The Indiana Hoosiers captured the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship with a 27-21 victory over the Miami Hurricanes, finishing a historic 16-0 season and claiming the first national title in program history. Indiana jumped out to a 10-0 halftime lead, aided by a crucial blocked punt returned for a touchdown.
Quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza completed 16 of 27 passes for 186 yards and sealed the win with a 12-yard rushing touchdown on fourth down late in the fourth quarter. Running backs Kaelon Black (79 yards) and Roman Hemby (60 yards) helped fuel the ground attack. Miami’s Carson Beck threw for 232 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while Mark Fletcher Jr. led Miami with 112 rushing yards and two scores. Indiana’s defense sealed the title with a game-clinching interception with 44 seconds left.
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