On Saturday January 19, 2026 the University of Indiana Hoosiers, and the University of Miami Hurricanes played in the college football National Championship. The tight game left fans sitting on the edge of their seats leading up to the record changing win for Indiana.
The Indiana Hoosiers, the now first time College National Champions, made history with their latest season achieving a perfect 13-0 record. Indiana has faced many challenges in their past seasons. In the 2022-2023 season they had a 4-8 season record. However in December of 2024 the college team made a game changing decision by signing Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. “His impact was huge because he was such a great leader, a good person, and was able to stay grounded.” PHS Football Coach Mr Romunno said. Also, the team added a new coach, Curt Cingetti to the team. These changes ultimately shaped this football team throughout the 2024 season going 11-1. This major improvement that the team had prepared them for the next season. Many critics had doubts about the team based on their past record, but the team showed great progress and possibility in the 2025-26 season.
As the 2025-26 season started, the Hoosiers kicked it off with a bang with one win after another. This led the team to win all of their games and earn their 13-0 record.
The Championship Final kicked off with a great start for the Hoosiers. During the first quarter Indiana was able to score a field goal over the Miami Hurricanes putting the team up 0-3. Following up in the second quarter, Indiana was able to score a touchdown, bumping the team up to 0-10 lead. After half time the team ultimately gave up a touchdown to Miami making the game 7-10. Returning back, they scored another touchdown keeping the team in the lead at 7-17. Going into the final quarter, Miami scored a touchdown, followed by a game-changing touchdown by Mendoza rushing 12 yards leading his team to a 14-24 lead. PHS Football Coach Joe Romunno felt that the officials let something good happen and that was dangerous for Mendoza. Both teams feeling the pressure left fans on the edge of their seats, when the tight game got even closer with the Miami touchdown making the game 21-24, although it was Indiana who scored a field goal with 1:42 seconds left to win the game at 21-27.
This game was Indiana’s first National Championship, making history for the team. This win however, impacts more than just the Indiana Hoosiers, since it is Mendoza’s last college season. “The game will impact [the NFL draft] because both quarterbacks are heavily sought after.” Says PHS Football Coach Joe Romunno. Only time will tell how these amazing quarterbacks will do in the NFL, although they both left an awesome season behind them.
