Indiana defeated Oregon 56–22 in the College Football Playoff semifinal on January 9, 2026. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza delivered five touchdown passes, while Oregon quarterback Dante Moore recorded 285 passing yards and two touchdowns. Despite Oregon gaining slightly more total offensive yards, Indiana’s scoring efficiency, rushing production, and defensive performance proved decisive.
Match Overview: Oregon Ducks vs Indiana Hoosiers
The matchup between the Oregon Ducks and Indiana Hoosiers was one of the major contests of the 2025 college football season. Both teams entered the College Football Playoff semifinal with championship ambitions, but Indiana produced a dominant performance to secure its place in the national championship game.
Oregon entered the contest with an explosive offensive approach, relying heavily on quarterback Dante Moore and its talented receiving group. Indiana, meanwhile, combined an efficient passing attack with a productive rushing game and aggressive defensive play.
The January 9, 2026, semifinal eventually became a statement victory for Indiana. The Hoosiers established an early advantage, maintained offensive pressure, and prevented Oregon from building enough momentum to challenge their lead.
Match Details
| Match Information | Details |
| Teams | Oregon Ducks vs Indiana Hoosiers |
| Sport | College Football |
| Competition | College Football Playoff |
| Round | Semifinal |
| Date | January 9, 2026 |
| Final Score | Indiana 56, Oregon 22 |
| Winning Team | Indiana Hoosiers |
Oregon Ducks Football vs Indiana Hoosiers Football Final Score
Indiana won the game 56–22, producing a 34-point victory over Oregon.
The Hoosiers’ offensive performance was particularly impressive during the first half. They scored 35 points before halftime, while Oregon managed only seven. This early advantage forced the Ducks to take greater offensive risks during the second half.
Oregon eventually added 15 more points, but Indiana continued scoring and successfully protected its lead.
The final result demonstrated Indiana’s ability to turn offensive opportunities into touchdowns. Although Oregon accumulated more total yards, the Hoosiers were considerably more effective at converting their possessions into points.
Oregon Ducks vs Indiana Hoosiers Match Player Stats
Individual player performances provide a better understanding of how the semifinal unfolded. Both quarterbacks produced meaningful passing numbers, but Mendoza’s touchdown efficiency became one of the biggest differences between the teams.
1. Quarterback Passing Stats
| Player | Team | Completions/Attempts | Passing Yards | TDs | INTs |
| Fernando Mendoza | Indiana | 17/20 | 177 | 5 | 0 |
| Dante Moore | Oregon | 24/39 | 285 | 2 | 1 |
Fernando Mendoza’s Performance
Fernando Mendoza delivered an outstanding performance against Oregon. He completed 17 of his 20 passing attempts for 177 yards and five touchdowns without throwing an interception.
His completion percentage of 85% demonstrated excellent accuracy. More importantly, Mendoza consistently found opportunities to connect with his receivers in scoring situations.
Rather than focusing on accumulating passing yards, he helped Indiana move the football efficiently and finish drives with touchdowns. His performance was a major reason the Hoosiers established such a significant advantage.
Dante Moore’s Performance
Dante Moore finished with 285 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He completed 24 of 39 attempts and remained an important part of Oregon’s offensive production.
Moore actually recorded 108 more passing yards than Mendoza. However, the difference in touchdown production was significant. Moore also faced pressure from Indiana’s defense and was sacked three times.
His performance demonstrated that passing yardage alone does not determine a quarterback’s overall effectiveness. Indiana’s ability to generate touchdowns from fewer passing yards ultimately made the difference.
2. Rushing Stats
The running game was another important part of the matchup. Indiana produced a stronger overall rushing performance, while Oregon relied on several explosive individual plays.
| Player | Team | Carries | Rushing Yards | Average | TDs |
| Dierre Hill Jr. | Oregon | 5 | 86 | 17.2 | 0 |
| Jay Harris | Oregon | 16 | 35 | 2.2 | 1 |
| Kaelon Black | Indiana | 12 | 63 | 5.2 | 2 |
| Roman Hemby | Indiana | 17 | 53 | 3.1 | 0 |
| Khobie Martin | Indiana | 4 | 42 | 10.5 | 0 |
Dierre Hill Jr. delivered Oregon’s most explosive rushing performance. He gained 86 yards on only five carries, including a 71-yard run that demonstrated his ability to create opportunities with limited touches.
Jay Harris also contributed to Oregon’s ground attack, recording 35 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Indiana’s rushing production was more balanced. Kaelon Black gained 63 yards and scored twice, while Roman Hemby contributed 53 yards on 17 carries. Khobie Martin added another 42 yards.
The Hoosiers finished with 185 net rushing yards compared with Oregon’s 93. This difference helped Indiana maintain offensive balance and prevented Oregon from concentrating entirely on stopping the passing game.
3. Receiving Stats
The receiving performances also played a major role in determining the result. Indiana’s receivers converted Mendoza’s accurate throws into important scoring opportunities, while Oregon received productive contributions from multiple players.
| Player | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | TDs |
| Jamari Johnson | Oregon | 4 | 83 | 1 |
| Jeremiah McClellan | Oregon | 5 | 64 | 0 |
| Jay Harris | Oregon | 3 | 32 | 0 |
| Kenyon Sadiq | Oregon | 5 | 29 | 0 |
| Elijah Sarratt | Indiana | 7 | 75 | 2 |
| Charlie Becker | Indiana | 2 | 48 | 1 |
| Omar Cooper Jr. | Indiana | 3 | 17 | 1 |
| E.J. Williams Jr. | Indiana | 1 | 13 | 1 |
Oregon’s Leading Receivers
Jamari Johnson led Oregon’s receiving group with 83 yards and one touchdown. His contribution helped the Ducks generate passing opportunities despite the difficult game situation.
Jeremiah McClellan recorded five receptions for 64 yards, providing Moore with another reliable option. Kenyon Sadiq and Jay Harris also contributed receptions and helped Oregon distribute the football.
Indiana’s Leading Receivers
Elijah Sarratt was one of Indiana’s most important offensive players. He recorded seven receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns, making him a major contributor to Mendoza’s passing performance.
Charlie Becker added 48 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Omar Cooper Jr. and E.J. Williams Jr. also found the end zone.
Indiana’s receiving group demonstrated how different players could contribute to the scoring effort rather than relying on one individual target.
Complete Match Box Score: Oregon vs Indiana
The quarter-by-quarter scoring breakdown shows how Indiana established its advantage and maintained control throughout the game.
| Team | First Quarter | Second Quarter | Third Quarter | Fourth Quarter | Total |
| Oregon Ducks | 7 | 0 | 8 | 7 | 22 |
| Indiana Hoosiers | 14 | 21 | 7 | 14 | 56 |
Indiana scored 14 points in the opening quarter before adding another 21 in the second quarter. Oregon, meanwhile, struggled to find consistent scoring opportunities before halftime.
The third quarter provided a brief response from Oregon, which scored eight points. However, Indiana answered with another touchdown and maintained its substantial advantage.
The Hoosiers added 14 more points in the final quarter, completing their 56–22 victory.
Team Statistics Comparison
| Statistic | Oregon Ducks | Indiana Hoosiers |
| Total Yards | 378 | 362 |
| Passing Yards | 285 | 177 |
| Net Rushing Yards | 93 | 185 |
| First Downs | 20 | 18 |
| Offensive Plays | 66 | 60 |
| Third-Down Conversions | 8/13 | 11/14 |
| Interceptions Thrown | 1 | 0 |
| Time of Possession | 28:47 | 31:13 |
One of the most interesting details is that Oregon actually gained 16 more total yards than Indiana. Despite that advantage, the Ducks lost by 34 points.
This difference highlights the importance of scoring efficiency, turnovers, and defensive contributions. Indiana converted 11 of its 14 third-down attempts, compared with Oregon’s eight conversions from 13 attempts.
The Hoosiers also benefited from a defensive touchdown, which helped them establish an early advantage.
These figures explain why total offensive yardage does not always reflect the team that performed better on the scoreboard.
Game Highlights: How Indiana Defeated Oregon
The semifinal featured several important moments that influenced the final result. Indiana’s early defensive touchdown, efficient passing attack, and strong second-quarter performance were especially important.
First Quarter: Indiana Strikes First
Indiana opened the scoring with a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown by D’Angelo Ponds.
Oregon responded with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Dante Moore to Jamari Johnson, bringing the score to 7–7.
The Hoosiers regained the advantage when Fernando Mendoza connected with Omar Cooper Jr. for an eight-yard touchdown.
Indiana finished the opening quarter ahead 14–7, establishing early momentum.
Second Quarter: Indiana Takes Control
The second quarter became the defining period of the game.
Indiana scored three additional touchdowns while preventing Oregon from adding any points.
Kaelon Black scored on a one-yard rushing attempt. Mendoza then connected with Charlie Becker for a 36-yard touchdown before throwing another scoring pass to Elijah Sarratt.
The Hoosiers entered halftime with a commanding 35–7 advantage.
This period was particularly important because Oregon was forced to chase a large deficit instead of following its preferred offensive strategy.
Third Quarter: Oregon Attempts a Comeback
Indiana extended its lead when Mendoza threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to E.J. Williams Jr., making the score 42–7.
Oregon responded with a two-yard rushing touchdown by Jay Harris. The Ducks also completed a two-point conversion pass from Moore to Johnson.
The score moved to 42–15, giving Oregon some momentum. However, Indiana remained firmly in control.
Fourth Quarter: Indiana Completes the Victory
Indiana continued its offensive production in the final quarter.
Mendoza connected with Sarratt for another touchdown, while Black added a 23-yard rushing score.
Oregon managed a late one-yard touchdown pass from Moore to Roger Saleapaga, but the deficit was too large to overcome.
Indiana finished the game with a 56–22 victory, confirming its place in the College Football Playoff national championship game.
Defensive Performance and Key Turning Points
Indiana’s defense played an important role in the victory. Although the offense received considerable attention, several defensive contributions helped create the conditions for the Hoosiers’ dominant performance.
D’Angelo Ponds’ Interception Return
Ponds delivered one of the game’s most important plays by returning an interception 25 yards for a touchdown. The defensive score gave Indiana an early advantage and placed immediate pressure on Oregon.
Indiana’s Pass Rush
The Hoosiers recorded three sacks against Dante Moore. Their ability to pressure the quarterback disrupted Oregon’s passing rhythm and made it harder for the Ducks to sustain drives.
Turnover Control
Indiana avoided throwing interceptions, while Oregon committed an interception that resulted in a defensive touchdown. This difference was especially important in a game where Indiana converted opportunities into points so effectively.
What the Player Stats Reveal About the Match
The numbers from this semifinal reveal three important reasons behind Indiana’s victory.
1. Passing Efficiency Was More Important Than Passing Volume
Dante Moore accumulated more passing yards than Fernando Mendoza, but Mendoza threw five touchdowns compared with Moore’s two.
This difference demonstrates the importance of completing passes in scoring situations. Indiana did not need as many passing yards because its offense consistently finished drives.
2. Indiana Had the Stronger Overall Rushing Attack
Oregon’s Dierre Hill Jr. produced an impressive individual performance, but Indiana recorded considerably more rushing yards as a team.
The Hoosiers also received touchdown contributions from Kaelon Black, allowing their offense to remain balanced throughout the contest.
3. Defensive Scoring Changed the Game
D’Angelo Ponds’ interception return was more than just an impressive defensive moment. It immediately added seven points to Indiana’s score and gave the Hoosiers an advantage without requiring an offensive possession.
That contribution, combined with Indiana’s offensive efficiency, helped create a lead Oregon could not overcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the Oregon Ducks vs Indiana Hoosiers football game?
The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Oregon Ducks 56–22 in the College Football Playoff semifinal on January 9, 2026.
2. What were Fernando Mendoza’s stats against Oregon?
Fernando Mendoza completed 17 of 20 passes for 177 yards and five touchdowns. He did not throw an interception during the game.
3. How many passing yards did Dante Moore record?
Dante Moore recorded 285 passing yards, completing 24 of 39 attempts. He threw two touchdowns and one interception.
4. Who was Oregon’s leading rusher?
Dierre Hill Jr. led Oregon with 86 rushing yards on five carries. His longest run covered 71 yards.
5. Who led Indiana in receiving yards?
Elijah Sarratt led Indiana with seven receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns.
6. How many points did Indiana score in the first half?
Indiana scored 35 points in the first half, including 14 points in the opening quarter and 21 in the second quarter.
7. What was the biggest difference between Oregon and Indiana?
The biggest difference was scoring efficiency. Oregon gained slightly more total offensive yards, but Indiana produced more rushing yards, converted more third downs, avoided interceptions, and scored more touchdowns.
Conclusion
The Oregon Ducks football vs Indiana Hoosiers football match player stats reveal how Indiana earned its impressive 56–22 semifinal victory. Fernando Mendoza’s five touchdown passes, Kaelon Black’s two rushing touchdowns, Elijah Sarratt’s receiving contributions, and D’Angelo Ponds’ defensive touchdown were among the most important factors.
Oregon produced more passing yards and slightly more total offensive yardage, but Indiana was more effective at converting opportunities into points. Its balanced rushing attack, efficient passing performance, and defensive pressure helped the Hoosiers establish an early lead and maintain control until the final whistle.
For college football fans, this matchup provides a useful example of why player statistics should be evaluated together rather than individually. Passing yards, rushing production, receiving touchdowns, turnovers, and third-down conversions all contributed to the final result.
