In the recent College Football Playoff National Championship, Indiana emerged victorious against Miami with a score of 27-21. Key player Jamari Sharpe, an Indiana cornerback and native of the Miami area, played a pivotal role by intercepting a pass from Miami quarterback Carson Beck, sealing Indiana’s victory and their first national championship.

Reflecting on his journey, Sharpe shared with CBS Sports’ Jenny Dell, “This game meant a lot to me, you know? Growing up, I ain’t gonna lie, I always wanted to be a Miami Hurricane. I always wanted to play in the Dolphins’ stadium, as you can see. And you know, they didn’t recruit me, so I just took that, I just took that, brung it on the field, brought that anger on the field to make a good play to seal the deal for my team.” [Translation: “This game was crucial for me. As a child, I always dreamt of being a Miami Hurricane, wanting to play at the Dolphins’ stadium. Facing rejection from their recruitment, I channeled that frustration into my performance.”]

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that Sharpe is the nephew of former Miami standout Glenn Sharpe, adding a personal layer to this rivalry. The family name has resonance in Miami, tied to both thrilling highs and heartbreaking lows in championship history.