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Miami Hurricanes star running back Mark Fletcher Jr. was seen throwing a punch at an Indiana Hoosiers player after Monday night’s close national championship game.
The ESPN broadcast captured Fletcher walking off the field as he and Hoosiers defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker exchanged words. Fletcher stepped forward, took a swing at Tucker and had to be restrained from escalating the situation further.
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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 for a touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers in 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 is unclear what was said between the two players, but it was a sour end for the Hurricanes star who had a phenomenal game.
Fletcher had two touchdowns in the 27-21 loss. He scored when Miami badly needed it to start the second half. The Hurricanes needed just two plays as Fletcher ran for a 57-yard touchdown run to get his team on the board. He had a 3-yard run early in the fourth quarter that cut their 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 couldn’t get past 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 he threw a game-sealing interception.
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Fletcher ran for 112 yards on 17 carries with his two scores, but the struggle at the end of the game could ruin the incredible performance he turned in.
