Indiana and Oregon Clash in 2026 College Football Playoff Semifinals: Who Will Shatter Expectations Tonight?

It’s a classic underdog story colliding head-on with a freshly crowned juggernaut — the Indiana Hoosiers, fresh off a stunning upset at Autzen Stadium against the Oregon Ducks, are gearing up for a rematch that’s got everyone’s hearts racing. With both teams sitting atop the Big Ten and bursting with top-tier talent, this 2026 College Football Playoff semifinal isn’t just another game; it’s a seismic clash of ambition, grit, and brilliant coaching. Curt Cignetti’s meteoric revival of Indiana, transforming a long-languishing program into a national contender, faces off against Dan Lanning’s defensive mastermind Ducks, relentless and hungry after a near-miss last season. At the center of it all are two electric quarterbacks—Fernando Mendoza, Indiana’s first-ever Heisman winner, and Oregon’s Dante Moore, an NFL prospect carving defenses apart. This showdown boasts everything: high stakes, intense rivalry, and the palpable chance for history to be made. Buckle up — it’s football at its fiercest. LEARN MORE

Indiana vs. Oregon live score, updates, highlights from 2026 College Football Playoff semifinals originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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When the No. 7 Indiana Hoosiers defeated the No. 3 Oregon Ducks in Autzen Stadium on October 11, Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers finally announced their status as the new college football powerhouse. This 30-20 performance in one of the sport’s most hostile environments was the season’s inflection point, cementing Indiana’s spectacular rise from historical underdog to national title contender.

Now, less than three months later, the undefeated Hoosiers and the 13-1 Ducks meet again in the 2026 College Football Playoff semifinals. This is a clash of two established heavyweights, the last two Big Ten champions, led by two of the sport’s most successful and dynamic program builders, meeting with everything on the line.

Cignetti is the ultimate program architect, having accomplished a turnaround many call the greatest in college football history. Taking over the losingest program in the sport, Cignetti immediately installed a championship culture, leading the Hoosiers to a remarkable 25-2 record in two years in Bloomington. That run peaked just days ago with a 38-3 thrashing of perennial powerhouse Alabama in the Rose Bowl. Now in his second season, Cignetti has led Indiana to an undefeated campaign, the program’s first-ever No. 1 ranking, and their first outright Big Ten championship since 1945.

Across the field is Dan Lanning, the defensive mastermind who has rapidly transformed Oregon into a consistent powerhouse, never missing a beat in a new conference landscape. Since taking over in Eugene, Lanning is a staggering 48-7, a tenure that includes leading Oregon to an undefeated season and Big Ten championship in their first year in the conference. While the Ducks experienced playoff heartbreak last season, they have since rattled off two dominating wins in the 2025 postseason to set up a rematch with the only team that has beat them this season.

The electric tension of this high-stakes rematch is amplified by the star power under center — two phenomenal quarterbacks whose seasons have carried their teams to the precipice of a national championship appearance. Fernando Mendoza became the first Indiana player ever to win the Heisman Trophy, leading the nation in total touchdowns. For Oregon, the offense flows through the arm of Dante Moore, who has orchestrated one of the most explosive and balanced attacks in the nation, thriving in Lanning’s system with pinpoint accuracy and commanding control.

The No. 1 Hoosiers and No. 5 Ducks have been, without question, two of the best teams in college football in 2025: both rank top-10 in scoring offense and scoring defense, boast explosive stars on both sides of the ball, and are guided by two of the sharpest coaches in the game. That’s why they own a combined record of 27-1 and now face off for a national championship berth, with one team a win away from bringing home its first title in school history.

The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights for Indiana vs. Oregon in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Follow below for complete results from the 2026 Peach Bowl.

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Indiana vs. Oregon football score

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Indiana vs. Oregon live updates, highlights from 2026 College Football Playoff semifinal

All times ET.

Indiana 35, Oregon 7

9:07 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: It’s 35-7. Yep, you read that right.

The Hoosiers are putting on an absolute thrashing in Atlanta, with Mendoza finding Sarratt, who breaks the plane and gets in. When he scored in the October 11 matchup, it was to take a 27-20 lead. This time, it’s much different.

It’s Mendoza’s third passing touchdown of the game, one to each of his star receivers.

9:05 p.m.: Indiana keeps on moving the chains, and Cignetti is just rubbing it in at this point.

On 3rd & 3, Mendoza finds Ponds, who had the pick-six on the first play, and he beats a tackler to get inside the Oregon 10.

8:59 p.m.: The Indiana defense has its footprints all over the game and now it forces its third turnover of the first half.

On Moore’s first pass attempt of the drive, he gets pressured and hit on the throw. The ball falls right into the hands of Mario Landino.

The defense with the best pressure rate in America is absolutely dominating, and the Hoosier offense has the ball back up 21.

Indiana 28, Oregon 7

8:55 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: It’s all Hoosiers in Atlanta.

Mendoza drops back, has plenty of time and lobs one up to his roommate Charlie Becker, who has his first catch of the game for a touchdown.

It’s a 36-yard score and we have a blowout on our hands.

8:54 p.m.: Sarratt has his second big catch of the game. This time, it comes on second down, with No. 13 hauling in a back shoulder pass with a defender all over him.

The Hoosiers are driving again after an 18-yard gain.

8:49 p.m.: On 2nd & 3, Moore goes down. It’s Dominique Ratcliff who gets credited with the sack, Indiana’s first of the game.

Then, the Hoosiers get to Moore again on third down, and Oregon has to punt again.

The Hoosiers have the ball back up 21-7, and this might get ugly.

8:47 p.m.: With momentum on Indiana’s side, Oregon gets a much-necessary first down.

It’s Harris again, who takes a pass from Moore and goes 15 yards to the Oregon 40.

Indiana 21, Oregon 7

8:41 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: Indiana is up two scores.

On 3rd & goal, Black takes a carry right up the middle and into the end zone. It’s his second game with a touchdown.

The Hoosiers capitalize on the Moore turnover and take a 21-7 lead.

8:39 p.m.: Just like that, Indiana has the ball inside the Oregon 5.

On the first play, Moore goes to throw but loses the ball after making contact with Dierre Hill Jr.

The Hoosiers jump on the fumble on Oregon’s second turnover of the night.

8:35 p.m.: The Ducks get a huge stop.

On 3rd & 7, Mendoza is rushed by the Oregon front and loses the ball. While he recovers it before the ball hits the ground, he gets brought down for a 20 yard loss.

It was Nasir Wyatt who got to No. 15 for Oregon’s first sack of the game. The Ducks have matched their sack total from the Oct. 11 matchup.

8:33 p.m.: Indiana is once again across midfield after a personal foul penalty on Oregon’s Jay Obidegwu. It moves the Hoosiers to the Oregon 40.

8:31 p.m.: After two Black carries go for two yards, Indiana faces a 3rd & 8 from the 20.

Though, Mendoza gets it with his legs. The Heisman winner stays in the pocket then scrambles left, outrunning a defender to the line to gain. It’s a 21-yard carry and Indiana has a new set of downs.

8:26 p.m.: Oregon was 3-for-3 on third down on its touchdown drive, but it can’t move the chains here.

Harris takes a handoff and gets absolutely swarmed by Indiana’s front, being wrapped up by Mikail Kamara. Oregon goes three-and-out.

It forces the first punt of the game, and the Hoosiers will start at their 18.

End of the first quarter: Indiana 14, Oregon 7

8:22 p.m.: At the end of the first, this game has lived up to the bargain so far. First, it was the Indiana defense making a statement on the first play, then two methodical drives by two of the best quarterbacks in America, both ending in touchdowns.

Oregon has a 2nd & 6 to start the second.

Indiana 14, Oregon 7

8:16 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: Indiana takes the lead back after a methodical drive.

On 2nd & goal, Mendoza finds Omar Cooper Jr. on an out-route, and he hauls it in for an eight-yard score. It’s the receiver’s 13th touchdown of the season.

Indiana responds with an 11-play, 75-yard drive to take the lead. Mendoza was 4-for-4.

8:15 p.m.: The Hoosiers are inside the red zone on their first drive. It’s Hemby who rumbles up the middle and goes 11 yards all the way to the 17.

The next play, he breaks off another first down carry for 10 yards, and Indiana is inside the 10.

8:13 p.m.: Indiana is 2-for-2 on third down, with Mendoza hitting his tight end Riley Nowakowski on an out-route for five yards. The Hoosiers are up to the Ducks 35.

8:11 p.m.: After gaining minimal yardage on the first two plays, Mendoza has a big connection on his first pass of the game.

The quarterback looks deep and finds his favorite receiver, Elijah Sarratt, who holds on near the left sideline. It goes for 23 yards and the Hoosiers are across midfield.

Oregon 7, Indiana 7

8:04 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: What a response from Moore and the Oregon Ducks.

Once again on third down, Moore lobs one up to his other tight end, Jamari Johnson, who hauls it in in the end zone. It’s a 19-yard score.

After the pick-six, the Ducks take up more than half of the first quarter, driving 75 yards in 14 plays. Next up is the Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza and the Hoosier offense.

7:59 p.m.: The Ducks are in the red zone.

Moore rolls out and finds his tight end, Kenyon Sadiq, for the first time and he goes five yards for another first down.

Mendoza and the Indiana offense still has not touched the field, though Indiana leads.

Oregon will have a 1st & 10 from the Indiana 17 with 8:04 remaining.

7:57 p.m.: On 3rd & 3, Moore has time in the pocket and finds Harris underneath, who holds on and moves the chains.

The Ducks are down to the Indiana 28.

7:55 p.m.: Facing a 3rd & 7, Oregon moves the chians again.

It’s Moore’s favorite receiver, Malik Benson, who takes a checkdown and takes it nine yards. The Ducks are past midfield and are looking to respond fast.

7:53 p.m.: Back on the field, Oregon moves the ball on two plays.

Jay Harris, who will get more snaps with Oregon’s depleted running back room, takes a carry to the right and gets a first down.

The next play, Harris takes a screen pass and takes it 10 more yards for another first down.

Indiana 7, Oregon 0

7:48 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: One play, one touchdown, and it comes from the Indiana defense.

Moore looks right on the first play, and it’s star corner D’Angelo Ponds who jumps the route and returns it all the way home.

The Hoosiers defense makes a statement on the first play of the game and lead 7-0.

7:47 p.m.: Indiana has kicked off and we are underway at the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl.

Dante Moore and the Oregon Ducks offense has the ball first.

7:43 p.m.: Here come the Oregon Ducks.

Dan Lanning’s 13-1 team comes in fresh off a 23-0 win over Texas Tech. Oregon is looking to advance to the national championship for the first time since 2014, the first year of the College Football Playoff.

7:41 p.m.: The Indiana Hoosiers have come onto the field in Atlanta.

Curt Cignetti and co. are looking to advance to 15-0 and book a date with Miami in the national championship.

7:27 p.m.: Kickoff is almost here, so let’s revisit Indiana and Oregon’s regular season matchup one more time.

The first time Oregon and Indiana matched up this season was CINEMA 🎬

Now they will rematch for a chance to play for a national championship 🏆 pic.twitter.com/TxJe83x6f9

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) January 10, 2026

7:11 p.m.: A few storylines that could impact this game besides quarterback play include the trenches. Both Indiana and Oregon are Joe Moore Award finalists for the best offensive line in America. The Ducks face an Indiana front that is the best in the nation in pressure rate, sacking Moore six times in their first matchup.

On the other side, Oregon only got to Mendoza once in October. That has to change tonight.

7:08 p.m.: Noah Whittington is expected to play after being questionable with an injury.

A huge boost for an already depleted Ducks running back room.

7:05 p.m.: If the Ducks are going to extend the season, expect No. 5 to be a reason why.

6:57 p.m.: Curt Cignetti made an appearance on the field, but didn’t stay for long.

Cignetti’s turnaround at Indiana has never been done before. The coach enters tonight’s game with a 25-2 record across two years, winning the Big Ten championship and the highest ranking ever for the Hoosiers.

As he said after the team’s emphatic Rose Bowl win, “it’d be a helluva movie.”

6:50 p.m.: Teams are getting loose with kickoff less than an hour away.

6:37 p.m.: With this being one of the biggest games in Indiana history, notable alumni are bound to be in Atlanta. This includes millionare donor Mark Cuban.

6:25 p.m.: Dan Lanning and Curt Cignetti are two of the best coaches in college football, and tonight, they square off.

6:10 p.m.: The Ducks senior back Noah Whittington is questionable for tonight with an undisclosed injury. Here he is taking the field for warmups.

6:00 p.m.: On the other side is Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, who has been exceptional in his own right and will be an NFL Draft pick come April if he declares.

5:45 p.m.: The Heisman winner has arrived at Mercedes Benz Stadium.

Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza arrives with a chance to advance to the natty 👀

Watch Oregon-Indiana at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN and the ESPN App 🍿 pic.twitter.com/E3ccBQrK8g

— ESPN (@espn) January 9, 2026

5:43 p.m.: Of course, the quarterback battle is one to watch tonight, starting with the Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.

Indiana’s superstar quarterback leads the nation in total touchdowns, redzone touchdowns, and passing efficiency ratings, becoming the first Hoosier ever to win the Heisman Trophy.

5:33 p.m.: Oregon’s running back room is depleted heading into the CFP semifinal, with freshman star Jordan Davison out with a broken clavicle. The Ducks also might be missing starting back Noah Whittington.

The Oregon RB situation is extremely tenuous tonight. Leading rusher Noah Whittington is questionable; No. 2 Jordon Davison, a banger who excels in the red zone, is out; as are three of the other top five Ducks RBs. If Whittington can’t go, the depth chart is freshman Dierre Hill…

— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) January 9, 2026

5:29 p.m.: The first time these teams played, Indiana beat Oregon in Autzen Stadium thanks to a fourth quarter Elijah Sarratt touchdown.

It came right after Fernando Mendoza threw a pick-six to tie the game at 20-20. Then, the game became all Hoosiers.

5:15 p.m.: The Hoosier faithful is showing out in Atlanta, with projections saying there will be much more Indiana fans tonight.

4:39 p.m.: The Ducks are known for their uniforms, and tonight they’ll be wearing all-whites with a green helmet.

On the other side, the Hoosiers will be wearing their classic red tops with white bottoms.

4:36 p.m.: Tonight, either Indiana will be the fourth team in the CFP era to advance to 15-0 or Oregon will advance to the national championship for the first time since 2014.

The two teams played earlier this season, with Indiana defeating Oregon at Autzen Stadium on October 11, 30-20.

4:32 p.m.: The stage is set at the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia.

No. 1 Indiana and No. 5 Oregon will face off in a few hours with a national championship berth on the line.

MORE INDIANA-OREGON NEWS:

Where to watch College Football Playoff semifinals

Indiana vs. Oregon start time

Date: Friday, Jan. 9
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET, 4:30 p.m. PT

The College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

This is the first time Oregon plays at Mercedes-Benz Stadium since Lanning’s coaching debut with the Ducks. Indiana has never played in the venue since its construction.

What channel is Indiana vs. Oregon on today?

TV channel: ESPN

The semifinal will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. Sean McDonough (play-by-play) and Greg McElroy (color commentator) will be on the call.

ESPN is also producing its Megacast for the College Football Playoff, featuring alternate broadcasts of the game across its family of networks (ESPN2, ESPNU, etc.) and the ESPN App.

Fans looking to stream the game can turn to Fubo, which often offers a free trial to new users.

College Football Playoff schedule 2026

Dec. 19

Game	Matchup	Time (ET)	TV
First-Round CFP game	Alabama 34, Oklahoma 24	8 p.m.	ESPN

Dec. 20

Game	Matchup	Time (ET)	TV
First-Round CFP game	Miami 10, Texas A&M 3	12 p.m.	TNT
First-Round CFP game	Ole Miss 41, Tulane 10	4 p.m.	TNT
First-Round CFP game	Oregon 51, James Madison 34	8 p.m.	ESPN

Dec. 31

Game	Matchup	Time (ET)	TV
Cotton Bowl Classic (quarterfinal)	Miami 24, Ohio State 14	7:30 p.m.	ESPN

Jan. 1

Game	Matchup	Time (ET)	TV
Capital One Orange Bowl (quarterfinal)	Oregon 23, Texas Tech 0	12 p.m.	ESPN
Rose Bowl Game (quarterfinal)	Indiana38, Alabama 3	4 p.m.	ESPN
Allstate Sugar Bowl (quarterfinal)	Ole Miss 39, Georgia 34	8 p.m.	ESPN