ATLANTA, Ga. — It’s official: Indiana University is headed to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game after a dominating 56–22 victory over the No. 5 Oregon Ducks in the CFP Semifinal at the Peach Bowl. In front of a sold-out Mercedes-Benz Stadium crowd, the No. 1 Hoosiers delivered one of the most complete and decisive performances in program history, capping off a perfect 15–0 season and punching their ticket to January’s title game against Miami.
From the opening kickoff, Indiana set the tone. Cornerback D’Angelo Ponds electrified early, returning an interception for a touchdown on the game’s first defensive snap, igniting Hoosier momentum that never let up. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was nearly flawless, completing 17 of 20 passes for 177 yards and five touchdowns, spreading the ball to multiple weapons and capitalizing on Oregon’s costly mistakes.
Indiana’s offense put constant pressure on the Ducks, building a 35–7 lead at halftime and rolling through the second half with balanced firepower. Elijah Sarratt continued his breakout campaign with two touchdown receptions, while Kaelon Black delivered two rushing scores, helping the Hoosiers maintain control in all three phases of the game.
The Hoosier defense was equally dominant, forcing three first-half turnovers and holding Oregon’s offense in check throughout the night. Oregon’s offensive struggles, compounded by injuries and costly errors, allowed Indiana to dictate the game’s pace and momentum from start to finish.
This victory not only marks IU’s first semifinal win in CFP history, but also validates a season of historic milestones: an undefeated regular season, a No. 1 ranking, a Big Ten championship, and now a berth in the national title game — the first in school history. Indiana will face No. 10 Miami on January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, with a national championship on the line and a chance to cap off a season for the ages.
History continues for the Hoosiers — and they’re just one victory away from the ultimate prize.