So, you’re looking for the score of the IU football game. Honestly, if you’ve been following the Hoosiers lately, you already know they’re in the middle of a run that feels more like a movie script than actual reality. As of right now, January 17, 2026, there isn’t a game happening today, but the scoreboard from their last outing is still echoing through Bloomington.
The Indiana Hoosiers last took the field on January 9, 2026, and they didn't just win; they absolutely dismantled the Oregon Ducks in the College Football Playoff Semifinal (Peach Bowl). The final score was Indiana 56, Oregon 22. It was a beatdown from the jump. If you were looking for a tight, defensive struggle, you weren't getting it there. Coach Curt Cignetti’s squad put the nation on notice, proving that their undefeated regular season wasn't some fluke of a soft schedule.
Breaking Down the IU Football Game Score: Peach Bowl Dominance
People keep asking what is the score of the iu football game because the post-season schedule is moving fast. That 56-22 victory over Oregon was a statement. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza—who, by the way, became Indiana’s first-ever Heisman Trophy winner this year—was surgical. He tossed five touchdown passes. Think about that for a second. In a playoff game against a Top-5 defense, he made it look like a 7-on-7 drill in July.
The game got out of hand early. D’Angelo Ponds set the tone literally seconds into the game with a pick-six. Before some fans even had their popcorn, it was 7-0. By halftime, the lead had ballooned to 35-7. It’s rare to see a team like Oregon look that lost, but the Hoosiers’ defense, led by Aiden Fisher, forced three first-half turnovers.
Here is how that score looked by the quarters:
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- First Quarter: IU 14, Oregon 7
- Second Quarter: IU 21, Oregon 0 (Total: 35-7)
- Third Quarter: IU 7, Oregon 8 (Total: 42-15)
- Fourth Quarter: IU 14, Oregon 7 (Total: 56-22)
Kaelon Black also pounded the rock for two rushing scores. Basically, they can beat you however they want. They can air it out to Elijah Sarratt, or they can just bully you at the line of scrimmage.
The Road to the National Championship
The reason the score of the iu football game matters so much right now is where it puts them. This win punched their ticket to the College Football Playoff National Championship. They are currently 15-0. Let that sink in. This is a program that, not long ago, was the "losingest" program in FBS history. Now? They’re the No. 1 team in the country.
Before the Oregon blowout, they took care of Alabama in the Rose Bowl. That score was 38-3. They've outscored their last two playoff opponents 94-25. It’s hard to wrap your head around if you grew up watching IU football struggle just to get to the Pinstripe Bowl.
When is the next IU football game?
Since there is no game today, the date you need to circle in red is Monday, January 19, 2026. That’s the big one. The National Championship.
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Indiana will face the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. It’s a road game in spirit, but IU fans have been buying up tickets at such a crazy rate that it might feel like Memorial Stadium South. The kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.
If you're in Bloomington and couldn't snag a ticket to Miami (prices are soaring, naturally), Assembly Hall is hosting a massive watch party. It’s already sold out, but the energy in town is basically a 24/7 festival at this point.
What to expect for the National Championship score
Predicting the score for the Monday night game against Miami is tricky. The Hurricanes are 13-2 and playing in their own backyard. They have a portal-heavy roster just like IU, and their offense can be explosive. But IU is currently favored by about 8.5 points.
Experts like Pat Forde and the crew at SI have noted that Indiana's "blueprint" under Cignetti is remarkably consistent. They don't beat themselves. They don't turn the ball over—Mendoza has been incredibly efficient—and they play a style of "fully maximized" football that even Urban Meyer admitted he found impressive.
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How to stay updated on the live score
On Monday night, if you can’t get to a TV, you'll want to keep a few tabs open. The official IU Hoosiers site usually has the most accurate live stats, but for the fastest play-by-play, the ESPN app is the standard.
Most people just search what is the score of the iu football game during the fourth quarter to see if they can start the celebration early. Given how this season has gone, the answer has almost always been a resounding "Yes."
Key stats to watch on Monday night:
- Fernando Mendoza’s completion percentage: If he’s over 70%, Miami is in big trouble.
- Turnover margin: IU is +18 on the season. They live off opponent mistakes.
- Third-down conversions: Against Oregon, IU was 11-of-14 on third down. That is an absurd, almost unsustainable level of efficiency.
It’s been a surreal ride. From hiring a "little known" coach from James Madison to standing on the precipice of a national title, the Hoosiers have redefined what's possible in the NIL and transfer portal era.
Next Steps for Hoosier Fans:
If you're looking for live updates during the game on Monday, download the IU Hoosiers Mobile App for real-time play-by-play. For those in Bloomington, check the local transit updates as the city is preparing for "onslaught" levels of traffic near the campus watch parties. If you need gear, the team store at the Marriott Biscayne Bay in Miami is the primary hub for fans traveling south.