Indiana earns first national championship, completing perfect season in CFP title game thriller over Miami

It was Fernando Mendoza's first game without a passing touchdown since the season opener, but don't be mistaken: the Heisman Trophy winner led Indiana in legendary fashion. His gutsy 12-yard touchdown run on fourth down with 9:18 remaining will go down as the most memorable score in program history. 

For a Miami native who wasn't offered a scholarship by the Hurricanes, completing a storybook ride inside Hard Rock Stadium against his hometown team is the kind of plot Hollywood would write. Mendoza's touchdown run will be replayed for decades, but the performance also included several critical throws that helped secure the victory.

Twice in the fourth quarter with the game on the line, Mendoza turned to sophomore receiver Charlie Becker for back-shoulder throws, and Becker delivered both times. The first came with 11:28 remaining, facing fourth-and-5 from Miami's 37-yard line. A punt would have done little, and even a successful 54-yard field goal would have left Indiana ahead by just six.

Mendoza targeted Becker, who made a remarkable grab for 19 yards, setting up a touchdown. Later, with under four minutes remaining and third-and-7, Mendoza found Becker again for another 19-yard gain, putting the Hoosiers in position for a crucial field goal.

Numerous players contributed for Indiana's defense, but the final hero was defensive back Jamari Sharpe, who intercepted Miami quarterback Carson Beck with 44 seconds remaining to seal the win. It was especially fitting for Sharpe, a Miami native and nephew of former Hurricanes defensive back Glenn Sharpe. The redshirt junior finished with six tackles and a game-clinching play that will be remembered forever in Indiana history.

FINAL: Indiana 27, Miami 21

MIAMI GARDENS, Florida -- No. 1 Indiana used a legendary run from Heisman quarterback Fernando Mendoza to blow past No. 10 Miami 27-21 and win the first national championship in program history. 

The Hoosiers faced fourth-and-five in the fourth quarter deep in opposing territory. After initially sending the kicking unit onto the field, Curt Cignetti called a timeout and sent the offense back out. Indiana dialed up a draw for Mendoza, and he bounced about before leaping into the end zone for an improbable touchdown. 

Miami charged back and cut the lead to three points behind strong combined efforts for running back Mark Fletcher Jr. and receiver Malachi Toney. The latter evaded tackles to break through for a 22-yard touchdown. But again, Indiana's offense kept coming. 

Mendoza found Omar Cooper Jr. for a 14-yard connection on third down again before launching a 19-yard bomb to Charlie Becker on another third down. The Hoosiers were able to burn the clock and drive down the field for a field goal to extend the lead to six points. 

Miami had one last chance to win the game with only 1:47 remaining. A roughing the passer call helped make up for two incompletions. However, quarterback Carson Beck threw an interception to Jamari Sharpe with only 44 seconds remaining and the Hoosiers were able to run out the clock. 

Miami's top-rated defense fought incredibly hard, getting multiple hits on Mendoza. In the third quarter, they held Indiana to only 11 total yards. Superstar defensive ends Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor combined for 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks in the performance. However, a blocked punt returned for a touchdown by the Indiana special teams unit erased their best work. 

Mendoza threw for 186 yards in the win, while running backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black combined for 139 yards. Cooper added five catches for 71 yards. Beck had 232 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the loss. Fletcher added 112 yards and two touchdowns. 

4Q: Indiana 27, Miami 21

Indiana used a pair of big-time throws on third down from Fernando Mendoza to drive down the field, but the Hoosiers couldn't pull off a third. Instead, the Hoosiers settled for a field goal. 

Miami has to go 75 yards in 1:42 for a chance at immortality. 

Mid 4Q: Indiana 24, Miami 21

Miami followed up Fernando Mendoza's Heisman Moment score with The Malachi Toney Drive. The freshman phenom picked up 71 yards on the ensuing drive, including the 22-yard touchdown catch to pull the Hurricanes within a single score (again).

The Hurricanes have been at arm's length all night. Can they get a stop on defense, and get the offense back on the field with 6:37 remaining? The national championship is on the line.

Miami has been punched in the mouth as Indiana has excelled in the very type of physical game the Hurricanes used to win in the postseason.

The Hoosiers have dominated time of possession, holding the ball for nearly 31 minutes compared with Miami's 20, and have rushed for 102 yards, grinding out tough yards on the ground. Indiana has also doubled Miami on first downs (17-8) and converted both fourth-down attempts.

On fourth-and-4, the Hoosiers neutralized Miami's pass rush with a quarterback draw by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.

4Q: Indiana 24, Miami 14

Indiana drove into the red zone but faced fourth-and-five from the 12-yard line. Rather than panic, the Hoosiers put the ball in the hands of their Heisman Trophy winner. Fernando Mendoza called a quarterback draw, bounced off multiple defenders, and dove into the end zone for a touchdown.

Mendoza's run will go down as one of the most legendary plays in Indiana football history—and perhaps one of the greatest of the 21st century.

Early 4Q: Indiana 17, Miami 14

No. 10 Miami is charging back against No. 1 Indiana after a critical touchdown cut the lead to 17-14 early in the fourth quarter. The Hurricanes capped a 10-play, 81-yard drive with a three-yard rushing score by Mark Fletcher Jr. to pull within three.

Fletcher has been Miami's standout offensive weapon. The junior has 16 carries for 109 yards and both of the Hurricanes' touchdowns, including a 57-yard breakaway score in the first half, accounting for nearly half of Miami's total offense.

Indiana's offense has cooled in the second half, held in check by Miami's dominant defensive line. The Hoosiers gained just 11 yards on 14 plays (0.8 yards per snap) in the third quarter after nearly tripling Miami's first-half yardage. Their only margin came on a blocked punt returned for a touchdown.

The Hoosiers have the ball early in the fourth quarter with a chance to extend their lead. 

Early 4Q: Indiana 17, Miami 14

Mark Fletcher Jr. scored on a fake toss and hand-off for a 3-yard run, and Miami is back within a single score with 14:57 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Hurricanes out-gained Indiana 150 yards to 11. In the third quarter, that blocked punt for a touchdown buried them in the first 15 minutes of the second half.

The touchdown drive went 81 yards on 10 plays.

3Q: Indiana 17, Miami 7

On a day when Indiana's offense has struggled, special teams delivered. Defensive lineman Mikail Kamara screamed off the edge to block a punt, and Isaiah Jones recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown. Just like that, despite Miami holding an 80-11 yardage advantage in the second half, the Hoosiers pushed the lead back to double figures.

Miami's offense has been atrocious on third downs, going 0-for-8 with 5:04 left in the third quarter. The latest failure set up the blocked punt in the shadow of the Hurricanes' end zone.

The Hurricanes entered the night ranked 17th nationally in third-down conversion rate (47.1%).

That sequence may have been the turning point.

Indiana's defense regrouped after allowing its first touchdown of the game to Mark Fletcher, but the Hoosiers' offense has struggled since halftime. Indiana needed a facemask penalty to extend its opening drive of the half and was forced to punt on both possessions.

Miami's defensive line reached quarterback Fernando Mendoza on the first play of Indiana's third drive, setting up another long field for the Hoosiers.

Early 3Q: Indiana 10, Miami 7 

Miami is very much alive. The Hurricanes finally produced the explosive play they had been searching for, as Mark Fletcher Jr. ripped off a 57-yard run off the right side.

The touchdown pulled Miami back within one score. Fletcher was untouched as he turned the corner and burst through the defense.

The run eclipsed Fletcher's previous season-long carry of 56 yards.

Miami didn't allow a costly facemask penalty on third-and-17 to derail the defense, as Rueben Bain Jr. responded by sacking Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza on the next third down.

It was one of the most important plays of the night so far for the Hurricanes, who needed a stop on Indiana's opening possession of the second half.

Miami has been lining Bain up wide, giving him a better angle to arc toward the quarterback, and the adjustment has paid off.

HALF: Indiana 10, Miami 0

No. 1 Indiana rode a strong defensive effort to a commanding halftime lead in the College Football Playoff National Championship. The Hoosiers recorded just one tackle for loss but controlled the game with consistent execution across the unit.

Indiana's offensive line has been tested by Miami's stacked defensive front, but quarterback Fernando Mendoza and running back Kaelon Black played efficiently to steady the offense. Mendoza completed 12 of 17 passes for 116 yards. Black's 20-yard run set up the game's only touchdown of the first half.

Miami managed just 69 total yards before the break and recorded only one first down in the first 22 minutes of game time. Quarterback Carson Beck threw for 49 yards and was sacked once. Star running back Mark Fletcher touched the ball only nine times.

The Hurricanes had a late opportunity after an eight-play, 37-yard drive reached fourth-and-2 at the Indiana 32-yard line, but coach Mario Cristobal opted for a 50-yard field-goal attempt. Carter Davis' kick hit the upright.

Indiana will receive the opening kickoff of the second half with a chance to extend its lead.

Did Mario Cristobal make two costly decisions on Miami's final drive of the first half?

The Hurricanes kept the offense on the field on fourth down at their own 34-yard line -- a gamble that resulted in a first down but invited scrutiny. Later on the same drive, Cristobal allowed the clock to wind down on fourth-and-2 at Indiana's 32 before settling for a 50-yard field-goal attempt, which clanged off the left upright.

Miami clearly wanted to trim the deficit to one score, but choosing a long field goal after the offense had finally generated momentum was a curious decision.

2Q: Indiana 10, Miami 0

Indiana and Miami lined up in third-and-goal from the one-yard line with the game hanging in the balance. Instead of giving it to one of their star running backs, Fernando Mendoza tucked it into tight end Riley Nowakowski for a de facto fullback dive. He got into the end zone and now Indiana is in full control. 

Miami forced Indiana into a third-and-long on the second straight possession, but an offsides contributed to an Indiana touchdown drive that included a couple of mistakes by the Hurricanes, but was mostly defined by the Hoosiers running into the teeth of the defense.

You gotta wonder how Miami's defense feels after a 14-play, 85-yard drive that kept them not he field for 6 minutes, 28 seconds. The Hoosiers have scored on 12- and 14-play drives.

It's imperative Miami's offense gets something going here, down 10-0 with 6:13 remaining in the second quarter. The Hurricanes have gone three-and-out on four straight drives.

Indiana has leaned on the quick passing game to neutralize Miami's vaunted pass rush, and that approach finally opened the door for a game-changing run. Running back Kaelon Black hit a crease and burst through for a 20-yard gain to move the Hoosiers deep into scoring territory.

One play later, Charlie Becker caught a 15-yard pass that was ruled down at the 5-yard line, just short of a touchdown. Indiana now faces third-and-goal from the 1-yard line, with a chance to extend its lead.

Miami's offense has stalled since its opening drive, with Indiana forcing four straight three-and-outs. The Hurricanes have gained just six yards since that initial 20-yard possession.

Indiana's defensive-line stunts have been effective, and the coverage downfield has held up. Miami quarterback Carson Beck was also off on a slant earlier, mistiming the throw. The Hoosiers' defense has settled in, while the Hurricanes appear out of sync after the early series.

End 1Q: Indiana 3, Miami 0

No. 1 Indiana leads No. 10 Miami 3-0 after one quarter at Hard Rock Stadium as both defenses controlled the opening period. Each team delivered multiple hits on the opposing quarterback, with the defensive lines setting the tone.

Indiana's offense was slowed by penalties, including a holding call and a false start on the offensive line, but quarterback Fernando Mendoza adjusted by leaning on the quick passing game. Wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. finished the quarter with two catches for 36 yards, creating yards after the catch. The Hoosiers eventually settled in and marched 12 plays to set up a 34-yard field goal for the game's first points.

Miami's defense held firm for stretches, but the offense failed to find any rhythm. The Hurricanes averaged just 1.6 yards per play, with quarterback Carson Beck going 2 of 6 for nine yards. Miami's lone first down came on the opening drive.

Indiana went straight into the teeth of Miami's defense after Rueben Bain Jr. gave chase for a negative play on first down. That was a mistake.

The Hurricanes' rush defense stepped up after that, allowing a 6-yard gain before a 1-yard run by Roman Hemby was wrapped up by Ahmad Moten Sr. between the tackles. Mendoza then had to throw a quick pass in space on third-and-15, which only picked up five yards.

You have to feel good about Miami's chances if the Hoosiers feel they need to run on early downs to keep quarterback Fernando Mendoza upright.

1Q: Indiana 3, Miami 0

Miami's highly rated defensive line has created early problems for Indiana, including several hits on quarterback Fernando Mendoza. On one handoff, Mendoza delivered the ball and was immediately struck by Akheem Mesidor near the head, leaving Mendoza's mouth bloodied.

With pressure mounting, Indiana leaned on its short passing game to move the ball, putting together a 12-play drive that ended with a 34-yard field goal by Nicolas Radicic. Mendoza connected with Omar Cooper on a pass that turned into a 25-yard gain after the catch, accounting for part of Indiana's 50 yards passing on the drive.

Second-string running back Kaelon Black has provided a spark with a pair of tough runs, but whether the Hoosiers can withstand Miami's defensive-line depth over four quarters remains an open question.

Late 1Q: Indiana 3, Miami 0

Miami is taking every opportunity to hit Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the first quarter winds down. The Hurricanes drilled Mendoza twice on Indiana's opening scoring drive, including on a designed run that left him with a bloodied mouth.

Much like Indiana's win against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game, Miami has made it a priority to ensure Mendoza feels its presence early.

Linebacker Mohamed Toure has been particularly effective from a wide alignment, breaking into the backfield twice. Defensive back Jakob Thomas delivered the most notable shot, driving up under Mendoza's chin and drawing blood. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti objected and sought a flag, but none was thrown.

Indiana's offensive line has been a strength of the team, but the vaunted Miami defensive line is making its presence known. The Hoosiers have given up pressures and then a holding against right tackle Kahlil Benson to put themselves behind the chains. 

Miami came out pounding the rock, then tried to attack the edges in the quick passing game, but Indiana took away a screen pass to force a difficult third-and-8 on the opening drive. Miami punted.

The key for Indiana's defense is taking away the underneath throws from Beck and forcing him to move to his second and third options beyond the yardsticks. That's when he can hesitate and make mistakes.

Another priority is stopping first-down runs. Miami opened the game with a 9-yard gain by Mark Fletcher Jr., and the Hurricanes are clearly at their best when they generate chunk plays on first down.

Miami didn't get points on the opening possession, but the Hurricanes at least probed Indiana's defense for weak spots. Early on, Miami also did a solid job protecting Beck.

Indiana managed a stop on its first defensive drive, but Miami's Jonathan Brady flipped the field with a strong 47-yard punt that Dylan Joyce caught at the 5-yard line. Coaches often stress letting punts inside the 10 bounce in hopes of a touchback, and the decision left Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana offense facing a 96-yard field.

Field position could play a significant role in what shapes up as a highly competitive, defense-driven game.

I caught up with legendary coach Jimmy Johnson, who led the Hurricanes to the 1987 national championship, and asked him a simple question: what would his pre-game speech be in the locker room today?

"Run the football. We're going to win it in the fourth quarter," Johnson told CBS Sports. "Control the line of scrimmage. Pound them, pound them, pound them. Those three-yard gains are going to be seven-yard gains at the end. 

"And the defense: hey, be disruptive. Throw [Fernando Mendoza] out of rhythm. Take him off the field."

Johnson, who was Inducted Into Miami's ring of honor two years ago, said the city of Miami has been electric this week.

"The entire community is so excited about this thing," Johnson said. "I think we can help them calm down a little bit."

No. 1 Indiana and No. 10 Miami reaching the College Football Playoff National Championship marks a watershed moment for the sport. Both programs have embraced the transfer portal aggressively under their respective coaches, and have now built championship-caliber rosters. 

But while key position groups on both teams from quarterback to defensive line have been augmented with transfers, there's one position group where both staffs have stayed close to home: Offensive line. 

Out of the 10 offensive linemen starting in the national title game, seven were on campus during the 2024 season. One exception, Indiana right tackle Kahlil Benson, was a bounce-back after spending four of his first five seasons in Bloomington. So essentially, only two total starters across the units were newcomers. 

How homegrown offensive lines at Miami, Indiana have powered CFP National Championship runs

Shehan Jeyarajah