Miami star throws punch at Indiana player after losing national championship

Miami Hurricanes star running back Mark Fletcher Jr. was seen throwing a punch at an Indiana Hoosiers player after the hard-fought national championship game on Monday night.

The ESPN broadcast captured Fletcher leaving the field as he and Hoosiers defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker exchanged words. Fletcher stepped forward, punched Tucker, and the situation had to be prevented from getting even worse.

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Mark Fletcher Jr. of the Miami Hurricanes looks on after losing to the Indiana Hoosiers 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Mark Fletcher Jr. #4 of the Miami Hurricanes runs to score against the Indiana Hoosiers during the third quarter of the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

It’s unclear what was said between the two players, but it was a bitter end for the Hurricanes star who had a phenomenal game.

Fletcher had two touchdowns in the 27-21 loss. He scored when Miami desperately needed it to start the second half. The Hurricanes only needed two plays as Fletcher ran for a 57-yard touchdown run to put his team on the board. He had a 3-yard run early in the fourth quarter that cut his deficit to just three points.

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Tyrique Tucker #95 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Tyrique Tucker of the Indiana Hoosiers warms up before the College Football Playoff National Championship between the Miami (FL) Hurricanes and the Indiana Hoosiers at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/ISI Photos)

The Hurricanes were unable to overcome the Hoosiers in the final moments of the game. Fernando Mendoza’s diving touchdown gave Indiana a 10-point lead with about 9:18 left in the game.

Miami quarterback Carson Beck had a chance to lead the team on a game-winning drive, but threw an interception that sealed the game.

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Fletcher ran for 112 yards on 17 carries along with his two touchdowns, but the fight late in the game could spoil the incredible performance he put together.

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