MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — History Made
Indiana is national champion.
The Hoosiers completed a stunning undefeated season Monday night, defeating Miami 27-21 in the College Football Playoff National Championship game to capture the first national title in program history.
Led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, Indiana finished off a fairytale run in dramatic fashion at Hard Rock Stadium, capping a season that transformed the Hoosiers from longshots into college football’s ultimate survivors.
Mendoza threw for 186 yards, but it was his gutsy 12-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-4 with 9:18 remaining that defined the night — and the season.
Lowering his shoulder and breaking multiple tackles, Mendoza bulldozed into the end zone to give Indiana a lead it would never surrender.
Miami mounted a late push, cutting the deficit to six in the final minutes, but Indiana’s defense stood tall, forcing a turnover on downs and sealing the victory.
As the final seconds ticked away, crimson-clad fans erupted, watching their program finish a perfect season and climb to the top of college football for the first time.
Indiana would not be denied.
📊 Game Summary
CFP National Championship
📍 Hard Rock Stadium — Miami Gardens, Florida
🏈 Indiana 27, Miami 21
Key Performers:
- Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) — 186 passing yards, 1 rushing TD
- Game-winning TD: 12-yard run on 4th-and-4 (9:18 remaining)
Final Record:
Indiana finishes the season 15-0
