Indiana saved its biggest moment for last and etched its name into college football history.
Miami native Jamari Sharpe sealed Indiana’s first national championship Monday night by intercepting Carson Beck in the final minute, closing a 27-21 victory over the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff national championship game.
Sharpe’s interception came on a drive that had pushed into Indiana territory and ended Miami’s last hope. With the Hurricanes out of timeouts, Sharpe dropped to a knee and the celebration began. The Indiana Hoosiers were champions for the first time — and the first top-level program to finish 16-0 in 132 years, since Yale accomplished the feat in 1894.
JAMARI SHARPE INTERCEPTION
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 20, 2026
THE INDIANA HOOSIERS ARE YOUR NATIONAL CHAMPIONS #PMSBigCollegeGame pic.twitter.com/lkBuBn0Kcb
What's wild about Sharpe's history is his uncle, Glenn, was penalized on a game-extending play in the end zone for Miami against Ohio State in the 2003 national champion. Now, it's Jamari stepping in front of Beck's pass to win a title for Indiana.
Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza supplied the defining offensive play earlier in the fourth quarter. After Miami closed within 17-14, Indiana answered with a 12-play, 75-yard drive that featured two fourth-down conversions, capped by Mendoza’s daring 12-yard touchdown run on a fourth-and-5 quarterback draw.
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Indiana later stretched its lead to six behind another fourth-quarter scoring drive, but the defense had to survive until the end. A blocked punt by Mikail Kamara set up an earlier touchdown, and Sharpe delivered the final blow.
Curt Cignetti has now completed one of the greatest turnarounds in the sport’s history. Indiana didn’t just win a title, but made history, finishing 16-0 and claiming the program’s first national championship and the 25th team title in school history.
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- Miami hasn’t beaten a No. 1 team in 26 years— Indiana stands in the way
- Indiana's Curt Cignetti means business ahead of title game
- Here's how much Miami is paying its 2025 roster for College Football Playoff run
- Carson Beck shares honest reaction to 'Vanilla Vick' nickname
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