MIAMI GARDENS, FL — Indiana University capped off a historic season with its first-ever college football national championship, thanks to a gutsy coaching decision by Curt Cignetti and a game-defining run by quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
With 9:27 left in the College Football Playoff championship game against Miami and Indiana leading 17-14, the Hoosiers faced a critical fourth-and-4 from the Hurricanes’ 12-yard line. Cignetti had two options: attempt a 29-yard field goal to extend the lead to 20-14 or go for it and risk giving Miami a chance to respond. True to his aggressive philosophy, Cignetti chose the latter.
The play, designed as a quarterback draw with the option to pass, put the ball directly in Mendoza’s hands. Taking the snap in shotgun formation, Mendoza initially faked a pass before tucking the ball and cutting back through the line. He bulldozed past two Miami defenders, executed a spin move two yards short of the goal line, and leapt into the end zone despite three defenders closing in. The touchdown extended Indiana’s lead to 27-21, ultimately securing the national title.
“This isn’t a gamble,” said wide receiver Elijah Sarratt. “It seems more like a guarantee at this point when you put the ball in Fernando’s hands.” Tight end Riley Nowakowski added, “He has the heart of a lion. That run was everything for us when we needed it.”
Mendoza’s touchdown wasn’t the first time Indiana used the play successfully. Earlier in the season against Oregon, the same design led to a game-winning pass for Sarratt in the red zone. On Monday, Mendoza read the defense perfectly: Miami rushed just four, leaving seven defenders spread out. With his blockers clearing a path, he executed flawlessly.
Offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan praised the decision, saying, “You put the ball in your best player’s hands and let him make a play.” Cignetti’s trust in his team and his aggressive strategy defined Indiana’s championship run, turning a bold call into a historic moment.
The combination of coaching, talent, and execution highlighted the Hoosiers’ improbable journey from underdogs to national champions. As Mendoza reflected after the game, “That was the least I could do for my brothers. Every player put their body on the line, and we got it done together.”
Indiana’s first national title will be remembered for Cignetti’s fearless play call and Mendoza’s unforgettable run—a play that perfectly sums up the grit, strategy, and determination that carried the Hoosiers to the top of college football.
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