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Mark Fletcher Jr. Responds to Insult About Late Father After Postgame Altercation
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- Mark Fletcher Jr. Responds to Insult About Late Father After Postgame Altercation
The Miami Hurricanes came within one drive of their first national title since the 2001 season before falling 27–21 to the Indiana Hoosiers .
The loss ended an improbable deep postseason run that saw the Canes defeat the Texas A&M Aggies, Ohio State Buckeyes and Ole Miss Rebels while entering the field with the No. 10 seed and thus becoming the first double-digit seed in CFP history to reach the title game.
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The night's emotional conclusion, with Miami's quarterback Carson Beck throwing a loss-sealing interception, led to a postgame incident.
As Indiana celebrated at midfield, Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. was spotted throwing a punch at Hoosiers defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker. Fletcher had to be restrained by a coach as he continued to charge forward.
Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (4) celebrates with quarterback Carson Beck (11) after scoring a touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Tucker addressed the incident shortly after, saying he had attempted to congratulate Fletcher.
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"I was just trying to congratulate him on the game," Tucker told The Herald-Times. "He tried to sneak me, everybody kind of held me back. That was a cheap punch, luckily we got the win, I'm not really too worried about it. He's salty, he going home with the L."
Tucker's account, however, is being challenged by someone inside the Miami program. Hurricanes director of recruiting Mike Rumph responded to video of the altercation on X, writing that Tucker provoked the situation with an insult aimed at Fletcher's late father.
"Dude was talking about Mark's dad who passed away last year," Rumph posted. "Mark is and always will be one of the most classy people you will meet. RIP Mr. Fletcher."
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Fletcher's father, Mark Sr., died suddenly on Oct. 24, 2024. The Hurricanes' tailback has honored him before every game by texting his old number and sending him pictures of his pregame routine.
"I just said, 'I love you and be with me.' Fletcher told ESPN earlier this season.
"We've got our tradition . I eat oatmeal as my first meal before every game, send him a picture of my oatmeal, text him I love, and then just be with me. And he was with me today, as he is always."
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Fletcher rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns against Indiana as the Hurricanes ended the season 13–3. The running back is expected to return to Miami for the 2026 season, when he'll get the leading role in the Hurricanes' backfield.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
