Miami Hurricanes Football vs Indiana Hoosiers Football Match Player Stats

The miami hurricanes football vs indiana hoosiers football match player stats reveal how Indiana secured a historic 27-21 victory over Miami in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship. Played on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, the championship game featured outstanding performances from quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza and Carson Beck, running back Mark Fletcher Jr., and wide receiver Malachi Toney. Indiana finished the season with a perfect 16-0 record and claimed the national championship, while Miami ended its campaign at 13-3.

Although Miami produced more passing yards and had several impressive individual offensive performances, Indiana controlled important stretches of the game through its rushing attack, defensive pressure, special teams, and ability to manage crucial possessions. The six-point final margin reflected a competitive championship, but Indiana’s early scoring advantage and late defensive execution ultimately made the difference.

This detailed breakdown examines the final score, individual player performances, quarterback statistics, rushing and receiving production, defensive contributions, special teams, and the most important moments that shaped the championship result. It also explains what the numbers reveal about both teams beyond the final scoreboard.

Miami Hurricanes vs Indiana Hoosiers: Match Overview

The national championship brought together two teams with outstanding seasons and very different strengths. Miami entered the contest with a 13-2? No. The verified pregame-to-final record was 13-3, while Indiana arrived undefeated and completed its season with a 16-0 record.

Indiana’s balanced offensive approach and defensive consistency helped it secure the title. Miami demonstrated considerable offensive potential, particularly through its running game and passing connection between Carson Beck and Malachi Toney.

Here is a quick overview of the championship.

Match Information	Details
Competition	College Football Playoff National Championship
Matchup	Miami Hurricanes vs Indiana Hoosiers
Date	January 19, 2026
Venue	Hard Rock Stadium
Location	Miami Gardens, Florida
Final Score	Indiana 27, Miami 21
Winning Team	Indiana Hoosiers
Miami Final Record	13-3
Indiana Final Record	16-0
Match Status	Final
ESPN Game ID	401769076

College Football Playoff+2

One date clarification is worth mentioning: the championship was played on January 19 in the United States. Some ESPN international listings display January 20 because of time-zone differences.

Final Score by Quarter

The quarter-by-quarter scoring shows that Indiana established control before halftime. Miami did not score in either of the opening two quarters, creating a 10-point deficit that it spent the rest of the game trying to overcome.

Quarter	Miami Hurricanes	Indiana Hoosiers
First Quarter	0	3
Second Quarter	0	7
Third Quarter	7	7
Fourth Quarter	14	10
Final Score	21	27

Indiana scored in every quarter, while Miami produced all 21 of its points during the second half.

This difference was especially important because championship games often become more difficult when a team has to chase the scoreboard. Miami eventually found its offensive rhythm, but Indiana had already established a lead that it managed until the final whistle.

College Football Playoff+1

Miami Hurricanes Football vs Indiana Hoosiers Football Match Player Stats

The complete statistical picture shows why this championship was more competitive than a simple six-point margin might suggest.

Miami finished with 342 total offensive yards, compared with Indiana’s 317. The Hurricanes generated 232 passing yards and 110 rushing yards. Indiana recorded 186 passing yards and 131 rushing yards.

However, Indiana ran 72 offensive plays compared with Miami’s 53. The Hoosiers also recorded 20 first downs, five more than the Hurricanes.

Statistical Category	Miami	Indiana
Final Points	21	27
Total Offensive Yards	342	317
Passing Yards	232	186
Rushing Yards	110	131
Total Offensive Plays	53	72
First Downs	15	20
Passing Completions	19	16
Passing Attempts	32	27
Interceptions Thrown	1	0
Rushing Attempts	21	45
Third-Down Conversions	3/11	6/16
Fourth-Down Conversions	1/1	2/2
Penalties	7	5
Penalty Yards	60	38
Turnovers Lost	1	0
Time of Possession	23:36	36:24

College Football Playoff+1

Several details stand out.

• Miami gained more yards per offensive play, producing 342 yards on 53 plays.
• Indiana maintained possession for 36 minutes and 24 seconds.
• Indiana recorded five additional first downs.
• Miami threw one interception, while Indiana protected the football through the air.
• Indiana ran the ball 45 times, more than twice Miami’s 21 rushing attempts.
• Miami converted three of its 11 third-down attempts, while Indiana converted six of 16.

These statistics demonstrate an important distinction between offensive efficiency and overall game control.

Miami was capable of producing explosive plays, but Indiana consistently put together longer offensive sequences. By maintaining possession, the Hoosiers reduced the opportunities available to Miami’s offense.

Miami Hurricanes Player Stats

Miami’s offense featured productive performances from Carson Beck, Mark Fletcher Jr., and Malachi Toney. These three players were central to the Hurricanes’ offensive production.

Beck provided the passing attack, Fletcher created opportunities on the ground, and Toney became the team’s most productive receiving target.

Carson Beck Passing Stats

Carson Beck finished the championship with 19 completions on 32 passing attempts for 232 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Passing Statistic	Carson Beck
Completions	19
Attempts	32
Completion Percentage	59.4%
Passing Yards	232
Yards Per Attempt	7.2
Passing Touchdowns	1
Interceptions	1

Amazon Web Services, Inc.+1

Beck’s passing performance demonstrated his ability to move the football against Indiana’s defense. His 232 passing yards were 46 more than Mendoza’s total.

However, the passing numbers do not tell the complete story.

Miami entered halftime without scoring. That meant Beck and the offensive unit had to make adjustments during the second half while playing from behind.

The quarterback eventually connected with Toney for a 22-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. That scoring play reduced Indiana’s advantage to 24-21 and gave Miami another opportunity to challenge for the championship.

His interception was also significant because Indiana did not surrender a passing interception. In a championship decided by six points, avoiding costly turnovers was an important advantage for the Hoosiers.

Mark Fletcher Jr. Rushing Stats

Mark Fletcher Jr. was arguably Miami’s most effective offensive player.

He finished with 17 rushing attempts for 112 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 6.6 yards per carry.

Rushing Statistic	Mark Fletcher Jr.
Carries	17
Rushing Yards	112
Average	6.6
Rushing Touchdowns	2
Longest Run	57 yards

College Football Playoff+1

Fletcher’s production was particularly impressive because he generated more than 100 rushing yards against a defense that limited Indiana’s opponents throughout the championship run.

His 57-yard touchdown run in the third quarter was one of Miami’s most important offensive moments.

The play helped Miami get on the scoreboard and changed the momentum after a difficult first half. Fletcher later added another rushing touchdown from three yards out in the fourth quarter.

His performance demonstrated three important strengths:

1. Explosive running ability: His 57-yard touchdown showed that he could turn a regular rushing opportunity into a major scoring play.
2. Red-zone effectiveness: His second touchdown demonstrated his ability to finish a drive close to the goal line.
3. Consistent production: His 6.6-yard average indicated that his impact was not limited to one successful run.

Despite Fletcher’s impressive numbers, Miami could not convert its offensive production into a championship victory.

Malachi Toney Receiving Stats

Malachi Toney delivered one of the most productive receiving performances of the championship.

He recorded 10 receptions for 122 yards and one touchdown, averaging 12.2 yards per catch.

Receiving Statistic	Malachi Toney
Receptions	10
Receiving Yards	122
Average Per Reception	12.2
Receiving Touchdowns	1
Longest Reception	41 yards

Amazon Web Services, Inc.+1

Toney was Beck’s most dependable receiving option throughout the contest.

His 10 catches represented a substantial portion of Miami’s 19 completed passes. He also produced more than half of the team’s total receiving yards.

His fourth-quarter touchdown reception was particularly important. With Miami trailing 24-14, Beck found Toney for a 22-yard scoring connection that brought the Hurricanes within three points.

The play demonstrated the chemistry between the quarterback and receiver. It also showed why Toney remained an important part of Miami’s offensive strategy even when the team faced pressure.

Other Miami Receiving Performances

Although Toney led the receiving statistics, several other players contributed to Miami’s passing production.

Player	Receptions	Receiving Yards	Average	TD
Malachi Toney	10	122	12.2	1
CJ Daniels	4	62	15.5	0
Alex Bauman	1	22	22.0	0
CharMar Brown	1	11	11.0	0
Mark Fletcher Jr.	1	8	8.0	0
Keelan Marion	1	6	6.0	0
Joshua Moore	1	1	1.0	0

CJ Daniels was another productive target. His four receptions produced 62 yards, giving Miami an additional option beyond Toney.

Alex Bauman also made an impact with a 22-yard reception.

The distribution suggests that Miami had multiple players capable of contributing through the passing game. However, Toney remained the clear leader in both receptions and receiving yards.

CharMar Brown Rushing Contribution

CharMar Brown recorded three carries for five rushing yards.

Statistic	Value
Rushing Attempts	3
Rushing Yards	5
Average	1.7
Rushing Touchdowns	0
Receptions	1
Receiving Yards	11

Brown also contributed one reception for 11 yards.

His overall production was smaller than Fletcher’s, but he provided another option in Miami’s offensive rotation.

Miami’s Overall Offensive Performance

Miami finished with 342 total yards and 21 points.

Its 232 passing yards demonstrated that Beck and his receivers could move the ball through the air. Meanwhile, Fletcher’s 112 rushing yards provided an effective ground-game component.

The biggest challenge was consistency.

Miami’s first-half scoring drought created pressure on the offense. The Hurricanes eventually scored three touchdowns, but their comeback attempt required them to operate against an Indiana team that had already established control of possession.

Indiana Hoosiers Player Stats

Indiana’s offensive performance was built around ball control, a balanced rushing attack, and timely contributions from its quarterback and receiving unit.

Fernando Mendoza led the passing game, while Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby provided much of the rushing production.

Fernando Mendoza Passing Stats

Fernando Mendoza completed 16 of 27 passing attempts for 186 yards without throwing an interception.

Passing Statistic	Fernando Mendoza
Completions	16
Attempts	27
Completion Percentage	59.3%
Passing Yards	186
Yards Per Attempt	6.9
Passing Touchdowns	0
Interceptions	0

College Football Playoff+1

Mendoza’s passing numbers were lower than Beck’s, but his overall contribution to Indiana’s victory extended beyond the passing game.

He avoided interceptions and helped Indiana maintain possession through a controlled offensive approach. His ability to contribute as a runner also gave Miami’s defense another responsibility.

One of his most important plays came in the fourth quarter when he scored a 12-yard rushing touchdown.

That score increased Indiana’s advantage to 24-14 and put pressure on Miami to respond quickly.

Mendoza’s performance was recognized by the College Football Playoff as he received the offensive player of the game honor.

His championship performance demonstrated that a quarterback does not necessarily need the highest passing total to deliver a winning performance. Decision-making, situational awareness, and contributions outside the passing game can be equally important.

Kaelon Black Rushing Stats

Kaelon Black was Indiana’s leading conventional running back in terms of rushing yards.

He finished with 17 carries for 79 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt.

Rushing Statistic	Kaelon Black
Carries	17
Rushing Yards	79
Average	4.6
Rushing Touchdowns	0

Black’s performance helped Indiana maintain a consistent ground attack.

His 79 rushing yards were the highest individual total for Indiana, and his 17 attempts demonstrated how frequently the coaching staff relied on him.

The importance of Black’s contribution becomes clearer when considering the total number of offensive plays.

Indiana ran the football 45 times. That approach helped the Hoosiers control the pace and reduce Miami’s opportunities to create a comeback.

Roman Hemby Rushing Stats

Roman Hemby was another important part of Indiana’s rushing rotation.

He recorded 19 carries for 60 yards, averaging 3.2 yards per attempt.

Rushing Statistic	Roman Hemby
Carries	19
Rushing Yards	60
Average	3.2
Rushing Touchdowns	0
Receptions	2
Receiving Yards	5

Hemby’s 19 rushing attempts were the highest individual carry total among Indiana’s listed running backs.

Although his average was lower than Black’s, his workload helped Indiana maintain its ground-game approach.

His contribution also demonstrates why rushing production should not be evaluated only by average yards per carry. A running back who consistently handles the football can help maintain possession, manage the game clock, and create opportunities for teammates.

Riley Nowakowski’s Touchdown Contribution

Riley Nowakowski recorded an important touchdown during the championship.

He finished with one rushing attempt for one yard and a touchdown.

Statistic	Riley Nowakowski
Rushing Attempts	1
Rushing Yards	1
Rushing Touchdowns	1
Receptions	2
Receiving Yards	17

His one-yard rushing touchdown came in the second quarter and gave Indiana a 10-0 advantage.

This score was particularly important because Miami had not yet managed to put points on the board.

Nowakowski also contributed through the passing game with two receptions for 17 yards.

Fernando Mendoza’s Rushing Contribution

Mendoza’s rushing contribution deserves separate attention because it was an important part of Indiana’s offensive strategy.

He recorded seven rushing attempts for minus-eight yards, including a 12-yard rushing touchdown.

The negative net rushing figure reflects losses on other rushing plays, including plays that resulted in significant yardage lost.

His fourth-quarter touchdown showed his ability to make an important play with his legs when Indiana needed to extend its advantage.

It also created an additional challenge for Miami’s defensive front, which had to account for both the Indiana running backs and the quarterback.

Indiana Receiving Stats

Indiana’s receiving unit was led by Omar Cooper Jr. and Charlie Becker.

Cooper produced the highest receiving yardage total for the Hoosiers, while Becker provided another productive option.

Player	Receptions	Receiving Yards	Average	TD
Omar Cooper Jr.	5	71	14.2	0
Charlie Becker	4	65	16.3	0
Elijah Sarratt	3	28	9.3	0
Riley Nowakowski	2	17	8.5	0
Roman Hemby	2	5	2.5	0
Team Total	16	186	11.6	0

College Football Playoff+1

Omar Cooper Jr.

Cooper finished with five receptions for 71 yards.

His average of 14.2 yards per catch demonstrated his ability to generate meaningful gains when Mendoza found him.

He was Indiana’s leading receiver by both receptions and receiving yards.

Charlie Becker

Becker recorded four receptions for 65 yards, averaging 16.3 yards per catch.

His production gave Indiana another reliable receiving option and prevented Miami from focusing entirely on Cooper.

Elijah Sarratt

Sarratt finished with three catches for 28 yards.

Although his yardage total was smaller than those of Cooper and Becker, his contribution helped Indiana distribute the football across its receiving unit.

Indiana’s Overall Offensive Performance

Indiana finished with 317 total offensive yards.

Its passing game generated 186 yards, while the rushing attack contributed 131 net yards.

The most important difference was the number of plays.

Indiana ran 72 offensive plays, compared with Miami’s 53. This difference allowed the Hoosiers to spend significantly more time on offense.

Indiana also recorded 20 first downs, compared with Miami’s 15.

These figures demonstrate how Indiana maintained control without needing to dominate every individual offensive category.

The Hoosiers used their rushing attack to establish a rhythm, relied on Mendoza to make important decisions, and received enough production from their wide receivers to keep Miami’s defense occupied.

Defensive Player Stats: Miami vs Indiana

Defense was a major factor in the championship result.

Both teams had players who delivered important tackles and pressure, but Indiana’s defense made a particularly valuable contribution by preventing Miami from completing its comeback.

Miami recorded more total tackles, while Indiana produced more passes defended.

Defensive Category	Miami	Indiana
Total Tackles	67	49
Solo Tackles	43	33
Team Sacks	3	1
Tackles for Loss	6	1
Passes Defended	4	7
Interceptions	1	1

The interception totals in this comparison refer to defensive interceptions. Miami’s single interception was recorded by its defense? No. Miami did not record an interception. The accurate defensive interception comparison is Miami 0, Indiana 1. The interception thrown by Beck was recorded by Indiana.

College Football Playoff+1

Miami Hurricanes Defensive Leaders

Miami’s defense recorded 67 tackles and generated three sacks.

Its defensive front created pressure on Mendoza and attempted to disrupt Indiana’s offensive rhythm.

The leading individual performers included the following players.

Player	Total Tackles	Sacks	Tackles for Loss	Other
Mohamed Toure	11	0	0	Team-leading tackler
Rueben Bain Jr.	8	1	2.5	Strong defensive pressure
Wesley Bissainthe	8	0	0.5	Defensive contribution
Zechariah Poyser	6	0	0	6 tackles
Jakobe Thomas	6	0	0	6 tackles
Ethan O’Connor	5	0	0	1 pass defended
Akheem Mesidor	3	2	2	Team sack leader

Mohamed Toure led Miami with 11 total tackles.

Rueben Bain Jr. added eight tackles, one sack, and 2.5 tackles for loss. His performance demonstrated his ability to contribute in multiple areas.

Akheem Mesidor recorded two sacks, giving him the highest individual sack total for Miami.

These contributions were important because Indiana relied heavily on its rushing game. Defensive players had to work through repeated blocking assignments and limit the effectiveness of the Hoosiers’ running backs.

However, Miami’s defensive effort was not enough to prevent Indiana from sustaining long possessions and scoring 27 points.

Indiana Hoosiers Defensive Leaders

Indiana’s defense recorded 49 tackles, one sack, and seven passes defended.

Although the Hoosiers recorded fewer total tackles than Miami, their defensive unit made several important plays at critical moments.

Player	Total Tackles	Sacks	Passes Defended
Louis Moore	7	0	0
Jamari Sharpe	6	0	1
D’Angelo Ponds	5	0	3
Devan Boykin	4	0	0
Mikail Kamara	4	0	0
Aiden Fisher	4	1	0

Louis Moore led Indiana with seven tackles.

Jamari Sharpe contributed six tackles and recorded the interception that helped Indiana protect its advantage late in the game.

D’Angelo Ponds recorded three passes defended, an important contribution against a Miami offense that relied heavily on Beck’s passing ability.

Aiden Fisher added four tackles and one sack.

Mikail Kamara was also recognized for his defensive performance, receiving the College Football Playoff defensive player of the game honor.

College Football Playoff+1

The Importance of Indiana’s Final Defensive Stand

One of the most important moments came late in the fourth quarter.

Miami was attempting to move the ball for a potential game-changing score. Indiana’s defense prevented the Hurricanes from completing the comeback, with an interception recorded near Indiana’s six-yard line with 44 seconds remaining.

That defensive play effectively ended Miami’s opportunity to win the championship.

It also highlighted a major difference between the two teams.

Indiana protected its passing game throughout the contest, while Miami ultimately committed a costly interception.

In a championship decided by six points, that difference was extremely important.

Special Teams Player Stats

Special teams played a decisive role in the championship.

Indiana received important contributions from kicker Nico Radicic and punter Mitch McCarthy. Miami relied on Carter Davis for extra points and Dylan Joyce for its punting responsibilities.

The biggest special teams moment was Indiana’s blocked-punt return touchdown, which helped the Hoosiers extend their lead during the third quarter.

Miami Hurricanes Special Teams Stats

Player	Category	Performance
Carter Davis	Field Goals	0/1
Carter Davis	Extra Points	3/3
Carter Davis	Total Points	3
Dylan Joyce	Punts	5
Dylan Joyce	Punting Yards	234
Dylan Joyce	Average	46.8
Dylan Joyce	Longest Punt	54 yards
Dylan Joyce	Inside 20	2
Keelan Marion	Kick Returns	3 for 65 yards
Malachi Toney	Punt Returns	4 for 25 yards

Carter Davis successfully converted all three extra-point attempts but missed his only field-goal attempt.

That missed opportunity was relevant in a game where Indiana ultimately won by six points.

Dylan Joyce averaged 46.8 yards per punt, providing Miami with useful field-position production.

Keelan Marion recorded 65 yards on three kickoff returns, while Toney contributed 25 yards on four punt returns.

Indiana Hoosiers Special Teams Stats

Player	Category	Performance
Nico Radicic	Field Goals	2/2
Nico Radicic	Extra Points	3/3
Nico Radicic	Total Points	9
Nico Radicic	Longest Field Goal	35 yards
Mitch McCarthy	Punts	5
Mitch McCarthy	Punting Yards	241
Mitch McCarthy	Average	48.2
Mitch McCarthy	Longest Punt	55 yards
Mitch McCarthy	Inside 20	2
Mikail Kamara	Punt Returns	1 for 16 yards

Radicic was particularly important because he converted both field-goal attempts and all three extra points.

His 35-yard field goal in the fourth quarter provided Indiana with the final points of the championship.

McCarthy also delivered a productive punting performance, averaging 48.2 yards across five punts.

Isaiah Jones’ Blocked-Punt Return Touchdown

Indiana’s special teams produced one of the biggest plays of the championship.

During the third quarter, Isaiah Jones returned a blocked Miami punt for a touchdown.

The score increased Indiana’s lead to 17-7.

This play deserves special attention because it was not produced by the regular passing or rushing offense. It was a special teams touchdown that changed the scoreboard and placed additional pressure on Miami.

It also demonstrates why special teams statistics should be included when evaluating championship performances.

A blocked punt can change field position, create scoring opportunities, and affect the confidence of both teams.

Indiana received all three benefits from this important sequence.

College Football Playoff+1

Key Moments That Decided the Championship

The final result was influenced by several important moments throughout the four quarters.

Understanding these sequences provides a clearer picture of why Indiana won despite Miami producing more total offensive yards.

First Quarter: Indiana Takes the Early Lead

Indiana opened the scoring with a field goal from Nico Radicic.

The 34-yard kick gave the Hoosiers a 3-0 advantage.

Miami was unable to respond with a scoring drive during the opening quarter.

Although a three-point difference was relatively small, Indiana established an early advantage and began building confidence.

Second Quarter: Indiana Extends Its Advantage

Indiana added another seven points in the second quarter.

Riley Nowakowski scored on a one-yard rushing attempt, and Radicic converted the extra point.

The touchdown increased Indiana’s lead to 10-0.

Miami entered halftime without scoring.

This was one of the most important periods of the game because the Hurricanes had to change their offensive approach after the break.

Third Quarter: Miami Starts Its Comeback

Miami finally found the end zone in the third quarter.

Mark Fletcher Jr. produced a spectacular 57-yard rushing touchdown that reduced Indiana’s advantage to 10-7.

However, Indiana responded through its special teams.

A blocked punt was returned for a touchdown by Isaiah Jones, increasing the Hoosiers’ lead to 17-7.

The sequence demonstrated how quickly momentum could change.

Miami had made progress by scoring its first points, but Indiana immediately responded with a special teams play that restored a 10-point advantage.

Fourth Quarter: Both Teams Trade Touchdowns

The fourth quarter featured the most intense scoring period.

Fletcher recorded his second rushing touchdown, bringing Miami within three points at 17-14.

Indiana responded with a 12-yard rushing touchdown from Mendoza, making the score 24-14.

Miami refused to give up.

Beck connected with Toney for a 22-yard touchdown, reducing the deficit to 24-21.

With the championship still within reach, Indiana needed another scoring drive.

Radicic delivered a 35-yard field goal with 1:42 remaining, extending the lead to 27-21.

Indiana’s defense then secured the result with a late interception.

College Football at Sports-Reference.com+2

Why Indiana Won Despite Miami’s Higher Total Offensive Yardage

One of the most interesting aspects of this championship was the difference between total yardage and overall game control.

Miami finished with 342 offensive yards, while Indiana recorded 317.

Ordinarily, a team that generates more offensive yards has a reasonable opportunity to win. However, total yardage alone cannot explain the outcome of a football game.

Several other factors favored Indiana.

1. Indiana Controlled Possession

Indiana possessed the football for 36 minutes and 24 seconds.

Miami had possession for only 23 minutes and 36 seconds.

That difference of 12 minutes and 48 seconds was significant.

Indiana’s extended offensive possessions limited Miami’s opportunities to attack.

The Hoosiers also ran 19 more offensive plays than the Hurricanes.

This approach helped Indiana manage the pace and reduce the number of opportunities available to Beck and his receivers.

2. Indiana Avoided Passing Interceptions

Mendoza finished without an interception.

Beck threw one interception.

This difference was particularly important in the closing stages.

Miami needed to execute consistently while attempting to overcome Indiana’s lead. The interception gave the Hoosiers an opportunity to protect their advantage.

3. Indiana Used Its Rushing Attack Effectively

Indiana recorded 131 net rushing yards on 45 attempts.

Miami generated 110 net rushing yards on 21 attempts.

Fletcher was more explosive on an individual basis, but Indiana distributed the workload across multiple players.

Black, Hemby, Nowakowski, and Mendoza all contributed to the ground game.

The strategy allowed Indiana to keep Miami’s defensive unit involved in repeated rushing situations.

4. Special Teams Created a Crucial Score

Indiana’s blocked-punt return touchdown was a major turning point.

Instead of relying entirely on its offense, Indiana generated additional points through special teams.

That score helped the Hoosiers maintain their advantage when Miami began producing more offensive momentum.

5. Indiana Executed in Important Situations

Indiana converted six of 16 third-down attempts and both of its fourth-down attempts.

Miami converted three of 11 third downs and one of one fourth-down attempts.

Indiana also recorded five fewer penalties.

These figures suggest that the Hoosiers were more effective at sustaining drives and avoiding mistakes.

The combination of possession, turnover avoidance, and special teams production ultimately proved more valuable than Miami’s modest advantage in total offensive yardage.

Complete Comparison of the Championship’s Top Performers

The following table brings together the most important offensive and defensive performances.

Category	Miami Hurricanes	Indiana Hoosiers
Leading Quarterback	Carson Beck	Fernando Mendoza
Passing Yards	232	186
Passing TDs	1	0
Interceptions Thrown	1	0
Leading Rusher	Mark Fletcher Jr.	Kaelon Black
Rushing Yards	112	79
Leading Receiver	Malachi Toney	Omar Cooper Jr.
Receiving Yards	122	71
Leading Tackler	Mohamed Toure	Louis Moore
Total Tackles	11	7
Leading Defensive Playmaker	Akheem Mesidor	Jamari Sharpe
Team Sacks	3	1
Field Goals	0/1	2/2
Final Points	21	27

This comparison shows that Miami had several impressive individual performances.

Beck threw for more yards than Mendoza. Fletcher rushed for more yards than Black. Toney also produced the highest receiving total of either team.

However, Indiana received contributions from more areas of the game.

The Hoosiers controlled possession, converted important opportunities, scored through special teams, and avoided an interception.

That combination explains how Indiana won despite Miami having three of the most productive individual offensive performers.

Statistical Lessons From the Championship

The championship provides several useful lessons about evaluating football performances.

Individual Excellence Does Not Always Guarantee Victory

Miami’s leading offensive players performed exceptionally well.

Fletcher exceeded 100 rushing yards, Toney surpassed 120 receiving yards, and Beck produced 232 passing yards.

However, Indiana’s collective performance was more effective.

The Hoosiers did not need one player to dominate every statistical category. Instead, they relied on multiple offensive contributors and a defense that delivered when it mattered.

Possession Can Be More Important Than Yardage

Miami averaged more total offensive yards per play, but Indiana controlled the football for considerably longer.

This distinction is important when evaluating teams.

A team can produce explosive plays and still struggle to win if it cannot maintain possession or consistently finish offensive drives.

Special Teams Should Never Be Overlooked

Indiana’s blocked-punt touchdown demonstrated the importance of special teams.

A single play outside the regular offensive structure can change the momentum and scoring situation.

For this reason, a complete player-stat analysis should include punting, field goals, kickoff returns, punt returns, and defensive contributions.

Turnover Management Matters in Championship Games

Indiana avoided throwing an interception, while Miami committed one.

The Hoosiers also protected their lead during the final moments.

This was a practical example of how protecting the football can be as important as generating offensive production.

Official Championship Records and Statistical Accuracy

For readers who want to verify the numbers, the College Football Playoff published an official championship recap and game statistics.

The official championship game recap provides the scoring summary, team statistics, individual performances, and important game details.

A few statistical distinctions are important when interpreting the figures:

• Miami’s 232 passing yards and 110 rushing yards produced 342 total offensive yards.
• Indiana’s 186 passing yards and 131 rushing yards produced 317 total offensive yards.
• Indiana’s quarterback, Mendoza, recorded seven rushing attempts for minus-eight yards. These figures are important when interpreting the rushing totals.
• Indiana’s blocked-punt return touchdown was scored by Isaiah Jones. It should be classified as a special teams touchdown rather than a defensive interception return touchdown.
• Miami recorded no defensive interceptions. Its quarterback threw one interception, which was recorded by Indiana.

These distinctions prevent confusion when comparing player statistics with team totals.

They also help explain why rushing figures can sometimes appear inconsistent when individual player records, sack losses, and team net rushing totals are displayed separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who won the Miami Hurricanes vs Indiana Hoosiers football game?

The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 19, 2026. Indiana finished the season undefeated with a 16-0 record.

2. How many passing yards did Carson Beck record against Indiana?

Carson Beck completed 19 of 32 passes for 232 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He was Miami’s leading passer in the championship.

3. How many rushing yards did Mark Fletcher Jr. have?

Mark Fletcher Jr. recorded 112 rushing yards on 17 carries, averaging 6.6 yards per attempt. He also scored two rushing touchdowns.

4. How many passing yards did Fernando Mendoza record?

Fernando Mendoza completed 16 of 27 passes for 186 yards without throwing an interception. He also scored a rushing touchdown during the fourth quarter.

5. Who was the leading receiver in the championship game?

Malachi Toney was the leading receiver for Miami, recording 10 receptions for 122 yards and one touchdown. Omar Cooper Jr. led Indiana with five receptions for 71 yards.

6. What was the final score by quarter?

Indiana scored three points in the first quarter, seven in the second, seven in the third, and 10 in the fourth. Miami scored no points in the first half, followed by seven in the third quarter and 14 in the fourth. The final score was Indiana 27, Miami 21.

Conclusion

The 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship delivered an exciting contest between the Miami Hurricanes and Indiana Hoosiers. Indiana secured a 27-21 victory and completed an undefeated 16-0 season to claim the national championship.

The statistical comparison highlights the individual quality of both teams. Carson Beck produced 232 passing yards, Mark Fletcher Jr. recorded 112 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and Malachi Toney finished with 122 receiving yards and a touchdown. Indiana responded with 186 passing yards from Fernando Mendoza, 79 rushing yards from Kaelon Black, and 71 receiving yards from Omar Cooper Jr.

The biggest difference was Indiana’s overall execution. The Hoosiers controlled possession, recorded more first downs, protected the football, and received a crucial special teams touchdown. Their defense also made an important interception late in the fourth quarter to prevent Miami from completing its comeback.

Although Miami generated more total offensive yards, Indiana was more effective at controlling the game’s most important situations. The final statistics demonstrate that championship success depends on more than individual yardage totals. Ball control, defensive execution, special teams, and timely scoring all played important roles in Indiana’s historic victory.