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Miami Hurricanes star running back Mark Fletcher Jr. was spotted throwing a punch at an Indiana Hoosiers player after the close national championship game Monday night.
The ESPN broadcast caught Fletcher leaving the field when he and Hoosiers defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker exchanged words. Fletcher stepped forward, punched 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 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)
We don’t know exactly what was said between the two players, but it was a bitter end for the Hurricanes star who had a phenomenal match.
Fletcher passed for two touchdowns in the 27-21 loss. He scored when Miami really needed it to start the second half. The Hurricanes only needed two plays as Fletcher rushed for a 57-yard touchdown to get his team on the board. He had a 3-yard run early in the fourth quarter, which 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 game 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.
Miami quarterback Carson Beck had a chance to lead the team on a game-winning drive, but he threw an interception that sealed the game.
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Fletcher rushed for 112 yards on 17 carries with his two scores, but the fight late in the game could spoil the incredible performance he delivered.
