Indiana Secures First National Title in Program History Indiana defeated Miami 27‑21 in the College Football Playoff final, completing a perfect 16‑0 season. The win marks the Hoosiers’ first national championship and the first 16‑0 finish in college football since Yale in 1894. It also places Indiana among the rare schools to achieve perfect seasons in both football and basketball, a feat previously held only by UCLA[1][2][3][4][5].

Mendoza’s Fourth‑Down Heroics Define Late‑Game Surge Quarterback Fernando Mendoza converted a fourth‑and‑4 with a 12‑yard touchdown run, giving Indiana a 24‑14 lead. He finished the game with 186 passing yards, 16‑of‑27 completions, and added six rushes, including the decisive score. The Heisman Trophy winner’s clutch performance was highlighted as the centerpiece of Indiana’s comeback[1][2][4][5].

Cignetti’s Aggressive Fourth‑Down Strategy Pays Off Head coach Curt Cignetti called two critical fourth‑down plays in the fourth quarter, extending drives that set up Mendoza’s scores. His willingness to burn timeouts and trust the offense contrasted with conventional play‑calling and was credited as a key factor in the victory. Cignetti built the roster through the transfer portal and NIL incentives, bringing 13 players from James Madison and a California transfer at quarterback[2][3][4].

Defensive Plays Seal Championship for Indiana Miami’s final chance ended when safety Jamari Sharpe intercepted Carson Beck with 1:42 remaining. Earlier, Mikail Kamara blocked a Miami kickoff, and Isaiah Jones recovered to extend Indiana’s lead. Miami’s Mark Fletcher Jr. contributed 112 rushing yards and two touchdowns, but the Hoosiers’ defense held the Hurricanes to 21 points[1][4][5].

Sources Diverge on Heisman and Dual‑Season Claims Only CNN’s second article identifies Mendoza as the Heisman Trophy winner, while AP reports omit that accolade. The claim that Indiana joins UCLA as the only school with perfect seasons in both major sports appears solely in CNN’s first piece. All outlets agree on the final score, undefeated record, and key fourth‑down decisions[1][2][3][4][5].