Miami star’s punch details emerge after national title loss

An Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman was accused of making a remark about Miami Hurricanes star Mark Fletcher Jr.’s deceased father after Monday night’s national championship game, nearly sparking a fight between the two players at Hard Rock Stadium.

Fletcher was caught on the ESPN broadcast going after Hoosiers defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker. Players and staff from both schools had to step between the competitors before the problem escalated further.

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Mark Fletcher Jr., #4 of the Miami Hurricanes, stiff arms Aiden Fisher, #4 of the Indiana Hoosiers, during the third quarter of the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Mike Rumph, Miami’s director of recruiting, claimed in an Instagram comment that Tucker made the comment.

“Dude was talking about Mark’s dad who passed away last year. Mark is and always will be one of the most classy people you will ever meet. RIP Mr. Fletcher,” Rumph wrote.

Tucker had a different view, saying that Fletcher was trying to hit him.

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Tyrique Tucker #95 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

“I was just trying to congratulate him on the game,” he told the Herald-Times. “He tried to sneak up on me, everyone was kind of holding me back. It was a cheap punch. Luckily we won, I don’t really worry. He’s salty, he’s going home with the L.”

Tucker apparently wanted to congratulate Fletcher on his two touchdowns before things went south, according to the Herald-Times. He said he didn’t tell her anything.

Fletcher has said nothing about the incident.

Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (4) rushes for a touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers in the second half during the College Football Playoff national championship game at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)

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The star running back almost led the Hurricanes to a national championship. But a few mistakes ultimately caused them to fall to a 27-21 defeat.

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