Indiana Hoosiers wins maiden College Football Playoff National Championship, beats University of Miami in title game

The Indiana Hoosiers made history by winning their maiden College Football Playoff National Championship, defeating the University of Miami in a thrilling title game. Indiana delivered a composed and disciplined performance, rising to the occasion on college football’s biggest stage. Strong execution on both sides of the ball allowed the Hoosiers to control key moments and keep Miami at bay. The victory marks a landmark achievement for the program, capping off a remarkable season with the first national championship in school history. Celebrations erupted among players and fans as Indiana secured its place among college football’s elite.

Fernando Mendoza’s journey came full circle on Monday night as he led Indiana to its first-ever national championship, defeating his hometown University of Miami 27-21 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Growing up just miles from the Hurricanes’ campus, Mendoza once dreamed of playing quarterback for Miami. But overlooked by the Hurricanes’ staff out of high school, he initially planned to attend Yale before landing at Cal, where he redshirted one season and started two more. After transferring to Indiana following the 2024 season, Mendoza found the perfect stage for redemption.



Mendoza, who was named Offensive Player of the Game, delivered a defining performance, highlighted by a crucial fourth-quarter rushing touchdown that will live on in Hoosiers folklore.

Indiana’s defense also rose to the moment. Defensive Player of the Game Mikail Kamara blocked a punt that directly led to a touchdown, while Miami native Jamari Sharpe sealed the victory with a late interception of Carson Beck with 44 seconds remaining. The top-seeded Hoosiers finished a perfect 16-0 season, completing a remarkable turnaround under coach Curt Cignetti, who has guided Indiana to a 27-2 record over the past two seasons after the program went 9-27 earlier in the decade.


Miami, seeking its sixth national title, was led by Mark Fletcher Jr., who rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns, while Beck threw for 232 yards. Despite a valiant comeback effort, the Hurricanes fell short, as Indiana’s resilience and execution proved ultimately decisive.