Mark Fletcher Jr. came back out onto the field to do this.
Either Fernando Mendoza didn’t know, or he is just a classy man when it came time to speak to Mark Fletcher.
Hurricanes star Mark Fletcher Jr. lost his cool amid the emotion of a National Championship loss, but later redeemed himself. The Hoosiers battled into the history books with a hard-fought 27-21 win on Monday night. Indiana also finished the season with a perfect 16-0 record. That was last done by the Michigan Wolverines in 2023.
Fletcher, who rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns, appeared to lose his cool postgame. As the two teams met in the middle of the field, ESPN cameras caught Fletcher throwing a punch at Indiana defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker. A Miami staff member quickly intervened and eventually pulled him away.
Miami’s Fletcher was clearly upset with Tucker postgame, but later returned to the field to give props to Fernando Mendoza.
Fernando Mendoza Greets Mark Fletcher on The Field
Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. was caught on camera throwing a punch at Indiana’s Tyrique Tucker. It happened after the Hoosiers’ 27-21 win for the College Football Playoff championship on Monday night.
Whatever the reason, it appears Fletcher got over it pretty quickly. He was seen waiting on the field to talk to Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Instead of being upset over his actions, Mendoza had a great interaction with the star running back.
“Total class act,” ESPN’s Holly Rowe posted. “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.”
Mendoza’s late touchdown Monday night put an exclamation point on a 27-21 win. The Heisman Trophy winner finished with 186 yards passing. However, it was his tackle-breaking, sprawled-out 12-yard touchdown run that was the defining moment in the game.
