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Five Indiana standouts for Oregon fans to know ahead of Peach Bowl
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- Five Indiana standouts for Oregon fans to know ahead of Peach Bowl
Teams don't go 14-0 and reach the College Football Playoff Semifinals without having elite talent all across the roster. That's exactly the case for the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers , who have zero blemishes on their resume and enter the Peach Bowl against the No. 5 Oregon Ducks as over a field goal favorites.
These two teams already met in Week 7, as the Hoosiers stunned the crowd at Autzen Stadium as they stormed out with a 30-20 upset victory with ESPN's College Gameday in attendance. Duck fans were put on notice to the sheer talent that the Indiana roster has, with many Hoosiers putting on a show on the road.
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But with that game taking place roughly three months ago, it's a good refresher to get to know the stars that will be across from the Ducks at kickoff on Friday night.
These five Hoosiers have been the headliners as the team has torn through the Big Ten, claimed a conference championship and reached the CFP Semifinals.
QB Fernando Mendoza
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) looks to pass downfield against Alabama Crimson Tide on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, during the Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif.
Beginning his first season at Cal, Mendoza has excelled in offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan's offense after transferring to Indiana this offseason, culminating in a Heisman Trophy. A season after throwing 16 touchdowns to six interceptions, he's totaled 36 touchdowns to just six interceptions this season. At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza stands tall in the pocket and is a tremendous processor when given time, delivering accurate passes all over the field. His growth has vaulted him into the conversation of the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft alongside Oregon's Dante Moore . Though he didn't have the gaudiest statline in Week 7 against the Ducks, he led an impressive go-ahead touchdown drive in the fourth quarter that gave Indiana the lead for good, showing off his entire repertoire as a passer.
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RB Roman Hemby
Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Roman Hemby (1) runs for a touchdown against Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) during the first quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Indiana's most reliable running back, Hemby also transferred to Indiana after four seasons at Maryland. The 6-foot, 208-pounder isn't the most physical of backs, but gets the job done between the tackles when needed. Where he excels is on the outside, as he has the speed to beat defenders' angles and carry the ball for significant gains. Hemby had 19 touches for 95 yards and two touchdowns against Oregon.
WR Elijah Sarratt
Indiana's Elijah Sarratt (13) celebrates a touchdown catch during the Indiana versus Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
One part of the Hoosiers' two-headed monster at wide receiver alongside Omar Cooper Jr., Sarratt is Mendoza's go-to target in critical moments. He was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2025, thus far catching 55 passes for 727 yards and 13 touchdowns. With elite body control on passes downfield and an innate ability to run after the catch, Sarratt has the entire package at the wide receiver position and is expected to be one of the top receivers selected in the 2026 draft. He he had one of his best games of the season against Oregon, as he finished with eight receptions for 121 yards and the go-ahead touchdown.
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LB Aiden Fisher
Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Aiden Fisher (4) reacts to a pass break up on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) during the Big Ten Conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10.
Fisher is the quarterback of the defense; the entire unit looks to him for his leadership and knowledge. Though he hasn't necessarily impressed on the stat sheet this season, largely due to the strong personnel around him, Fisher is a tackling machine, recording 108 and 118 tackles in 2023 and 2024, respectively. He's widely considered one of the top linebackers in the Big Ten, having been named a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2025. Fisher was flying around the field in Week 7 against Oregon, as he recorded a season-high 13 tackles.
CB D'Angelo Ponds
Indiana's D'Angelo Ponds (5) picks up a blocked punt during the Indiana versus Illinois football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
At just 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, Ponds relies on his next-level athleticism and instincts to make up for his lack of size. A first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2024 and 2025 and a preseason All-American selection this year, the Hoosiers know they can count on their top cornerback to make plays and do his part in taking away a side of the field.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Five Indiana Hoosiers for Oregon Ducks fans to know ahead of CFP
