The Indiana Hoosiers made history! In a historic, first ever national championship appearance for Indiana, the Hoosiers defeated Miami in a hard fought game, winning 21-27. This win marked Indiana’s first national championship in program history, capping off an unforgettable, undefeated season that redefined expectations for a school that has been overlooked throughout program history.
How it unfolded
Indiana set the tone early in the opening quarter when Nick Radicic drilled a 34-yard field goal, giving the Hoosiers a 3-0 lead. The momentum carried into the second quarter as Indiana capped off a drive with a rushing touchdown by Riley Nowakowski, extending the lead to 10-0 heading into halftime.
Miami answered in the third quarter. Mark Fletcher Jr. broke loose through Indiana’s defense for a 57-yard touchdown, an explosive run that not only put the Hurricanes on the board, but also shifted momentum in their favor.
Just minutes later, with about five minutes left in the third quarter, Miami lined up to punt from its own 16-yard line. Mikail Kamara burst through the line and blocked the punt, which was recovered in the end zone by Isaiah Jones for a touchdown, extending Indiana’s lead to 17–7 and swinging momentum firmly toward the Hoosiers.
A fight for the win Miami refused to back down.
Miami refused to back down. Fletcher Jr. continued to lead the Hurricanes’ offense, scoring again on a 3-yard rushing touchdown, pulling Miami within 17–14. Indiana responded quickly as Fernando Mendoza punched in a 12-yard rushing touchdown, pushing the lead to 24–14.
The Hurricanes kept pushing. Malachi Toney, the True Freshman standout, powered in a 22 yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter making it a one score game at 24-21 and setting up a very tense final stretch. With just 1:42 remaining, Radicic knocked through another field goal sealing the 27-21 victory for Indiana.
Indiana’s South Florida Stars Shine
It’s all coming full circle for the Indiana Hoosiers- who featured 9 Florida Natives on their squad. In the brightest moments of the contest, the Sunshine Stars shined brighter.
We all know the legend of Fernando Mendoza now. The former 2 star recruit from Christopher Columbus High that was doubted by all once again proved the world wrong, adding even more hardware to a full trophy chest from this season in the process. Mendoza was named Offensive MVP after completing 16 of 27 passes for 186 yards and adding a rushing touchdown to his performance.
“Im going to die for my team out there. And I know they’re going to do the same for me, That’s what makes us so close. That’s what makes our national championship so special.” Mendoza said.
It’s been an unforgettable season for the Heisman winner, one defined by so many pillars. Leaving everything on the field, one defined by effort and leadership, a true embodiment of college football.
The game ended with a clutch defensive play by Jamari Sharpe, a Miami Northwestern alum, who intercepted Miami’s final pass attempt. A game-winning interception that sealed the Hoosiers’ first national championship.
Adding to the defensive heroics, D’Angelo Ponds, a Chaminade Madonna alum, recorded three crucial pass breakups, keeping Miami in the game while showcasing the talent coming from a South Florida high school. At 5 foot 9, many questioned Ponds’ ability to translate to the next level- so the former ‘Nade Boy put on a reel of film that every future defensive back needs to study.
Indiana’s championship run will be remembered as one of the most unlikely yet meaningful in college football history, this program set a bar and claimed its first national title. With that said, Miami left with something just as powerful. Multiple contributors on the field were Christopher Columbus High School alumni, representing one of South Florida’s most respected football pipelines on the national stage. The Hurricanes reinforced a legacy that extends far beyond the final score; South Florida football belongs on the biggest stage.
Cover Photo Credits: The Associated Press
