The No. 5 Oregon Ducks will take on the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers in a highly anticipated College Football Playoff semifinal, known as the Peach Bowl, on January 9, 2026, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Oregon, with a record of 13-1, secured their spot after a decisive 23-0 victory against No. 5 Texas Tech. Meanwhile, Indiana, boasting an undefeated record of 14-0, advanced to this stage following a commanding 38-3 win over No. 9 Alabama in the Rose Bowl.
Indiana’s performance in the Rose Bowl was marked by the exceptional play of Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza. He completed 14 of 16 pass attempts for 192 yards and three touchdowns, all without a turnover. The Hoosiers established a firm grip on the game early, taking a 17-0 lead into halftime and ultimately outgaining Alabama by over 200 yards (407 to 193). Under the guidance of head coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana converted nine of their 14 third-down opportunities while limiting Alabama to just 3 for 11.
Alabama’s quarterback, Ty Simpson, who is projected as a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, left the game with an undisclosed injury and did not return. Prior to his exit, he had completed 75% of his passes, connecting on 12 of 16 for 67 yards. The Indiana defense, rated as the second-best nationally, effectively contained Alabama’s rushing attack, allowing only 23 yards on 17 attempts.
This matchup marks the second encounter of the season between Oregon and Indiana, and the fifth overall in their history. The Hoosiers won their previous meeting in October, defeating the Ducks 30-20, which contributed to their first-ever Big Ten Championship and a top ranking in the College Football Playoff standings. That loss remains the sole blemish on Oregon’s record for the 2025 season and their first at Autzen Stadium since 2022.
In a notable twist, Indiana becomes the first team in the College Football Playoff’s 12-team format to secure victory after a bye week, breaking the previous streak of teams with byes, which stood at 0-6 in quarterfinal matchups.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Ducks will respond to this challenge in Atlanta, as the stakes rise dramatically in this semifinal showdown.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 4:30 PM (PT) and will be broadcast live on ESPN.
