Miami RB Mark Fletcher Jr. throws punch at Indiana player after national championship loss

[ASFN Admin]

As Indiana celebrated winning a national championship at Hard Rock Stadium, an incident unfolded on the field.

ESPN cameras caught Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. throwing a punch at Indiana defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker postgame. Fletcher can be seen taking a swipe at Tucker as and appearing to try and grab him while yelling at him before a Miami staff member intervened. The staff member prevented the incident from escalating further as he guided Fletcher away from the field.

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

It is unknown what started the scuffle. During the postgame aftermath, ESPN reporter Holly Rowe posted a picture of Fletcher embracing with Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, adding he "waited a long time" to meet with the Heisman Trophy winner.

Total class act. Mark Fletcher comes to find Fernando post game. He stood and waited a long time. Fletcher ran his heart out. I truly LOVE that kid. So excited he is back for ⁦@CanesFootball⁩ pic.twitter.com/pyq8PDcMg2

— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) January 20, 2026

Fletcher had a big game in his hometown for the Hurricanes, as they fell just short of winning their first national championship since 2001. He had 17 carriers for a game-high 112 yards and two touchdowns in the losing effort, including a 57-yard touchdown run that got Miami on the board.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mark Fletcher Jr. hits Indiana player after national championship loss

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