Indiana completes undefeated season and wins first national title, beating Miami 27-21 in CFP final

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By EDDIE PELLS
Updated 11:10 PM CST, January 19, 2026
Leer en español

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Fernando Mendoza bulldozed his way into the end zone and Indiana bullied its way into the history books Monday night, toppling Miami 27-21 to put the finishing touch on a rags-to-riches story, an undefeated season and the national title.

The Heisman Trophy winner finished with 186 yards passing, but it was his tackle-breaking, sprawled-out 12-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-4 with 9:18 left that defined this game — and the Hoosiers’ season.

Indiana would not be denied.

“I had to go airborne,” said Mendoza, who had his lip split and his arm bloodied by a ferocious Miami defense that sacked him three times and hit him many more. “I would die for my team.”



Read more: https://apnews.com/article/miami-indiana-college-football-final-8b4fb15e43e10c890e16b57551b48523

[msongs]

1. wonder if trump will deport him nt

[rubbersole]

2. Not if he gives tsf the trophy.

[efhmc]

6. Tried looking it up on line but cannot find it. What is tsf?

[Happy Hoosier]

8. That Sick F*** NT

[rubbersole]

9. Biden called donnie "the sick f*ck".

If the shoe fits...

[sinkingfeeling]

3. As much as I dislike the state of Indiana (political reasons only), I'm happy for a Big Ten win.

[hoosierspud]

7. Not all of us are jerks.

My sister belongs to a politically active group that the women at her gym class started. One of the members is a well-known sports figure who is putting it all out there. More women are approaching them and want to get active.

Remember, Pete Buttigieg is also from Indiana.

And one more thing, Hoo, Hoo, Hoo, Hoosiers!

[FakeNoose]

4. Congratulations to a deserving team

Now it's time to go back to school and hit the books! Mom says to do your homework.

[Kid Berwyn]

5. Lip split by a dirty hit.

Illegal use of helmet as a weapon, targeted to hit him underneath the face mask.

Mendoza got up, though, and played on — the mark of a champion.

[rubbersole]

10. That was BS.

Targeting 101. I'm a rabid 40 year Cane fan and was beyond surprised/overjoyed that they were even included in the playoffs. The Cane reputation of 20+ years ago was dangerous thugs (talented, but dangerous nonetheless) that were going to win either by the rules or not. This group is just bigger and more talented than previous teams. It's what $45 million can do for you. No need to play dirty. There appeared to be uncalled pass interference by both teams on virtually every play. "Let 'em play" approach. Even though I wanted UM to win - Indiana is the Cinderella story of the year. Loved it. Might be the last one in college football. "Portal" players are the new game. The "student athlete" is a quaint fond memory.