Most college football fans already knew that Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. is a superstar. After all, Mario Cristobal described him as the "heart and soul" of the Hurricanes.
In 2024, Fletcher lost his father at the age of 53. Although it hasn't been easy navigating through that loss, he has transformed into an excellent leader and football player. During the third quarter of the national championship, the Miami running back sent the crowd at Hard Rock Stadium into a frenzy with a 57-yard rushing touchdown. His biggest play of the night cut Indiana's lead down to a field goal (10-7).
Immediately after Fletcher found the end zone, ESPN's camera crew showed his mother Linda celebrating in the crowd.
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Fletcher's mother has been his biggest supporter all season, traveling over 18,000 miles just to watch him play. There's no doubt she was proud of his touchdown against Indiana.
"It's not always sad because we're doing work that Big Mark Fletcher would so approve of," Linda said. "It's a bittersweet thing."
ESPN's Chris Fowler gave Fletcher's mother a heartfelt shoutout during Monday night's game. We'd have to imagine that moment made Miami fans smile.
Will Mark Fletcher Jr. go pro?
NFL fans are convinced Fletcher would be an intriguing prospect in this year's class. After all, he has racked up 1,080 rushing yards, 132 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns this season.
Fletcher, however, has already announced that he's returning to Miami for the 2026 season.
"I just love this program," Fletcher said, via Miami Hurricanes on SI. "I felt like I'm not finished yet. I know a lot of people are telling me to leave, but I just feel like I've got more to do here. Even though I know there's some risk in playing the running back position. I just feel like God's got me, so I know I'll be straight, no matter what I do."
It's safe to say Miami will feel pretty confident about its backfield next fall.