ATLANTA, January 9, 2026 — The Indiana Hoosiers are on the brink of history. With a dominant 56-22 victory over Oregon in the Peach Bowl, the 2025 Hoosiers became the fifth team in modern college football history to achieve a perfect 15-0 record, and now stand one win away from becoming the first team of the modern era to finish 16-0.
Hoosiers Dominate Oregon, Advance to National Championship
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Indiana’s decisive win propels them to their first-ever national championship game appearance.
- The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Oregon Ducks 56-22 in the Peach Bowl.
- Indiana’s quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, threw for five touchdowns.
- The Hoosiers will face Miami in the national championship game on January 19.
- Head coach Curt Cignetti has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for the Indiana program.
The Hoosiers’ path to the championship wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw five touchdown passes, further solidifying his position as a top prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft. Kaelon Black added two rushing touchdowns, leading a powerful Indiana running game.
Early Lead and Defensive Prowess
Indiana’s defense set the tone immediately. On Oregon’s opening play, cornerback D’Angelo Ponds intercepted a pass intended for Malik Benson, returning it 25 yards for a touchdown. Just 11 seconds into the game, the Hoosiers signaled this would be a long night for the Oregon offense.
Elijah Sarratt #13 of the Indiana Hoosiers is tackled by Ify Obidegwu #7 of the Oregon Ducks during the first quarter in the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Oregon briefly tied the game with a 19-yard pass from Dante Moore to Jamari Johnson, but Indiana quickly regained control. Mendoza’s 8-yard touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr. put the Hoosiers ahead, and a subsequent Oregon fumble recovered at the Oregon 3-yard line led to a touchdown run by Kaelon Black.
Oregon Struggles with Turnovers and Injuries
The first half was marred by turnovers for Oregon, with Moore losing two fumbles – one after being hit by Daniel Ndukwe. Mendoza capitalized, connecting with Elijah Sarratt for a 35-7 lead. Indiana extended their advantage to 42-7 with a 13-yard pass to E.J. Williams Jr.
Oregon managed a touchdown run by Harris, set up by a 70-yard run by Hill, but the damage was already done. The Ducks struggled on the ground, gaining only nine rushing yards on 17 carries. Oregon was further hampered by injuries, with leading rusher Noah Whittington sidelined and Jordon Davison already out with a collarbone injury.
Path to the Championship
Indiana’s momentum has been building throughout the College Football Playoff. They previously overwhelmed Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal, with Mendoza passing for 192 yards and three touchdowns.
Now, the Hoosiers will face Miami on January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, after Miami defeated Mississippi 31-27 in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal on Thursday night. Indiana aims to give the Big Ten its third consecutive national title, following wins by Ohio State and Michigan in the previous two seasons.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun and numerous sports figures expressed their amazement on social media following the Hoosiers’ victory.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
