The 2026 Chick‑fil‑A Peach Bowl delivered a historic night for Indiana Hoosiers football as the No. 1‑ranked Hoosiers routed the No. 5 Oregon Ducks 56–22 in a College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal clash at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 9, 2026. With the decisive win, Indiana advances to its first ever CFP National Championship Game, where it will face the Miami Hurricanes later this month.
Game Summary & Key Performances
From kickoff, Indiana set the tone. On the very first play, cornerback D’Angelo Ponds intercepted Oregon’s quarterback Dante Moore and returned it for a touchdown, giving the Hoosiers an early 7‑0 lead. The explosive play foreshadowed Indiana’s dominance throughout the evening.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, delivered a masterclass performance. Mendoza completed 17 of 20 passes for 177 yards and tossed five touchdowns, earning Peach Bowl MVP honors and showcasing precision and leadership in a high‑pressure playoff environment. His performance was pivotal in building and sustaining Indiana’s commanding lead.
For Oregon, Dante Moore — one of college football’s top prospects — put up respectable numbers with 285 passing yards and two touchdowns, but three turnovers hampered the Ducks and shifted momentum heavily in Indiana’s favor.
Team Stats & Momentum
Indiana’s attacking balance was on full display:
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185 rushing yards — adding a physical dimension to their offense
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362 total offensive yards — efficient and explosive when needed
Oregon also posted respectable offensive yardage, but Indiana converted turnovers into back‑breaking scores that built an early cushion and never allowed the Ducks to recover.
Historical & Program Significance
The dominant 56‑22 result marked a breakthrough moment for Indiana University football. Once a relatively quiet program with limited postseason success, the Hoosiers now stand on the brink of earning their first college football national title. Under head coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana has enjoyed a historic season, including a Rose Bowl victory over Alabama and now two decisive CFP wins, including this Peach Bowl.
For Oregon, a program with deep postseason tradition, the loss underscored challenges in capitalizing on scoring opportunities and handling adversity at the highest level. Despite flashes of offensive success, costly turnovers and special teams miscues ultimately proved too much to overcome.
Where & How to Watch
The Peach Bowl — part of the College Football Playoff rotation — was played at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, and broadcast live on ESPN with multiple streaming options available.
Looking Ahead
Indiana now advances to the National Championship Game with momentum and confidence, aiming to cap off a perfect season and secure the school’s first national title. Fans across the college football world will be watching as the Hoosiers attempt to complete one of the most remarkable seasons in modern CFP history.
