The Indiana Hoosiers are the 2026 College Football Playoff champions after holding off the Miami Hurricanes in an epic showdown … completing a perfect 16-0 season!!

The Crimson and Cream — led by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza — got up to a 10-0 lead in the first half … but Carson Beck and the Canes didn’t go down without a fight, clawing back in the second half as both teams traded scores.

With IU up 27-21 in the final two minutes, Beck had a chance to lead his team downfield for a potential game-winning drive — but he threw it right into Jamari Sharpe’s hands …. and the Hoosiers secured their first title in school history.

Mendoza went 16/27 for 186 passing yards through the air … hitting Omar Cooper Jr. five times for 71 yards, and connecting with Charlie Becker four times for 65. He also had a crucial and jaw-dropping rushing touchdown.

The Miami quarterback had 232 yards, a touchdown and an interception in the losing effort … with Malachi Toney being his favorite target. He had 122 yards and a score on 10 receptions.

On the ground, Kaelon Black had 79 yards for the new champs … and Roman Hemby had 60 of his own.

It was super sweet for Mendoza — he grew up in Miami and tried to walk on for the Hurricanes in 2022 … and he made sure to point out after the game, the program declined.