Mendoza, Kamara named CFP title game MVPs

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and defensive lineman Mikail Kamara were named the offensive and defensive MVPs after the Hoosiers' 27-21 win over Miami in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday.

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner stepped up when his team needed him most. Mendoza scrambled up the middle on fourth-and-4, spinning out of a tackle and capping the epic run by diving into the end zone to put the Hoosiers up 24-14 with 9:18 remaining in the game.

"Whatever they need me to do, if they need me to take a shot in the front or the back, whatever it is, I'm going to die for my team out there, and I know they're going to do the same for me," Mendoza said postgame. "That's what makes us so close. That's what makes this national championship so special."

Mendoza completed 16 of 27 passes for 186 yards in a gutsy performance against a Miami defense that applied pressure all night.

The star quarterback capped Indiana's perfect 16-0 season with a national title. Mendoza produced a magical campaign after transferring from California. The Miami native is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He leaves Bloomington after passing for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

Kamara helped shift the momentum in the Hoosiers' favor after breaking through and blocking a Miami punt that was recovered by Isaiah Jones in the end zone for the score. The senior defensive lineman finished the evening with four tackles. He's one of several players who followed head coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana following his tenure at James Madison.