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An Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman was accused of making a remark about Miami Hurricanes star Mark Fletcher Jr.’s late father after Monday night’s national championship game, nearly sparking a brawl between the two players at Hard Rock Stadium.
Fletcher was caught on the ESPN broadcast taking a swing at Hoosiers defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker. Players and staff from both schools had to get between the competitors before the problem escalated further.
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Mark Fletcher Jr. #4 of the Miami Hurricanes tight end Aiden Fisher #4 of 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)
Mike Rumph, Miami’s director of recruiting, claimed in a comment on Instagram that Tucker made the comment.
“Dude was talking about Mark’s dad who passed away last year. Mark is and always will be one of the nicest people you will ever meet. RIP Mr. Fletcher,” Rumph wrote.
Tucker had a different take, saying Fletcher was trying to hit him.
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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)
“I was just trying to congratulate him on the game,” he told The Herald-Times. “He tried to sneak up on me, everybody held me back a little bit. It was a cheap shot. Luckily we got the win, I’m not really that worried about it. He’s salty, he’s going home with the L.”
Tucker apparently wanted to congratulate Fletcher on his two touchdown performance before things went awry, according to The Herald-Times. He said he didn’t say anything to him.
Fletcher has not said anything about the incident.
Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (4) rushes for a touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers in the second half during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)
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The star running back nearly carried the Hurricanes to a national championship. But a few mistakes ultimately sank them in a 27-21 loss.
