Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Beat Miami in CFP Title Game as Fans Celebrate Program Turnaround

Indiana's dream of a season has its perfect ending.

The Hoosiers capped off an improbable 16-0 season on Monday with a 27-21 win over Miami in the College Football Playoff title game, earning the school its first-ever national championship in football.

Miami's swarming pass rush didn't make life easy for Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who finished 16-of-27 for 186 yards. But he provided some huge throws down the stretch and a huge touchdown for Indiana in the fourth quarter, breaking a number of tackles on a designed draw.

Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. led the way for Miami, rushing for 112 yards and two touchdowns, while Malachi Toney (10 catches for 122 yards and a score) had a big game as well.

But it was Indiana's night. It was Indiana's season. Curt Cignetti's turnaround job with the program is now the stuff of legend, and the 2025 Hoosiers won't soon be forgotten.

As many folks noted on social media, this was truly a special team:

Speaking of special teams, Indiana absolutely won the third phase, blocking a punt that resulted in a touchdown.

Miami, meanwhile, doinked a field-goal attempt late in the second quarter.

Indiana's season was defined by winning on the margins. By a transfer quarterback who had a season for the ages. By an underrated defense that frustrated some of the best offenses in the nation. By receivers who made unbelievable contested catches in the clutch, all season long. By a run game that could mash teams on the ground and kill off wins. By a head coach who pushed all the right buttons and will never have to buy himself a meal in the state of Indiana again.

Whatever the Hoosiers needed, whenever they needed, they got it. There have been undefeated national champions before, but it's hard to remember one quite so magical—and utterly unexpected—as this Indiana bunch.