In a performance that will be etched into the annals of college football history, the Indiana Hoosiers dismantled the Oregon Ducks 56-22 in the 2026 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The victory propels Indiana University football to its first-ever College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game, where they will face the Miami Hurricanes.
For fans searching for the final Indiana Oregon score or asking “did Indiana beat Oregon?”, the answer was delivered decisively within the first few minutes of play. The Hoosiers took control early and never looked back, turning what was expected to be a close Indiana vs Oregon football matchup into a coronation for the nation’s top-ranked team.
A Fast Start: The “Pick 6 Football” Play That Set the Tone
The atmosphere at the Peach Bowl location was electric, but the Oregon Ducks football team found themselves in a hole almost immediately. On the very first play from scrimmage, Indiana cornerback D’Angelo Ponds intercepted a pass from Oregon quarterback Dante Moore and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown.
This pick 6 football moment set the tempo for the entire evening. While Oregon managed to respond with a touchdown drive to tie the game briefly, the Indiana defense forced multiple turnovers, including two fumbles by Moore in the first half.
Quarterback Duel: Mendoza Stats vs. Dante Moore Stats
The Oregon Ducks football vs Indiana Hoosiers football match player stats tell the story of two quarterbacks moving in opposite directions.
Fernando Mendoza, the Indiana football quarterback and recently crowned Heisman Trophy winner, was surgical in his efficiency. Mendoza completed 17 of 20 passes for 177 yards and five touchdowns. He also added 48 yards on the ground. His ability to extend plays and find receivers like Elijah Sarratt in the red zone was key to the lopsided Peach Bowl score.
On the other sideline, Oregon QB Dante Moore struggled with ball security. While he threw for 245 yards, his turnovers were costly. The Oregon Ducks score stalled repeatedly as the Indiana defense applied constant pressure, sacking Moore and disrupting the Oregon football rhythm.
Hoosiers Make History
The question “has Indiana won a national championship?” has loomed over the program for decades. While they have not yet claimed the title, this victory in the Peach Bowl 2026 gives them their best shot in history. Under head coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana football has transformed from a Big 10 afterthought into a juggernaut, boasting a 15-0 record.
“We knew we had to start fast,” Mendoza said in the post-game press conference. “The Indiana vs Oregon spread didn’t matter to us. We just wanted to execute.”
Oregon’s Season Ends
For Oregon football, the loss is a bitter end to a 13-2 season. Head coach Will Stein‘s offense, which had been prolific all year, could not find its footing against the Hoosiers. The Ducks will now look ahead to the Oregon football schedule for next season, hoping to rebuild and return to the playoff picture.
Looking Ahead: The National Championship
With the Peach Bowl score now final, the focus shifts to Miami. Fans wondering where to watch Indiana vs Oregon replays can catch highlights on sports networks, while preparations begin for the title game on January 19.
For those tracking NCAA scores and the college football football playoff, this game served as a reminder that the landscape of the sport has changed. Indiana University is no longer a Cinderella story; they are the team to beat.
Summary for Readers:
- Result: Indiana defeated Oregon 56-22 in the 2026 Peach Bowl.
- Key Player: Fernando Mendoza (5 TD passes).
- Next Up: Indiana vs. Miami for the National Championship.
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta.