Key Highlights
- The Indiana Hoosiers won their first-ever national championship in a thrilling College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Miami Hurricanes.
- Fernando Mendoza’s 12-yard touchdown run with 9:27 left in the game secured the victory for Indiana, giving them a 27-21 win over Miami.
- The Hoosiers’ undefeated season of 16-0 and their first national title under coach Tommie Cignetti marked a remarkable turnaround in program history.
- Indiana’s path to the championship included victories against ranked opponents such as Iowa, Oregon, and Ohio State.
The Indiana Hoosiers’ Historic Victory
Miami Gardens, Fla. – The Indiana Hoosiers have written a new chapter in college football history by securing their first-ever national championship with a hard-fought 27-21 victory over the Miami Hurricanes on Monday night.
Game Summary and Key Plays
The game began with the Hoosiers taking an early lead, scoring a 10-0 advantage in the first half. Their first score came off a 34-yard field goal by kicker Nico Radicic, which set up after a 12-play drive that started at their own 19-yard line.
Indiana’s next touchdown was a one-yard rush by tight end Riley Nowakowski with just over six minutes left in the first half. However, an initial ruling of touchdown for Miami was overturned on video review due to a step-out call at the Miami 5-yard line.
Miami drew within three points late in the third quarter when Mark Fletcher Jr. scored from 57 yards out after two key passes by Carson Beck. Indiana’s special teams then blocked a punt, leading to a touchdown by Isaiah Jones, extending their lead to 10-7 at halftime.
Crucial Moments and Turnarounds
Miami closed the gap in the second half with Fletcher’s 22-yard touchdown pass to Malachi Toney. Indiana managed to extend its lead again when Mendoza scored a 12-yard rushing touchdown, putting them ahead 24-14.
Despite Miami outscoring Indiana, 21-17, in the second half, the Hoosiers’ defense and field goal unit held firm. Nico Radicic’s final 35-yard field goal gave Indiana a crucial three-point lead with just over two minutes to play.
Indiana’s Unprecedented Season
The victory capped an undefeated season of 16-0 for the Hoosiers, led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Under coach Tommie Cignetti, Indiana has transformed from a program with just three winning seasons since 1995 to one that dominated college football in 2024 and 2025.
Every champion since 1996 has previously won a national title, making Indiana’s achievement even more remarkable. The Hoosiers’ historic run included key wins over Ohio State and Notre Dame during the regular season, setting them up for their eventual triumph in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Future Implications
With Mendoza moving on to the NFL Draft, Indiana will look to replace its quarterback position. The Hoosiers have already added former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover from the transfer portal as part of their offseason plans.
The win marks not only a breakthrough for the Indiana football program but also a milestone in college football history, making them the first school to win its first-ever national championship since 1996. The Hoosiers’ journey and success offer valuable lessons and inspiration for other programs aiming to achieve similar feats.
For more of FOX59/CBS4’s coverage on Monday night’s national championship game, click here.
