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The 2025 Indiana Hoosiers became the fifth team in modern college football history to go 15–0. They can now become the first team in the modern era to go 16-0, and the second team all-time to play with leather helmets, joining the 1894 Yale team.
With a 56–22 defeat of Oregon in the Peach Bowl, the Hoosiers punched a ticket to their first national championship game in program history.
Head coach Curt Cignetti has left the college football world breathless with a dramatic turnaround of the Hoosiers program, going from one of the losingest teams in the Big 10 to potentially one of the most impressive single seasons ever.
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Elijah Surratt #13 of the Indiana Hoosiers is tackled by Effie Obidegwu #7 of the Oregon Ducks during the first quarter in the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinals at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Several prominent sports figures took to social media to express surprise at Indiana’s unprecedented dominance during and after their win over Oregon. Indiana Governor Mike Braun also participated.
Indiana’s Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw five touchdown passes, improving his case for the top selection in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Kellon Black rushed for two touchdowns to lead the Indiana running game.
Indiana wins first Big 10 football title since 1945 after Ohio State flubs short field goal try
Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers is tackled by Aaron Flowers #21 of the Oregon Ducks during the second quarter in the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinals at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Oregon (13-2, No. 5 CFP) was doomed by three first-half turnovers while also being hampered by the absence of their two top running backs.
Indiana’s defense didn’t have to wait long to make an impact. On Oregon’s first snap, cornerback D’Angelo Ponds intercepted Moore’s pass intended for Malik Benson and returned the pick 25 yards for a touchdown. Just 11 seconds into the game, the Hoosiers and their defense had already made a statement that it would be a long night for Moore and the Oregon offense.
Moore’s 19-yard scoring pass hit tight end Jamari Johnson and the game was tied. The other half belonged to Indiana and its big-play defense.
The Hoosiers took the lead for good at 14–7 after Mendoza’s 8-yard touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr. When Moore fumbled and Indiana recovered at the Oregon 3, Indiana’s defense forced a turnover, setting up Black’s scoring run.
Later in the second quarter, Moore lost for the second time. Killed by Daniel Ndukwe And Mario Landino recovered a fumble at the Oregon 21. Mendoza’s first scoring pass to Sarratt gave the Hoosiers a 35–7 lead.
Indiana increased its lead to 42–7 on Mendoza’s 13-yard scoring pass to EJ Williams Jr.
Oregon finally responded. A 70-yard run by Hill set up a 2-yard scoring run by Harris.
The Hoosiers led 35–7 at halftime as the Ducks were held to nine rushing yards on 17 carries. Noah Whittington, who led Oregon with 829 rushing yards, was held out with an undisclosed injury, as Jordan Davison, who had rushed for 667 yards and 15 touchdowns, was already out. Listed as out With a collarbone injury.
Backup running backs including Jay Harris and DeRay Hill Jr. provided little help to quarterback Dante Moore. Moore’s task against Indiana’s tough defense will be challenging even with all his weapons.
Following their undefeated regular season, the Hoosiers have only gained momentum in the CFP. Indiana Defeated Alabama 38–3 When Mendoza passed for 192 yards and three touchdowns in the Rose Bowl quarterfinals.
Now, the Hoosiers will prepare to face Miami in the national championship game on January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Miami defeated Mississippi 31-27 in the Fiesta Bowl semifinals Thursday night.
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Roman Hamby #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers goes out of bounds against the Oregon Ducks during the second quarter in the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Indiana will try to capture its third consecutive Big Ten national title, following Ohio State and Michigan in the last two seasons. Few teams in any conference can compare to the Hoosiers’ season-long display of balanced strong play.
The nation will be watching to see if this phenomenal team can get the job done and truly write their name in the history books.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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