Fletcher was involved in a postgame scuffle with an IU lineman, then later hugged QB Fernando Mendoza. Jamie Squire / Getty
During the on-field celebration of Indiana’s 27-21 national championship win over Miami, Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. threw a punch at Indiana defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker.
The moment was shown during ESPN’s postgame coverage, with anchor Scott Van Pelt and “College GameDay” host Rece Davis at the desk. Words were exchanged between the two players, and Fletcher was ultimately restrained and led away from the incident.
Miami’s Mark Fletcher Jr. and Indiana’s Tyrique Tucker had to be separated after the CFP National Championship game. pic.twitter.com/pXja5LtGt8
— ESPN (@espn) January 20, 2026
No additional information was available via the ESPN broadcast.
“Couldn’t possibly know what was said,” said Van Pelt. “There has not been anything said yet by the Miami side. … It was an incredibly tense football game.”
There is also a video of Fletcher congratulating Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza on the field after the game, with both players smiling and hugging.
Mark Fletcher 🤝 Fernando Mendoza
What a moment postgame between two South Florida guys pic.twitter.com/Noov4lt9Pg
— Kacy Hintz (@KacyHintz) January 20, 2026
Fletcher rushed for a game-high 112 yards on 17 carries and scored two touchdowns for the Hurricanes, the first running back to surpass 100 rushing yards against Indiana this season. Tucker tallied one tackle and one quarterback hit for the Hoosiers.