
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to help secure a victory against Miami during the College Football National Championship. Indiana went on to win over Miami 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
Tom Russo, photographer for the Greenfield Daily Reporter, a sister newspaper of The Republic, was in Miami for Monday night’s College Football Playoff Championship and gathered these photos.
Indiana University players celebrate after winning the College Football National Championship over Miami 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
President Donald Trump attends the College Football National Championship between Indiana Miami, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
Indiana’s E. J. Williams Jr. takes a moment to pray right before the start of the College Football National Championship. Indiana went on to defeat Miami 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
Manette Lawer, wife of Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, along with their family, celebrate during the final seconds of the College Football National Championship. Indiana went on to defeat Miami, 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza throws on the run against Miami during the College Football National Championship. Indiana went on to win over Miami 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
Indiana University Fernando Mendoza gets hit and has the ball knocked loose by Miami’s Mohamed Toure during the College Football National Championship. Indiana went on to win over Miami 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
Indiana linebacker Aiden Fisher reacts during the College Football National Championship. Indiana went on to win over Miami 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza signals to a teammate during the College Football National Championship. Indiana went on to win over Miami 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
Indiana’s Charlie Becker makes a critical reception in the fourth quarter against Miami’s Ethan O’Connor during the College Football National Championship. Indiana went on to win over Miami 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
Indiana University alum Mark Cuban, left, talks with television analyst Urban Meyer before the start of the College Football National Championship. Indiana went on to win over Miami 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
Indiana linebacker Aiden Fisher makes a stop against Miami’s Mark Fletcher Jr. during the College Football National Championship. Indiana went on to win over Miami 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
The hand of Manette Lawer, wife of Indiana coach Curt Cignetti during the College Football National Championship. Indiana went on to defeat Miami 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
Indiana’s Roman Hemby runs past a Miami defender during the College Football National Championship. Indiana went on to win over Miami 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
Indiana’s Tyrique Tucker pressures Miami quarterback Carson Beck in the forth quarter during the College Football National Championship. Indiana went on to win over Miami 27-21. Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
Indiana players Elijah Sarratt and Charlie Becker celebrate after winning the College Football National Championship over Miami 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
Indiana coach Curt Cignetti after the College Football National Championship. Indiana defeated Miami 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt and Fernando Mendoza celebrate after winning the College Football National Championship over Miami 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
Indiana players Charlie Becker, left, and Elijah Sarratt celebrate after winning the College Football National Championship over Miami 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza celebrates after winning the College Football National Championship over Miami 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic
Indiana University coach Curt Cignetti after the College Football National Championship. Indiana defeated Miami 27-21, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Tom Russo | For The Republic




