The 2026 Peach Bowl will once again feature two nationally ranked college football teams squaring off in Atlanta.
The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, scheduled for January 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, will feature the Indiana Hoosiers facing the Oregon Ducks.
This matchup is part of the College Football Playoff (CFP), with the winner advancing to the finals.
When Is The Peach Bowl This Year?
The Peach Bowl will be played on January 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m.
The undefeated No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers (14-0) will face the No. 5 Oregon Ducks (13-1) in a highly anticipated Big Ten rematch with a spot in the national championship on the line.Game Details
- Date: Friday, January 9, 2026
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT)
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: Available on ESPN app and services carrying ESPN (e.g., Fubo, Sling)
The winner advances to the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, January 19, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
How They Got Here
Both teams earned their semifinal berth with dominant quarterfinal performances on New Year’s Day.
The Hoosiers, led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, crushed No. 9 Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl, showcasing a balanced attack with Mendoza throwing three touchdowns and the defense stifling the Crimson Tide.
Oregon delivered a shutout in the Orange Bowl, blanking No. 4 Texas Tech 23-0 behind a stout defense and efficient offense.
A Rematch with History
This matchup is a rematch of an October regular-season clash where Indiana upset Oregon 30-20 in Eugene – the Ducks’ only loss of the season. The series is now tied 2-2 all-time, but this will be the first postseason meeting between the Big Ten foes.
It’s also historic for the Peach Bowl: the first time two teams from the same conference have met in the game’s 58-year history, and Oregon’s debut appearance in the bowl.
Indiana is making its third Peach Bowl trip (previously losing in 1988 and 1990), while the Hoosiers aim for their first-ever CFP National Championship berth.
Tickets and Atmosphere
Initial ticket inventory sold out months ago, marking the 26th sellout in the last 29 Peach Bowl games. Resale tickets are available through platforms like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster, though prices are elevated due to demand.
Expect a record crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, building on the bowl’s recent attendance highs. Fan events, tailgating, and pre-game festivities will light up downtown Atlanta throughout the week.What to Watch For
- Can Oregon avenge its regular-season loss and exploit any Hoosiers vulnerabilities?
- Will Indiana’s perfect season continue, propelled by Mendoza’s arm and a relentless defense?
- Big Ten pride is on the line in this intra-conference showdown.
Atlanta proudly welcomes college football’s elite for what promises to be an unforgettable semifinal. Stay tuned for more coverage as kickoff approaches!
The Peach Bowl is one of the biggest college football bowl games that take place at the end of the season. It is traditionally one of the best and important bowl games in America. This year will be no different, particularly because it’s a part of the College Football Playoff.
Everything You Need To Know About The Peach Bowl
The Peach Bowl, officially known as the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl due to sponsorship, is one of college football’s most prestigious postseason games. Here’s a breakdown of its history:
Founding and Early Years
- Established: 1968, initially as the “Peach Bowl.”
- Location: Originally held at Georgia Tech’s Grant Field in Atlanta before moving to Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium (1971), the Georgia Dome (1992), and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (2017).
- Purpose: Created to promote tourism and economic activity in Atlanta.
Evolution of Prestige
- Early Reputation:
- In its early years, the Peach Bowl was considered a lower-tier bowl game, often featuring unranked or regionally popular teams.
- Sponsorship and Growth:
- Chick-fil-A became the title sponsor in 1997, boosting the game’s visibility and financial stability.
- Over time, the Peach Bowl grew into a major destination for teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Southeastern Conference (SEC).
- College Football Playoff Era:
- In 2014, the Peach Bowl became part of the New Year’s Six bowl rotation, hosting semifinals for the College Football Playoff (CFP) every three years.
Memorable Games
- 1984: Army defeated Michigan State 10–6, marking Army’s first bowl win.
- 1991: East Carolina staged a dramatic comeback to beat NC State 37–34.
- 2006: Georgia defeated Virginia Tech 31–24 in an intense ACC-SEC matchup.
- 2016: Alabama beat Washington 24–7 in a CFP semifinal.
- 2022: Georgia narrowly defeated Ohio State 42–41 in another CFP semifinal, solidifying its reputation as a venue for thrilling games.
Notable Contributions
- The Peach Bowl has distributed millions to participating schools and local charities.
- It holds the distinction of being the highest-attended bowl game outside the CFP National Championship for several years running.
Historic Firsts
- 1971: Became the first bowl game to host an African-American head coach, Jake Gaither of Florida A&M.
- 1992: Hosted the first-ever game in the newly built Georgia Dome.
Cultural Impact
- The Peach Bowl has become a holiday tradition in Atlanta, boosting local tourism and hosting pregame and postgame events like the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game to start the college football season.
The Peach Bowl’s rise from a modest regional game to a national showcase is a testament to Atlanta’s role in college football and its ability to host high-profile sporting events.
Where Is The Peach Bowl?
The Peach Bowl is always held in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The venue for the Peach Bowl is Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
If you’ve never been to the stadium, the address is 1 AMB Dr., NW Atlanta, GA 30303. Don’t worry. You can’t miss it.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
