Atlanta, January 1, 2026
News Summary
The College Football Playoff semifinals are coming to Atlanta, with top-seeded Indiana facing off against fifth-seeded Oregon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Set for January 9, 2026, this game marks a historic moment as it features two teams from the Big Ten competing in the Peach Bowl for the first time. Both teams are coming off impressive victories and will vie for a chance to reach the National Championship Game. Expect an exhilarating clash between these powerhouse programs.
Atlanta Set to Host Historic Peach Bowl Semifinal on January 9, 2026
The College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals will be held in Atlanta at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 9, 2026, featuring top-seeded Indiana and fifth-seeded Oregon. The highly anticipated clash is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN. The winner of this matchup will earn a spot in the National Championship Game, scheduled for January 19 at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
Indiana enters the semifinal after a commanding 38-3 victory against Alabama in the Rose Bowl, marking the program’s first appearance in the CFP semifinals. Meanwhile, Oregon secured its place in the semifinals with a 23-0 win over Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl, achieving its second semifinal appearance.
This Peach Bowl matchup is historic as it is the first time in the game’s 58-year history that two teams from the same conference, both members of the Big Ten, will compete against each other. Oregon is making its inaugural appearance in the Peach Bowl, while Indiana previously participated in the game in 1988 and 1990. The all-time series between Indiana and Oregon is tied at 2-2, with Indiana winning their most recent matchup 30-20 earlier in the season.
Historical Context and Significance
Mercedes-Benz Stadium previously hosted a CFP semifinal in 2022, where the Georgia-Ohio State game set a stadium attendance record of 79,330. This year’s Peach Bowl is sold out, marking the 26th sellout in the last 29 Peach Bowl games. The Peach Bowl has hosted CFP semifinals in 2016, 2019, and 2022, and this event will be the first semifinal under the expanded 12-team playoff format.
Player Highlights
In the Rose Bowl, Indiana’s Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza showcased his prowess with a passing performance of 14-for-16 for 192 yards and three touchdowns. Indiana’s rushing game also contributed significantly, accounting for 215 yards, while their defense excelled by limiting Alabama’s offense to just 193 yards.
Oregon’s quarterback Dante Moore demonstrated strength during their Orange Bowl performance, completing 26 of 33 passes for 234 yards with one interception. The Ducks’ defensive unit was particularly formidable, registering four turnovers that led to 13 of their points and restricting Texas Tech to a mere 215 total yards and an average of 3.5 yards per play. Remarkably, Oregon’s only loss this season came against Indiana on October 11 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Looking Ahead
As Indiana and Oregon prepare for their historic Peach Bowl semifinal, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exhilarating clash. With both teams coming in strong, fans can expect an exciting showcase of college football as they vie for a coveted spot in the National Championship Game later this month.
FAQ Section
What teams are playing in the Peach Bowl semifinal?
The top-seeded Indiana will face fifth-seeded Oregon.
When is the Peach Bowl semifinal scheduled?
The game is scheduled for January 9, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Where will the Peach Bowl semifinal be held?
The game will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
How can I watch the Peach Bowl semifinal?
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.
What is at stake for the winner of the Peach Bowl semifinal?
The winner will advance to the National Championship Game on January 19 at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
What is the historical significance of this Peach Bowl matchup?
This will be the first time in the Peach Bowl’s 58-year history that two teams from the same conference, both members of the Big Ten, will compete against each other.
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | Indiana | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| CFP Semifinal Appearances | 1 | 2 |
| Recent Matchup Result | Win (30-20) | Loss (30-20) |
| Last Game Result | Win over Alabama (38-3) | Win over Texas Tech (23-0) |
| Rushing Yards in Last Game | 215 | N/A |
| Season Losses | 0 | 1 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Forbes: What Time is the Peach Bowl? Oregon vs Indiana
- Wikipedia: Peach Bowl
- IndyStar: Peach Bowl Indiana vs Oregon Overview
- Google Search: Peach Bowl 2026
- Register Guard: Buy Oregon Ducks Football Tickets
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Atlanta News First: Indiana Moves to Face Oregon
- Google News: Peach Bowl Oregon Indiana
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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