Cameras Catch Miami RB Punching Indiana Player After National Championship Game
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The Miami Hurricanes did not handle themselves well after their 27-21 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Monday.
As the confetti fell and the two teams converged on the field, Miami quarterback Carson Beck quickly disappeared to the locker room, ignoring handshakes from his opponents, most notably Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Beck’s decision was better than the one made by star running back Mark Fletcher Jr., who threw a punch at an Indiana player while the ESPN cameras were filming the postgame action at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Fletcher swung at Indiana defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker. Tucker did not have a helmet on, but he appeared to avoid any contact as Fletcher’s punch did not land.
Fletcher’s teammates and members of the Canes coaching staff had to hold him back while he kept going after Tucker.
Miami’s Mark Fletcher PUNCHED an Indiana player after the game
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) January 20, 2026
“Apparently I’m going to see it, perhaps you at home have seen it,” said a stunned Scott Van Pelt, who narrated the moment live during ESPN’s postgame coverage. “That’s Mark Fletcher who swung at an Indiana player, which obviously is Tyrique Tucker. Couldn’t possibly know what was said.”
It was a sour ending after a great game from Fletcher. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound junior finished the game with 17 carries for 112 yards and two touchdowns, keeping Miami alive after they fell behind 10-0 early in the game.
Related: Miami QB Carson Beck’s Decision Draws Attention After National Championship Loss
Related: Miami vs. Indiana NIL Spending: How Much Did National Championship Rosters Cost?
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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