College football has a new champion, and it’s a result few saw coming. The Indiana Hoosiers football have officially claimed the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, delivering one of the most remarkable title runs in modern CFP history. Leading the charge was quarterback Fernando Mendoza, whose poise, production, and leadership powered Indiana to the program’s first-ever national title.
Indiana’s championship run wasn’t just historic for the school — it marked a major milestone for the sport as a whole. With the Hoosiers lifting the CFP trophy, Indiana becomes the first adidas-backed school to claim a championship since Tennessee captured the BCS title back in 1998..
Fernando Mendoza’s impact throughout the playoff was undeniable. Whether extending plays with his legs, delivering clutch throws in high-pressure moments, or controlling tempo late in games, Mendoza looked every bit the centerpiece of Indiana’s title push. His performance in the CFP Championship Game cemented his legacy in Bloomington, turning a once-unthinkable dream into reality for Hoosier fans.
What made Indiana’s run especially compelling was the balance across the roster. A disciplined defense consistently kept opposing offenses in check, while the Hoosiers’ offense blended creativity with efficiency. Mendoza’s command of the system allowed Indiana to dictate matchups, capitalize on mistakes, and stay composed when momentum swung.
Beyond the scoreboard, the win reshapes Indiana’s place in the college football landscape. Long viewed as an underdog in a sport dominated by bluebloods, the Hoosiers now stand as proof that sustained investment, player development, and belief can rewrite tradition. For adidas, the championship signals a defining moment — validation that its presence in college football can compete at the highest level.
As confetti fell and the trophy was raised, Indiana didn’t just win a championship — it announced a new era. The 2026 CFP title will be remembered as the season the Hoosiers, led by Fernando Mendoza, changed college football history.
You can now grab Indiana Hoosiers CFP gear on Fanatics to commemorate the moment with adidas items coming soon.
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