Indiana CB Jamari Sharpe Celebrates Championship with Raising Cane's Shift

Sharpe, along with teammates, worked the counter at the Bloomington restaurant after winning the national title.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 9:47pm

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Indiana Hoosiers cornerback Jamari Sharpe helped the team win the College Football Playoff National Championship earlier this month, and he celebrated by working a 'shift' at the Raising Cane's restaurant in Bloomington, Indiana, a few days after the big win. Sharpe was joined by teammates WR Elijah Sarratt and CB D'Angelo Ponds as they filled drinks, pumped Cane's sauce, buttered toast, and bagged box combos for fans who attended the event.

Why it matters

The celebratory shift at Raising Cane's allowed Sharpe and his teammates to interact directly with the fans who have supported the team throughout their championship run. Sharpe's game-winning interception in the title game, which happened in his hometown of Miami, made the victory even more special for the 22-year-old cornerback.

The details

Sharpe spoke to reporters about the team's growth over the last two years under head coach Curt Cignetti, saying 'I seen us grow a lot. We made it to the college football last year, lost first round. We ran it back this year. Everybody had the same mentality that we had to win. We had to finish this year right.' Sharpe finished the 2025 season with 50 tackles, six tackles for loss, one interception, seven passes defended, and four forced fumbles.

  • Sharpe and his teammates worked the Raising Cane's shift a few days after winning the national championship on January 12, 2026.
  • Sharpe made the game-winning interception against Miami in the title game on January 9, 2026.

The players

Jamari Sharpe

A 22-year-old cornerback for the Indiana Hoosiers who made the game-winning interception in the national championship game against Miami.

Elijah Sarratt

A wide receiver for the Indiana Hoosiers who joined Sharpe and Ponds in working the Raising Cane's shift.

D'Angelo Ponds

A cornerback for the Indiana Hoosiers who joined Sharpe and Sarratt in working the Raising Cane's shift.

Curt Cignetti

The head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers, who Sharpe praised for his consistency and leadership over the last two seasons.

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What they’re saying

“I seen us grow a lot. We made it to the college football last year, lost first round. We ran it back this year. Everybody had the same mentality that we had to win. We had to finish this year right. Then, as a coach, I just met him last year; he's the same guy every time. Every day he comes to work, and he's about business. I appreciate it.”

— Jamari Sharpe, Cornerback

“It was an amazing feeling, getting the game in the pick in my hometown in front of my family. Growing up in Miami, I always wanted to be on the big stage. And it was just an amazing experience to catch the game-winning interception for my team.”

— Jamari Sharpe, Cornerback

What’s next

The Indiana Hoosiers will begin preparations for the 2026 season, looking to defend their national championship title.

The takeaway

Jamari Sharpe's celebratory shift at Raising Cane's exemplifies the close connection between college athletes and their local communities, as players take time to interact with and thank the fans who have supported them throughout their championship run.