The Marlins just poked the bear by reminding Miami Hurricane fans about their loss in the College Football national championship

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) hoists the championship trophy Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, after defeating the Miami (FL) Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Miami Marlins are having former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza throw out the first pitch

The Marlins will be having Mendoza throw out the first pitch on April 21 against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Marlins do have a good reason for even considering this, though. Mendoza grew up in Miami, so the Marlins likely just want to honor a hometown kid.

The problem is that the Hurricanes’ loss to Indiana is still fresh on the fan base’s mind. So seeing the quarterback of the team that ultimately cost the school a national championship throw out the first pitch for the city’s MLB team has to feel like a slap in the face.

Especially when the NFL Draft is set to begin just two days after Mendoza throws out the first pitch. The Marlins could have easily had one of the notable Hurricanes set to hear their name called early in the 2026 NFL Draft. In fact, Rueben Bain Jr., Akheem Mesidor, and Francis Mauigoa are expected to become first-round picks.

The Marlins instead opted for the Indiana Hoosiers quarterback. The same quarterback who pulled off a gut-wrenching touchdown run that Hurricanes fans will see in their nightmares for the foreseeable future.