Indianapolis, January 4, 2026
The College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals feature Indiana facing Oregon in the Peach Bowl, set to take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Indiana, concluding the regular season undefeated, seeks to continue their impressive run against Oregon, which has only one loss. Both teams aim for the national championship, showcasing talent and competitive spirit in this highly anticipated matchup.
Indiana Set for College Football Playoff Semifinals
Excitement Builds as Indiana Takes on Oregon in the Peach Bowl
Indianapolis – The College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals are shaping up to be a thrilling showcase of talent and determination, with Indiana facing off against Oregon at the Peach Bowl and Miami battling Ole Miss at the Fiesta Bowl. These highly anticipated matchups promise to deliver excitement as they determine the finalists for the 2026 National Championship.
Indiana’s success in the 2025 season is a testament to the resilience and dedication of local athletes and coaching staff. The Hoosiers conclude the regular season with an impressive 14-0 record, while Oregon enters the semifinals at 13-1. This opportunity not only highlights the strength of Indiana’s football program but also enhances local pride and community engagement. The state benefits from cultivating world-class talents, an example of how a focus on sports can invigorate local economies and inspire a spirit of entrepreneurship that resonates beyond the field.
Indiana vs. Oregon: A Semifinal Rematch
Indiana will square off against Oregon in the Peach Bowl on January 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. This rematch is especially significant as Indiana handed Oregon its first loss of the season earlier in the year, breaking the Ducks’ 18-game home winning streak. In the quarterfinal games, Indiana delivered a commanding performance against Alabama, winning 38-3. Conversely, Oregon shined on defense, shutting out Texas Tech with a solid 23-0 victory. The stage is set for a fierce contest led by standout quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza, who has notably obtained the Heisman Trophy, and Dante Moore, a top prospect for the upcoming NFL draft.
Miami vs. Ole Miss: A New Fiesta Bowl Matchup
Miami’s showdown with Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl on January 8, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, marks the first time these two teams have met since 1951. Miami, boasting a strong 12-2 record, has been propelled by quarterback Carson Beck, who transferred from Georgia. Meanwhile, Ole Miss, now under the guidance of new head coach Pete Golding, continues to demonstrate resilience following the midseason departure of Lane Kiffin. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, a Division II champion, aims to lead his team to victory in pursuit of a Division I title.
Upcoming National Championship Game
The victorious teams from the Peach Bowl and Fiesta Bowl will clash for the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Football fans can eagerly anticipate seeing their favorites battle for the crowning glory, which will be televised nationally by ESPN at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Recent Bowl Game Results
- Rose Bowl: Indiana defeated Alabama 38-3, securing their first-ever Rose Bowl victory and advancing to the CFP semifinals.
- Sugar Bowl: Ole Miss overcame Georgia 39-34 in a thrilling quarterfinal matchup.
- Liberty Bowl: Navy triumphed over Cincinnati 35-13.
- Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Wake Forest secured a 43-29 victory against Mississippi State.
SEC’s New 9-Game Conference Schedule
In a move to enhance competitive balance, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has adopted a nine-game conference schedule that will commence in 2026. This aligns the SEC with the Big Ten and Big 12, providing teams with three annual opponents while ensuring that each matchup against remaining conference schools takes place at least once every two years. This change represents a strategic effort to safeguard traditional rivalries while promoting a more dynamic playing field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When and where are the CFP semifinals taking place?
The CFP semifinals are scheduled for January 8 and 9, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, respectively.
Which teams are competing in the CFP semifinals?
The teams are Indiana vs. Oregon in the Peach Bowl, and Miami vs. Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl.
What is the schedule for the 2026 National Championship Game?
The National Championship Game is set for January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, starting at 7:30 p.m. EST.
How can I watch the CFP games?
The games will be televised nationally by ESPN. Check your local listings for specific channel information.
What is the SEC’s new conference schedule format?
The SEC will implement a nine-game conference schedule starting in 2026, featuring three annual opponents and rotating among the remaining conference schools to ensure every matchup occurs at least once every two years.
Key Features of the 2026 College Football Playoff
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Semifinal Matchups | Indiana vs. Oregon in the Peach Bowl; Miami vs. Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl |
| National Championship Game | January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida |
| SEC Conference Schedule | Transition to a nine-game conference schedule beginning in 2026 |
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