Miami’s Mark Fletcher Jr throws punch after national championship loss
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Miami Hurricanes star running back Mark Fletcher Jr. was filmed punching an Indiana Hoosiers player following Monday night’s close national championship game.
The ESPN broadcast captured Fletcher walking off the field while talking to Hoosiers defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker. Fletcher stepped forward, delivered a blow to Tucker, and was forced to retreat to avoid escalating the situation further.
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Mark Fletcher Jr. of the Miami Hurricanes looks on after losing 27-21 to the Indiana Hoosiers in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Miami Hurricanes’ No. 4 receiver Mark Fletcher Jr. runs for a touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers during the third quarter of the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on January 19, 2026. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
It’s unclear what was said between the two players, but it was a bad ending for the Hurricanes star, who played an outstanding game.
Fletcher scored twice in the 27-21 loss. He scored when Miami needed it badly to start the second half. The Hurricanes needed only two plays as Fletcher rushed for a 57-yard touchdown run to get his team on the board. He hit a 3-yard run early in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to just three points.
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Tyrique Tucker #95 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates 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 ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship between the Miami (FL) Hurricanes and 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 get past the Hoosiers in the final moments of the game. Fernando Mendoza’s goal gave Indiana a 10-point lead with approximately 9:18 left in the game.
Miami quarterback Carson Beck had a chance to lead the team on a game-winning drive, but he threw a game-ending interception.
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Fletcher rushed for 112 yards on 17 carries to go along with two scores, but the struggle at the end of the game may overshadow his incredible performance.
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