Indiana Crushes Oregon 56-22 in Peach Bowl: Hoosiers Storm into National Championship Game
Historic performance sends undefeated Indiana to first-ever title game as Fernando Mendoza throws 5 TDs in dominant CFP semifinal victory
Updated: January 10, 2026 | Atlanta, Georgia
Breaking: Pick-Six on First Play Sets Tone for Historic Rout
ATLANTA — In one of the most dominant performances in College Football Playoff history, the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers demolished the No. 5 Oregon Ducks 56-22 on Friday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, storming into their first-ever national championship game with a display of offensive precision and defensive dominance that left no doubt about who the better team was.
The undefeated Hoosiers (15-0) will face No. 10 Miami on Monday, January 19, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, with a chance to become the first 16-0 team in college football history and deliver Indiana its first national championship in any sport.
“We’re going to Miami,” head coach Curt Cignetti declared as confetti rained down on his players. “One more game. One more win. That’s all that stands between us and history.”
11 Seconds: The Fastest Statement in CFP History
Indiana’s demolition of Oregon began before most fans had settled into their seats.
On the very first play from scrimmage—just 11 seconds into the game—cornerback D’Angelo Ponds read Oregon quarterback Dante Moore’s eyes, jumped the route, intercepted his pass intended for Malik Benson, and raced 25 yards untouched into the end zone.
Indiana 7, Oregon 0. Eleven seconds elapsed.
“I saw him looking left the whole way,” Ponds said after the game. “I just jumped it. After that, I knew it was going to be our night.”
The pick-six set the tone for what would become a complete and utter domination—a performance so thorough that Oregon fans began trickling toward the exits midway through the third quarter despite their team trailing by “only” 27 points at that stage.
Fernando Mendoza: Five Touchdowns, Near-Perfect Execution
Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza was surgical in his dismantling of Oregon’s defense, completing 17 of 20 passes for 177 yards and five touchdowns—a passer rating of 241.8 that underscored just how efficiently the junior quarterback operated.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Mendoza’s 85% completion percentage (17-for-20) continued his remarkable season-long consistency. The five touchdown passes gave him 45 for the season, breaking Indiana’s single-season record he set earlier in the year.
“This is what we do,” Mendoza said with quiet confidence postgame. “We execute. We don’t flinch. And we finish.”
Three of Mendoza’s touchdown passes came in the first half as Indiana built an insurmountable 35-7 lead. Two more came in the second half as the Hoosiers pushed the margin to 49-7 before eventually settling at 56-22.
Distribution and Balance
Mendoza spread the wealth across his receiving corps:
- Elijah Sarratt: 7 receptions, 75 yards, 2 touchdowns (extending his scoring streak to 9 straight games)
- Omar Cooper Jr.: 8-yard TD reception (his 13th of the season)
- E.J. Williams Jr.: 13-yard TD reception
- Charlie Becker: 36-yard TD reception
“Fernando makes it look easy, but what he does is incredibly hard,” offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan said. “The way he processes information, makes quick decisions, and delivers accurate balls—that’s elite quarterback play.”
Daniel Ndukwe: The Hometown Hero’s Breakout Performance
Perhaps no single performance better encapsulated Indiana’s depth and preparation than that of third-string defensive lineman Daniel Ndukwe, who entered the game with just nine total tackles all season.
Playing in his hometown of Atlanta, the sophomore delivered the performance of his life:
- 2 sacks (including a crucial strip-sack)
- 1 forced fumble that led directly to an Indiana touchdown
- 1 blocked punt in the fourth quarter
- Multiple quarterback pressures that disrupted Oregon’s rhythm
“I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life,” Ndukwe said, tears streaming down his face. “Playing in Atlanta, in this stadium, on this stage—and helping my team get to the national championship game. I can’t even put it into words.”
Ndukwe was filling in for injured starter Stephen Daley and made the absolute most of his opportunity, showcasing the “next man up” mentality that Cignetti has instilled throughout his roster.
Oregon’s Nightmare First Half: Three Turnovers, 21 Points Given Away
While Indiana played near-flawless football, Oregon self-destructed in spectacular fashion, committing three first-half turnovers that directly resulted in 21 points for the Hoosiers.
The Turnover Breakdown
Turnover 1 (11 seconds): D’Angelo Ponds’ pick-six on the game’s first play Result: 7 points, 7-0 Indiana
Turnover 2 (Q2, 13:21): Dante Moore’s arm struck running back Dierre Hill Jr.’s shoulder on a run-pass option play, causing a fumble recovered by Indiana at the Oregon 3-yard line Result: Kaelon Black 1-yard TD run, 21-7 Indiana
Turnover 3 (Q2, 2:43): Daniel Ndukwe strip-sacked Moore, Mario Landino recovered at Oregon 21 Result: Fernando Mendoza to Elijah Sarratt 3-yard TD pass, 35-7 Indiana
“We basically gave them the game in the first half,” Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said, his frustration evident. “You can’t turn the ball over three times against the number one team in the country and expect to win. It’s that simple.”
Moore finished 24-of-39 for 285 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception—decent numbers that don’t capture the three fumbles (two lost) that doomed his team’s chances.
The Dominance Was Complete and Total
Beyond the final 56-22 score, the statistics paint a picture of Indiana’s overwhelming superiority:
Offensive Efficiency
- Indiana scored touchdowns on 5 of its first 6 possessions
- The Hoosiers averaged 7.1 yards per play in the first half
- Indiana converted 11 of 14 third-down attempts (79%)
- Kaelon Black rushed for 2 touchdowns on 12 carries (including a 23-yard scoring run)
Defensive Dominance
- Oregon managed just 9 rushing yards on 17 carries in the first half
- The Ducks were 0-for-2 on fourth-down conversions
- Indiana forced 3 turnovers while committing 0
- Oregon’s time of possession: 28:47 vs. Indiana’s 31:13
Special Teams Excellence
- Daniel Ndukwe’s blocked punt in the fourth quarter
- Nico Radicic: 8-for-8 on extra points
- Indiana’s kick coverage allowed minimal returns
“This was as complete a game as we’ve played all year,” Cignetti said. “Offense, defense, special teams—everybody contributed. That’s championship football.”
Oregon’s Injury Woes Compounded the Struggles
The Ducks faced significant adversity entering the game, playing without key offensive contributors:
Noah Whittington (Starting RB): Limited participation due to lower leg injury (team-leading 829 rushing yards) Jordon Davison (Freshman RB): Out with fractured clavicle suffered in Orange Bowl (667 yards, 15 TDs) Jayden Limar (No. 4 RB): In transfer portal, not with team
Backup running backs Jay Harris and Dierre Hill Jr. did what they could—Harris scored on a 2-yard run in the third quarter, and Hill broke a 70-yard run late in the game—but the lack of a consistent ground game put enormous pressure on Moore to carry the offense.
“Give Indiana credit—they’re the better team,” Lanning said. “But when you’re missing two of your top three running backs and going against that defense, it makes things very difficult.”
Indiana Sets CFP Records with Historic Performance
The victory over Oregon cemented several College Football Playoff records for Indiana:
✅ First team with multiple 28+ point CFP victories (38-3 vs Alabama, 56-22 vs Oregon) ✅ Largest margin of victory through 2 CFP games: 69 points (previous record: 59 by 2022 Georgia) ✅ Fastest touchdown in CFP semifinal history: 11 seconds ✅ Most dominant semifinal performance since CFP began in 2014
“Records are great, but we’re not satisfied,” said linebacker Aiden Fisher, who led Indiana with 9 tackles (5 solo). “We want the big one. We want the trophy.”
The Crowd: 80% Indiana Red in Mercedes-Benz Stadium
One of the most striking aspects of Friday night’s game was the overwhelming presence of Indiana fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Of the 75,604 fans in attendance—a sellout crowd—an estimated 80% wore Indiana’s crimson red. The Hoosiers faithful created a home-game atmosphere that energized their team while demoralizing the Ducks.
“It felt like we were playing in Bloomington,” Sarratt said. “Our fans were incredible. They traveled here, they showed up, and they were loud all game long.”
Pat McAfee, the former NFL punter and passionate Indiana alum who has championed the Hoosiers all season on his show, was featured on the stadium video boards during media timeouts, whipping the crowd into a frenzy.
“This is IU football now,” McAfee posted on social media after the game. “This is who we are. National championship game. LET’S GO.”
Curt Cignetti: Building a College Football Juggernaut
The victory improved Cignetti’s record at Indiana to 26-2 in just two seasons—a transformation so complete and so rapid that it has fundamentally altered the landscape of college football.
The Transformation Timeline
Before Cignetti (2023): Indiana went 3-9, continuing a decades-long pattern of futility After Cignetti (2024-2025): 26 wins, 2 losses, 1 Big Ten Championship, 2 CFP appearances, 1 national championship game berth
Before Cignetti’s arrival, Indiana:
- Had never won a bowl game since 1991 (0-7 in bowls from 1992-2023)
- Had never recorded a 10-win season in 127 years of program history
- Possessed an 18% all-time winning percentage—the lowest in Power 5 football
“What Coach Cignetti has done here is unprecedented,” said Indiana Athletic Director Scott Dolson. “He didn’t just rebuild a program. He completely reimagined what Indiana football could be.”
The Formula: Portal, Culture, Execution
Cignetti’s success has been built on three pillars:
- Strategic use of the transfer portal: Identifying productive players over highly-rated prospects
- Establishing a professional culture: Discipline, accountability, and attention to detail
- Relentless execution: Outpreparing and outcoaching opponents
“We don’t make excuses at Indiana,” Cignetti said in his signature straightforward style. “We do our jobs, we execute our assignments, and we win football games. It’s not complicated.”
Looking Ahead: National Championship Against Miami
Indiana will face No. 10 Miami (13-2) on Monday, January 19, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida—Miami’s home stadium—giving the Hurricanes a unique home-field advantage.
The Storylines Are Compelling
Fernando Mendoza’s Homecoming: The Heisman winner returns to his hometown of Miami, where he attended Christopher Columbus High School—the same school where Miami head coach Mario Cristobal played and coached.
First Meeting Since 1966: This marks the first Indiana-Miami matchup in 60 years. The all-time series is tied 1-1, with both previous games played in Miami.
Conference Pride: Indiana seeks to give the Big Ten its third consecutive national championship (following Michigan in 2023 and Ohio State in 2024).
David vs. Goliath 2.0: Just as Indiana has defied expectations all season, Miami entered the playoff as the No. 10 seed and upset No. 6 Ole Miss 31-27 in Thursday’s Fiesta Bowl semifinal.
Can Indiana Complete the Perfect Season?
If successful, Indiana would become just the third team in NCAA history to finish 16-0, joining:
- 1894 Yale (16-0)
- 2019 North Dakota State (16-0, FCS)
Indiana would be the first FBS team to achieve a 16-0 record in the modern era of college football.
“We’re one game away from immortality,” safety Jamil Johnson said. “One game away from doing something that’s never been done. That’s all the motivation we need.”
What Experts Are Saying
ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit: “Indiana is playing at a level right now that reminds me of some of the greatest teams I’ve ever seen. The execution, the discipline, the talent—it’s all there. They’re the best team in college football, and it’s not particularly close.”
CBS Sports’ Gary Danielson: “Curt Cignetti might be the best coach in America. What he’s done at Indiana is beyond remarkable—it’s historic. This team doesn’t beat itself, and they make you pay for every mistake. That’s championship DNA.”
FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt: “Fernando Mendoza is playing at a level we haven’t seen from a college quarterback in years. Five touchdowns on 20 attempts? A passer rating over 240? In a CFP semifinal? That’s video game numbers.”
SI.com’s Pat Forde: “Oregon never had a chance. Indiana is operating at a different level than everyone else right now. The Big Ten is the best conference in college football, and Indiana is the best team in the Big Ten. Do the math.”
By the Numbers: Indiana’s Dominant CFP Run
Regular Season
- Record: 12-0 (Big Ten Champions)
- Average margin of victory: 24.3 points
- Points per game: 38.2
- Points allowed per game: 13.9
CFP Performance
- First Round: Idle (earned bye as No. 1 seed)
- Quarterfinals (Rose Bowl): Defeated Alabama 38-3
- Semifinals (Peach Bowl): Defeated Oregon 56-22
- Combined CFP margin: +69 points (CFP record)
Fernando Mendoza’s Season
- Passing yards: 4,124
- Touchdowns: 45 (school record)
- Interceptions: 6
- Completion percentage: 71.2%
- Heisman Trophy: Winner (first in Indiana history)
- Games with 5+ TD passes: 6
Oregon’s Disappointing End to Promising Season
For Oregon (13-2), the loss marks a disappointing end to what had been a remarkable season that included victories over ranked opponents and a deep playoff run.
The Ducks now face uncertainty heading into the offseason:
- Quarterback Dante Moore must decide whether to enter the NFL Draft or return for another season
- Running backs Noah Whittington and Jay Harris are in the transfer portal
- Several key defensive players are draft-eligible
- Head coach Dan Lanning’s future could be subject to NFL interest
“This hurts,” Lanning said. “But I’m proud of this team. We fought through adversity all year. We just ran into a buzzsaw tonight. Indiana is the best team in college football, and they showed it.”
What’s Next: Championship Week Preview
Indiana’s Preparation
The Hoosiers will enjoy a short celebration before turning their attention to Miami. Cignetti gave his players Saturday off before resuming practice on Sunday.
“We’re going to enjoy this for 24 hours,” Cignetti said. “Then it’s back to work. We didn’t come this far to fall short now.”
Miami’s Advantage
Playing in their home stadium could provide Miami with a significant edge. Hard Rock Stadium has been a fortress for the Hurricanes, and local support should create a pro-Miami atmosphere despite Indiana’s traveling fan base.
The Matchup
Both teams feature Heisman-caliber quarterbacks (Mendoza for Indiana, Carson Beck for Miami), dominant defenses, and coaching staffs with championship pedigree. Expect a tactical battle that could come down to the final possession.
Kickoff Details
Date: Monday, January 19, 2026 Time: 7:30 PM ET Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL TV: ESPN Streaming: ESPN App / ESPN+ Capacity: 65,326
The Broader Impact: Indiana’s Rise Changes College Football
Indiana’s success has implications far beyond Bloomington:
Recruiting: High school prospects now view Indiana as a legitimate destination for championship-level football
Transfer Portal: The Hoosiers have proven that strategic portal use can quickly transform a program
Coaching: Cignetti’s model demonstrates that culture and execution matter more than resources
Conference Realignment: The Big Ten’s dominance (3 straight national championships) validates the conference’s expansion and competitiveness
Hope for Struggling Programs: If Indiana can win a national championship, any program with the right leadership and vision can succeed
“This changes everything,” ESPN’s Paul Finebaum said on his radio show Friday. “If Indiana—INDIANA—can win a national championship, then every program in America now believes it’s possible. That’s the legacy of what Curt Cignetti is building.”
Player Reactions: Living the Dream
After the game, Indiana players struggled to contain their emotions as the reality of reaching the national championship game sank in.
D’Angelo Ponds (Pick-6 on opening play): “I’ve dreamed about this my whole life. Making a play like that, on that stage, to help my team get to the national championship—it’s surreal.”
Elijah Sarratt (7 catches, 2 TDs): “We’re not done yet. We came here to win a championship, not just make it to the game. One more win and we make history.”
Kaelon Black (2 rushing TDs): “This team is special. We believe in each other, we trust Coach Cignetti, and we know what we’re capable of. Miami better be ready.”
Aiden Fisher (Team-leading 9 tackles): “Our defense played lights out tonight. We forced turnovers, we made stops when we needed to, and we didn’t let them get comfortable. That’s what championship defenses do.”
Quick Facts: Peach Bowl CFP Semifinal
✅ Final Score: Indiana 56, Oregon 22 ✅ Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA ✅ Attendance: 75,604 (sellout, ~80% Indiana fans) ✅ First touchdown: 11 seconds (D’Angelo Ponds pick-six) ✅ Halftime score: Indiana 35, Oregon 7 ✅ Fernando Mendoza: 17-20, 177 yards, 5 TDs, 241.8 passer rating ✅ Dante Moore: 24-39, 285 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 2 lost fumbles ✅ Key stat: Oregon 3 turnovers, Indiana 0 ✅ Daniel Ndukwe: 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked punt ✅ Indiana’s record: 15-0 (first 15-0 start in school history) ✅ Next game: vs. Miami, Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium
Related Stories:
- [Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman Season Continues with 5-TD Performance]
- [Curt Cignetti Profile: The Coach Who Transformed Indiana Football]
- [Indiana vs. Miami Preview: Battle for National Championship]
- [Daniel Ndukwe’s Hometown Heroics: Third-String Star Shines]
- [Oregon’s Season Ends in Disappointment After Promising Run]
- [Big Ten Dominance: Conference Seeks Third Straight National Title]
Follow Indiana’s Championship Journey:
- Official Site: IUHoosiers.com
- Social Media: @IndianaFootball
- ESPN Coverage: College Football Playoff
- Local Coverage: Indianapolis Star, Herald-Times
This story will be updated as more information becomes available
About This Coverage: This article is based on live game coverage from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, postgame interviews, official statistics, and reporting from ESPN, CBS Sports, CNN, and other outlets. All statistics verified through official box scores and CFP data.
Last Updated: January 10, 2026, 3:00 PM EST
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