Overview
- Indiana defeated Miami 27-21 at Hard Rock Stadium to cap a 16-0 season, highlighted by Fernando Mendoza’s fourth‑and‑5 touchdown run and a late Jamari Sharpe interception.
- Bloomington celebrated the Hoosiers’ first football national title with a frigid hero’s welcome and ongoing local events featuring the team and trophy.
- Backup quarterback Alberto Mendoza entered the transfer portal less than a day after the win and is reported to be transferring to Georgia Tech, drawing a supportive "Best QB I know" post from his brother Fernando.
- Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is widely expected to enter the 2026 NFL Draft and is projected by many outlets as a top pick.
- Indiana has added former TCU starter Josh Hoover from the portal, who is viewed as the 2026 frontrunner at quarterback and appears among early Heisman favorites, while analysts caution that coordinator departures could test Curt Cignetti’s staff continuity.