. The game's complexion turned on a pivotal special teams play when Indiana's Mikail Kamara blocked a Miami punt, recovered in the end zone by Isaiah Jones for a touchdown, pushing the lead back to 10 points. Every time Miami fought back, cutting the lead to three points on multiple occasions, Indiana answered with clutch plays. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza was at the heart of Indiana's resilience. His memorable 12-yard, fourth-down rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter—bouncing off defenders and lunging for the goal line—extended the lead and provided a defining image for the Hoosiers' title run.
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The Final Stand Miami had one final chance, driving into Indiana territory in the waning moments. With 44 seconds remaining, quarterback Carson Beck launched a deep pass into double coverage. Miami native defensive back Jamari Sharpe made an outstanding play, intercepting the pass at the 15-yard line to seal the 27-21 victory for the Hoosiers. "It took a lot of guts," said Coach Cignetti after the game. "We won the national championship at Indiana University. It can be done" For Miami, the loss was heartbreaking, ending their own historic underdog run to the championship on their home field. "If I didn't throw that interception, we would've won,” a dejected Beck told reporters postgame, shouldering the blame for the game-ending turnover. Ultimately, Indiana's composure in high-pressure moments and superior discipline proved to be the difference, completing an improbable journey from a 3-9 team two years prior to undefeated national champions. The Hoosiers have set a new standard, proving that a team built on culture and belief can reach college football's summit. This game recap details the Hoosiers' 27-21 victory over Miami, highlighting key plays and player performances that secured Indiana's first national championship:
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