Indiana Football Clinches Spot in National Championship Game

Hoosiers Dominate Peach Bowl, Set to Face Miami for Title

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:40am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football game, with overlapping planes of color and shape representing the action on the field.The Hoosiers' dominant performance in the Peach Bowl sets the stage for an epic national championship showdown against the Miami Hurricanes.Today in Miami

The Indiana Hoosiers secured their spot in the College Football Playoff national championship game with a dominant performance in the Peach Bowl, defeating the Oregon Ducks 35-7. Led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, the Hoosiers' offense was unstoppable, while the defense forced three turnovers in the first half to set the tone early.

Why it matters

This game holds historic significance for the Indiana program, as they look to capture their first-ever national championship. Meanwhile, Oregon has been a perennial playoff contender, but is still seeking its first title. The matchup promises to be an epic showdown between two powerhouse teams.

The details

Indiana's offense was firing on all cylinders, with Mendoza throwing for 177 yards and five touchdowns. Running backs Kaelon Black and D'Angelo Ponds also contributed, with Black rushing for two scores and Ponds returning an interception for a touchdown. The Hoosiers' defense was equally impressive, forcing three turnovers in the first half to build a commanding 35-7 lead at halftime.

  • The Peach Bowl was played on December 31, 2025.
  • The national championship game is scheduled for January 19, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers, who led his team to victory in the Peach Bowl with an exceptional performance.

Kaelon Black

The Indiana running back who rushed for two touchdowns in the Peach Bowl, contributing to the Hoosiers' dominant offensive performance.

D'Angelo Ponds

The Indiana defensive back who returned an interception for a touchdown, helping to set the tone for the Hoosiers' stifling defensive effort in the Peach Bowl.

Oregon Ducks

The Oregon football team, who were defeated by Indiana in the Peach Bowl and now look to regroup for a potential matchup in the national championship game.

Miami Hurricanes

The Miami football team, who will face the Indiana Hoosiers in the national championship game on January 19, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“This team has worked so hard all season, and to see them perform like this on the biggest stage is truly special. I couldn't be prouder of these young men.”

— Tom Allen, Head Coach, Indiana Hoosiers

“We knew Indiana was going to be a tough opponent, but they came out and executed at an incredibly high level. We'll need to go back to the drawing board and make some adjustments if we want to have a chance at the national title.”

— Mario Cristobal, Head Coach, Oregon Ducks

What’s next

The Indiana Hoosiers will face the Miami Hurricanes in the national championship game on January 19, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

The takeaway

Indiana's dominant performance in the Peach Bowl has set the stage for a historic showdown in the national championship game. The Hoosiers' explosive offense and stifling defense have them poised to capture the program's first-ever national title, but they'll need to overcome the challenge of a talented Miami team to cement their legacy.