Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher was spotted throwing a punch at Indiana defensive tackle Tyrique Tucker following Monday’s College Football Playoff national championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Monday night. After the incident, a Miami staffer explained what led to the incident.
Miami director of recruiting Mike Rumph posted on social media that Tucker made comments about Fletcher’s father, who died last year, which spurred Fletcher to throw a punch.
Miami recruiting director confirms that Indiana’s Tyrique Tucker made comments to Mark Fletcher Jr about his late father.
— MIAMI (@MiamiSportsHQ) January 20, 2026
Tucker joked about the incident online as people criticized Fletcher. pic.twitter.com/zgxJe9xG4X
Tucker seemed to continue taunting Fletcher even after the Miami running back threw the punch (video here). The Indiana player was not apologetic on social media, either.
Fletcher’s anger was reserved for Tucker, as he returned to the field after the game to congratulate Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, even waiting a long time for the opportunity to do so.
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 rushed for 122 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Hurricanes, and was one of the stars of the team’s offense in their 27-21 defeat.
