The College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship has become the biggest stage in college football, where legends are made under the brightest lights. Since the playoff era began in the 2014–15 season, the championship game has honored two Most Valuable Players every year one Offensive MVP and one Defensive MVP recognizing match-winning performances on both sides of the ball.
Quarterbacks have dominated the spotlight over the years, but running backs, wide receivers, and defensive stars have also produced iconic title-game moments. The 2026 CFP National Championship added a brand-new chapter to this history, as Indiana celebrated a fairytale season and produced both MVPs.
2026 CFP National Championship MVPs: Historic Night for Indiana
The 2026 national title game saw Indiana Hoosiers defeat Miami Hurricanes 27–21, sealing the first national championship in program history and completing a perfect 16–0 season.
- Offensive MVP: Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
Mendoza delivered a calm and controlled performance, completing key passes under pressure and adding a crucial rushing touchdown. His leadership and decision-making defined the game. - Defensive MVP: Mikail Kamara (DE, Indiana)
Kamara changed the game’s momentum with a crucial third-quarter punt block, directly leading to a touchdown — one of the defining plays of the championship.
FERNANDO MENDOZA WINS OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ODCEL1kMcj
— ESPN (@espn) January 20, 2026
Indiana sweep of both MVP awards underlined their dominance and discipline throughout the season.
CFP National Championship MVP Winners (2015–2026)
| Season | Offensive MVP | Team | Defensive MVP | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Ezekiel Elliott (RB) | Ohio State | Tyvis Powell (S) | Ohio State |
| 2016 | O.J. Howard (TE) | Alabama | Eddie Jackson (S) | Alabama |
| 2017 | Deshaun Watson (QB) | Clemson | Ben Boulware (LB) | Clemson |
| 2018 | Tua Tagovailoa (QB) | Alabama | Daron Payne (DT) | Alabama |
| 2019 | Trevor Lawrence (QB) | Clemson | Trayvon Mullen (CB) | Clemson |
| 2020 | Joe Burrow (QB) | LSU | Patrick Queen (LB) | LSU |
| 2021 | DeVonta Smith (WR) | Alabama | Christian Barmore (DT) | Alabama |
| 2022 | Stetson Bennett (QB) | Georgia | Lewis Cine (DB) | Georgia |
| 2023 | Stetson Bennett (QB) | Georgia | Javon Bullard (DB) | Georgia |
| 2024 | Blake Corum (RB) | Michigan | Will Johnson (CB) | Michigan |
| 2025 | Will Howard (QB) | Ohio State | Cody Simon (LB) | Ohio State |
| 2026 | Fernando Mendoza (QB) | Indiana | Mikail Kamara (DE) | Indiana |
- Quarterbacks dominate offensive MVP honors, reflecting their control over big-game outcomes
- Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, and Ohio State have produced the most MVP winners
- Defensive MVPs often come from game-changing plays interceptions, sacks, or special-teams moments
- Indiana’s 2026 sweep is rare and symbolic of a complete team performance
Also see: Best Forwards in the World (2026): Top 10 Ranked
Why CFP MVPs Matter
Winning a CFP National Championship MVP often becomes a turning point in a player’s career. Many past winners went on to become NFL stars, first-round draft picks, and franchise cornerstones. The award is not just about statistics, but about impact when pressure is highest.
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With Indiana’s breakthrough season in 2026, the CFP MVP list now includes another unforgettable championship story proof that new powers can still rise in college football.
