The recent College Football Playoff National Championship game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes, held on January 20, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, delivered a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 season. The top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers, led by head coach Curt Cignetti and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, secured their first-ever national title with a hard-fought 27-21 victory over the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes, completing a perfect 16-0 season.
The game was a defensive battle marked by key moments, including Mendoza’s 12-yard rushing touchdown and a late interception by Indiana’s Jamari Sharpe on Miami quarterback Carson Beck that sealed the win. Indiana’s ground game and opportunistic defense overcame Miami’s efforts, despite the Hurricanes playing in their home stadium.
Post-game tensions flared almost immediately. As teams exited the field, Miami star running back Mark Fletcher Jr. was captured on ESPN cameras throwing a punch at Indiana defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker following an exchange of words. Reports suggest the altercation stemmed from a provocative remark by Tucker regarding Fletcher’s deceased father, though accounts vary. Fletcher made contact or narrowly missed, and staff intervened to prevent further escalation. This incident overshadowed Indiana’s historic triumph and drew widespread criticism toward Miami’s handling of the loss.
Adding to the controversy, some Miami fans faced backlash for unsportsmanlike behavior around the stadium, including earlier reports of confrontations involving former Miami player Warren Sapp. Indiana representatives, including Coach Cignetti, expressed frustration over on-field hits and post-game antics but focused on celebrating the program’s remarkable turnaround from underdog status to champions.
No reports confirm any rock-throwing incident targeting Indiana players en route to their hotel or severe injuries to a superstar from such an attack. Searches across news sources, social media, and real-time updates reveal no evidence of a targeted fan assault involving shattered car windows or police identifying a “fanatical Miami Hurricanes supporter” in that manner. The narrative appears to stem from unverified social media claims or misinformation circulating amid the heated rivalry and post-championship emotions.
The Hoosiers’ victory remains a landmark achievement, with Mendoza earning Offensive MVP honors in his hometown against the team that overlooked him. While isolated poor sportsmanship marred the aftermath, the focus stays on Indiana’s dominance and the bright future under Cignetti.
