Indiana fans react to first college football national championship: 'Hurt so good!'
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There's no way this could happen.
Indiana football — coming into this season as the losingest program in major college football history — goes undefeated and wins the College Football Playoff national championship.
There's just no way.
But it happened with a 27-21 win over Miami behind coach Curt Cignetti and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza rushing for a dramatic fourth-quarter touchdown.
There are so many Hoosiers fans who are pinching themselves after this oh-so-unlikely story.
Reaction to Indiana football winning the College Football Playoff national championship
“Hurt So Good” National Champions! #Hoosierspic.twitter.com/3nWNRLWKtX
— John Mellencamp (@johnmellencamp) January 20, 2026
Ladies & Gentleman, I am undefeated. https://t.co/TlHJrNK9YP
— Hoosier the Bison (@HoosiertheBison) January 20, 2026
What a moment. pic.twitter.com/hQk5Pi9VQ9
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) January 20, 2026
Unbelievable!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/Skws8GLp4S
— Kalen Jackson (@KalenIJackson) January 20, 2026
— Kyle Schwarber (@kschwarb12) January 20, 2026
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!!
— Cody Zeller (@CodyZeller) January 20, 2026
The best story in college football history happens to be the best sports moment of my life. THANK YOU, @IndianaFootball THANK YOU!! ❤️🤍❤️🤍❤️🤍❤️🤍
— Sage Steele (@sagesteele) January 20, 2026
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) January 20, 2026
Every @IUBloomington Fan, Donor, Student and Alumni deserves what’s happening in Miami tonight. The love and support for the @IUHoosiers is incredible and passionate. So many great memories of watching that passion up close. @IndianaFootball and Curt have EARNED it. So have you.
— Tom Crean (@TomCrean) January 19, 2026
A state has never deserved something more. Congrats @IndianaFootball❤️
— Tyrese Haliburton (@Hali) January 20, 2026
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 🏆🔴⚪️
Gate 1 at IMS is lit up red to celebrate @IndianaFootball, champions of the #CFBPlayoff!@IUBloomington | #NeverDauntedpic.twitter.com/0JsIGJZ4X5
— Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS) January 20, 2026
Never Daunted. Tonight, our tower lights will shine in cream and crimson for one hour to celebrate @IndianaFootball winning the College Football Playoff National Championship! pic.twitter.com/S9a8tI7xbD
— Empire State Building (@EmpireStateBldg) January 20, 2026
The most recent teams to go undefeated in college football and men’s college basketball:
Curt Cignetti’s 2025 Indiana Hoosiers
Bob Knight’s 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers
Party on, Bloomington.
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) January 20, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana football national championship reaction from fans, celebrities, alumni
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