At a Glance
- Top-seeded Indiana beat No. 10 Miami 27-21 to win the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship
- Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza sealed the win with a 12-yard fourth-quarter touchdown run
- Miami quarterback Carson Beck’s final-drive interception ended the Hurricanes’ hopes since their 2001 title
- Why it matters: Indiana finished a perfect 16-0 and claimed its first football crown in its debut championship appearance
Indiana completed an undefeated season by defeating Miami 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, capturing the program’s first national title at Hard Rock Stadium.
Game Flow
The contest began sluggishly; Indiana led only 10-0 at halftime as Miami’s offense struggled on the ground and through the air. The tempo shifted after the break when Miami mounted a comeback, but Mendoza delivered clutch plays while Beck could not. Indiana intercepted Beck on a deep pass during Miami’s last possession, preserving the 27-21 victory.
Standout Performers
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana: The Heisman Trophy winner completed 16 of 27 passes for 186 yards and rushed for the decisive 12-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Carson Beck, Miami: The 23-year-old quarterback rebounded from a quiet first half to finish 19 of 32 for 232 yards and a touchdown, yet his end-zone interception defined the outcome.
Mark Fletcher Jr., Miami: The junior running back totaled 112 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, including a career-long 57-yard score, the second-longest touchdown in a BCS final.
Key Stats
| Category | Indiana | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Third-down efficiency | 6-15 | 3-11 |
| Rushing TDs | 1 (Mendoza) | 2 (Fletcher) |
| Total yards | Not listed | Not listed |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 (INT) |
Turning Point
Miami’s offense opened 0-for-6 on third downs, preventing early momentum. Although the Hurricanes tightened later, the early inefficiency and the missed field-goal attempt left them chasing the game until Beck’s final interception.
Coaching Impact
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti, 64, transformed the program from losing records to national champions in two seasons. Players credit his culture-building, and the staff now faces the task of identifying a successor to Mendoza to sustain success.
What’s Next
Indiana ends the year 16-0 and will celebrate its first football championship. Miami, playing in its home stadium, extends its title drought that dates back to 2001.
