The Oregon Ducks were blown out by the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Semifinal.
It was ugly from the start for the No. 5 seed Oregon Ducks (13-2) against the No. 1 seed Indiana Hoosiers (15-0). Quarterback Dante Moore dropped back to throw on the first play of the game and was intercepted by D'Angelo Ponds, who returned it for a touchdown, putting the Ducks in a quick 7-0 hole.
Moore and the offense composed themselves on the ensuing drive, marching down the field for a 14-play 75-yard drive with Moore connecting with tight end Jamari Johnson on a nine-yard touchdown.
However, Indiana matched Oregon with a 75-yard drive of their own, as Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza found Omar Cooper Jr. for an eight-yard score.
It only got uglier from there for the Ducks, as they punted and fumbled twice, and missed a 56-yard field goal to end the first half. The Hoosiers took full advantage, scoring three more touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 35-7 lead at the half.
Indiana kept their foot on the gas in the third quarter, with another touchdown drive as Mendoza found E.J. Williams Jr. for a 13-yard score.
The Ducks started to rally, as a 71-yard rush by Dierre Hill Jr. set up Jay Harris to punch it in for the touchdown, capping off a quick two-play drive.
Oregon's defense then forced a punt, but couldn't capitalize, failing to convert a 4th-and-1 on the next drive, ending any hope of a comeback.
A major difference was turnovers: Oregon forced two Mendoza fumbles, but Indiana recovered both. Instead, Mendoza carved up the Ducks, completing 17 of 20 passes for 177 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions, leading to the 56-22 victory.
Head coach Dan Lanning and the Ducks have now lost in the College Football Playoff Semifinal in consecutive seasons. Oregon lost to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2024-25 College Football Playoff.
The Ducks now enter the offseason and shift their focus to the looming question: Will Dante Moore return to Oregon or declare for the NFL Draft?
Prior to the matchup with Indiana, Moore was projected to be a top-two pick in the draft. He would still likely be a top pick, but his turnovers against the Hoosiers could give him more reason to stay at Oregon and develop for another season.
In what may have been the final game of his college career, Moore completed 24 of 39 passes for 285 yards, two touchdowns, an interception, and two fumbles (one lost).
It was a disappointing end to an otherwise successful season for the Ducks. Oregon's only two losses came against Indiana, who have not lost a game and will take on Miami in the National Championship Game.
Lanning and the Ducks will look to reset and improve their roster to make a deeper run in the College Football Playoff in the 2026-27 season.