Indiana beats Miami for its first national title, and its coach says the school won it
On January 19, 2026, Indiana beat Miami 27-21 for its first national championship in college football.
Curt Cignetti, Indiana head coach
We won the national championship at Indiana University
Day by day
- Jan 19, 2026Indiana’s head coach said the school had won the national championship.
- Same dayIndiana’s head coach called his quarterback a great competitor.
- Jan 20, 20261 day laterThe Big Ten’s commissioner said he was blown away by what Indiana had done in two years.
The day
The Hoosiers held off a tough Miami Hurricanes team that kept refusing to yield, winning 27-21 behind a sterling performance by Fernando Mendoza, their Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback.
Reaction
Through Jan 20, 2026
What Indiana said
Curt Cignetti, Indiana head coach
He got hit, he had no time. He keeps getting back up. Just a great competitor. I can’t say enough great things about him.
Charlie Becker, Indiana wide receiver
I’ll just remember it as Fernando is just an absolute beast
Aiden Fisher, Indiana linebacker
That guy is unbelievable.
What Miami said
Mario Cristobal, Miami head coach
We were one drive short of winning the National Championship. I do see pain in moments like this, and we should.
These guys are legitimate big-time human beings.
The conference’s own words
Tony Petitti, Big Ten commissioner
What Indiana has done in two years, I’ve never seen anything like it in all the years I’ve worked in sports. So I’m just blown away.
Related
- Same coach: Curt Cignetti’s coaching record
- More: All of History
- Same quotes, as a list
Sources
News and releases
NBC Sports, Jan 19, 2026“Indiana wins first national championship in college football, beating Miami in a thriller”
FOX Sports, Jan 20, 2026“4 Takeaways From Indiana’s CFP National Championship Game Win Over Miami”
- FOX Sports, Jan 20, 2026
“Miami HC Mario Cristobal on CFP Title Loss: Hurricanes Will ‘Use It’ as ‘Fuel’”