The No. 5 Oregon Ducks are set to face the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers in the 2026 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on January 9, 2026. The game takes place at 7:30 PM ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, airing nationally on ESPN. The winner will move on to the National Championship Game on January 19.
Both teams showed their strength in the quarterfinals. Oregon earned a solid 23-0 victory over No. 4 Texas Tech. Meanwhile, Indiana is making history with its first CFP Semifinal appearance after a decisive 38-3 win against No. 9 Alabama.
This matchup is unique as it marks the first postseason meeting between these two programs. Interestingly, it’s the first time in the 58-year history of the Peach Bowl that teams from the same conference are competing. The Ducks and the Hoosiers have played against each other four times before, with their latest clash resulting in a 30-20 win for Indiana earlier this season.
Gary Stokan, CEO of Peach Bowl, Inc., expressed the significance of the game, saying it fits perfectly into the spirit of college football. The event adds to the Peach Bowl’s impressive history, as it previously hosted CFP Semifinals in 2016, 2019, and 2022. The 2022 game, where Georgia defeated Ohio State, set attendance records, drawing 79,330 fans.
As for tickets, the initial inventory is sold out, but there are options available for those eager to attend. Fans can check with their team’s athletic department for tickets or look at the official ticket exchange on Ticketmaster for secondary market tickets, which may be higher in price.
New Insights
According to recent data, attendance at college football games is on the rise, with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) reporting over 42 million fans attending games last season. This boost in interest aligns with the growing popularity of the sport. Social media also plays a significant role in fan engagement, with hashtags like #CFBPlayoff trending each year, drawing in younger audiences and driving discussions online.
Furthermore, experts highlight how playoff games have become essential for recruiting top talent. High school athletes are increasingly drawn to programs that consistently make it to the playoffs, impacting their college choices. This year’s matchup may also influence future recruitment strategies, showcasing how performance on the big stage can alter a team’s trajectory.
For a closer look at the Peach Bowl’s history, you can check the official site here. This game is shaping up to be more than just a contest; it’s a critical moment for both teams and their futures in college football.
