The Miami Hurricanes came up just short of a long-awaited national championship Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium, falling 27-21 to the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff title game.

Playing for their first national title since 2001 on their home field, Miami couldn't overcome a poised Indiana team that completed a historic, unbeaten season. The loss ended the Hurricanes' season at 13-3 and denied them a championship return more than two decades in the making.

Indiana (15-0) capped one of the most unlikely runs in college football history, delivering the program's first national championship under coach Curt Cignetti. A program with just 13 bowl appearances in more than 130 years before Cignetti's arrival in 2024, the Hoosiers finished the job on college football's biggest stage.

Leading the way was Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, whose efficient, composed performance again proved decisive. Mendoza, who grew up within walking distance of the University of Miami campus, continued a postseason run that saw Indiana overwhelm playoff opponents with precision passing and explosive scoring.

Miami's defense, anchored by pass rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, pressured Mendoza throughout the night, but Indiana consistently found answers, extending drives and capitalizing on key moments.

The Hurricanes had entered the game riding momentum from a physical, defense-first season that put them one win away from a national championship. But Indiana's balance, discipline and execution ultimately proved too much.

Mendoza family celebrates national championship win

It was a bittersweet moment for South Florida at Hard Rock Stadium. No, the Miami Hurricanes did not win the national championship game. They lost to Indiana with a final score of 27-21.

The Hurricanes came up just shy of their sixth national championship while the Indiana Hoosiers won their first.

They were led by their Heisman-winning, local boy quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who had quite the signature touchdown.

One that will be remembered for a very long time.

Especially for Mendoza, who shared a post-game hug with his parents.

"Oh, my God. It's so wonderful," Elsa Mendoza said after the game. "I don't even know what to say. It's unbelievable. It's like nothing you can ever imagine. I'm so happy. I'm so happy for him and the team."

Fernando Mendoza IV echoed that feeling.

"Listen. The support from IU fans and Canes fans alike has been incredible," he said. "Everyone has been congratulating us and the family on the way down here. They're really great fans. Congratulations to the Canes on a great game."

And as happy as they were, they had some thoughts on that now-famous leap into the end zone.

"Oh. We don't like when he runs," Mendoza's dad joked. "But, you know. He's gotta do what he needs to do."