Indiana University’s football team completed a historic season Monday night, defeating the University of Miami 27-21 to win the College Football Playoff National Championship. The victory, secured at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, marks the first national championship in the 139-year history of Indiana football, finishing the season with a perfect 16-0 record.
The Hoosiers, led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza, struck first with a 34-yard field goal from Nico Radicic late in the opening quarter. Mendoza then orchestrated an 85-yard drive culminating in a touchdown run by Riley Nowakowski, extending the lead to 10-0. Miami responded in the second half with a 57-yard touchdown run by Mark Fletcher.
A pivotal moment came when Indiana’s Mikail Kamara blocked a Miami punt, recovered in the end zone by Isaiah Jones for another Hoosier touchdown. Fletcher added a second score for Miami early in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap to three points. Mendoza answered with a 12-yard touchdown run, restoring a 10-point advantage at 24-14. Miami’s Carson Beck connected with Malachi Toney for a 22-yard touchdown, again bringing the Hurricanes within three points. Indiana sealed the victory with a late field goal and an interception of Beck.
The win is a remarkable turnaround for the Indiana program, which had endured a history of struggles, amassing over 700 losses before head coach Curt Cignetti arrived two years ago. Cignetti, in a post-game interview, attributed the victory to “a lot of guts,” acknowledging the improbable nature of the team’s success. “Took some chances, found a way,” he said, according to the College Football Playoff website.
Mendoza, who was not recruited by Miami despite being a local product, was named Offensive MVP after completing 16 of 27 passes for 186 yards and rushing for a touchdown. He stated, “I would die for my team,” reflecting the team’s unity and determination.
The championship game drew an announced crowd of 67,227, marking the second time Miami has hosted the College Football Playoff National Championship, following the 2021 game between Ohio State and Alabama. Indiana is scheduled to open the 2026 season at home against North Texas on September 5.
The Hoosiers’ victory comes as sports betting continues to expand across the United States. As of December 1, 2025, sports betting is live in 39 states plus Washington, D.C. And Puerto Rico, with Missouri being the most recent addition. Indiana’s championship run, achieved at 100-1 odds, highlights the potential for significant returns for those who identify value in college football betting markets.
