The Indiana Hoosiers played the Miami Hurricanes on Jan.19 at the 2025-26 College Football Playoff National Championship.
This championship was a first for Indiana, coming into the season known as “the losingest team in college football history.” Indiana had a lot to prove, as they were picked to finish sixth in The Big Ten pre-season media poll. With a lot of determined players, including their highly respected quarterback, Fernando Mendoza and a coach who comes to win, Indiana knew what they needed to do. Indiana’s head coach, Curt Cignetti, is popular for his famous quote, “It’s pretty simple. I win. Google me.” That same mentality was kept throughout the season and into this championship.
This game was Miami’s first championship game since the 2001 season, adding immense pressure. Miami had a mostly successful season, being widely known for their impactful defensive line this past season. Carried by players like quarterbacks (#11) Carson Beck and (#8) Emory Williams, Miami had a fair shot at the win.
Heading into the game, Indiana held a 15-0 record from their undefeated season and was favored by The Big Ten media poll. Kickoff was around 7:30pm with an attendance of 67,227 people, according to ESPN. The Hoosiers started off strong, winning the coin toss, giving the Hurricanes the ball first on their own 28-yard line. The first quarter was quiet, with one good field goal from 34 yards by (#15) Nico Radicic; ending the quarter 0-3.
Indiana was leading into the second quarter. (#37) Riley Nowakowski rushed middle for a one-yard touchdown run. On top of those six touchdown points, (#15) Radicic’s kick was good, adding one additional point putting Indiana ahead by ten. Miami’s defense allowed for Indiana’s lead, and Miami’s (#38) Carter Davis missed his field goal attempt from the 50-yard line, continuing Indiana’s lead 0-10.
Miami finally found an opportunity to score during the third quarter. (#4) Mark Fletcher Jr. gained a touchdown by rushing right for a 57 yard gain. (#38) Davis redeemed his missed field goal with a good kick attempt, making the score 7-10. A Miami punt by (#94) Dylan Joyce was blocked by Indiana’s (#6) Mikail Kamara and recovered by (#46) Isaiah Jones, getting Indiana another touchdown. (#15) Radicic’s kick attempt was good, ending the third quarter 7-17.
The fourth quarter was moving quickly, as Miami still had time to catch up. A three-yard Touchdown Run by (#4) Fletcher Jr. and (#38) Davis’s successful kick started the quarter off 14-17. Just when Miami thought they could gain the lead, (#15) Fernando Mendoza rushed middle for a 12 yard touchdown run. (#15) Radicic added a good kick. With minutes left, (#11) Beck’s pass was completed to (#10) Toney for a touchdown and (#38) Davis had a good kick. At this point in the game, the score was 21-24, and could have gone either way. Much like every Indiana game this season, the team doesn’t let people get close to beating them. A field goal by (#15) Radicic from 35 yards added three points to Indiana. In order for Miami to win, they would have needed 75 yards with only 1:42 on the clock; and they couldn’t get it done.
After both teams worked hard all season, the final score of the 2025-26 College Football Playoff National Championship was 21-27. This game became the Hoosiers’ first national title, and advanced them to a final record of 16-0 for their season. Even with Miami’s unfortunate loss, making it to their first championship since 2001 was a win on its own. Indiana fans are hoping they continue this success into next season and possibly get their second national title next year.
