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Behind Caeleb Dressel's Olympic return, 'a work in progress' to rekindle his love for swimming

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Behind Caeleb Dressel's Olympic return, 'a work in progress' to rekindle his love for swimming

Follow our Olympics coverage in the lead-up to the Paris Games.


The shimmer of Caeleb Dressel’s seven gold medals may suggest otherwise, but he knows swimming can be a brutal and suffocating sport.

He is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best in the world at what he does, sprinting from one end of the pool to the other (and sometimes back). He holds the world record in the men’s 100-meter butterfly, having first snatched that historical distinction away from Michael Phelps in 2019. Then, Dressel lowered his world record in the event at the Tokyo Olympics — where he won five gold medals in five events.

Despite it all, Dressel was miserable.

He was fixated on where he felt he’d failed. In one race, it was the turn. Another, the finish. His head position. It didn’t matter that he’d touched the wall first over and over again. It didn’t matter that he was bringing gold home and helping Team USA finish atop the medal count. He chased perfection. He chased times and chased stretch goals. He hadn’t met them.

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“I created a monster in myself — just so caught up in perfectionism,” he told former Olympians Missy Franklin and Katie Hoff on their “Unfiltered Waters” podcast. “So caught up in, ‘If I don’t see these times, it means I’m a bad person, or it means I did not train hard enough. If I don’t go a world record, it means … I didn’t obsess enough.’”

The sport he’d been drawn to as a kid because it was so delightfully fun was quite the opposite. And it’d been that way for years. But Dressel kept pushing himself, listening to his internal critic ripping himself apart.

Until he “broke,” he puts it now. He withdrew abruptly in the middle of the 2022 world championship meet in Budapest and disappeared from the sport for eight months.

Dressel hasn’t gone into much detail about that period of his life in Gainesville, Fla., other than to say he spent a lot of time with his therapist. His wife, Meghan, was there for him, too, though she also realized there were a lot of conversations Dressel needed to have inside his own mind. Some days, he didn’t do much. Most days, he avoided routes that took him past the University of Florida pool. He didn’t want to smell the chlorine.

He had to figure out who he was beyond his best times and what made him tick outside the pool. He had to reorient himself, how he believed others felt about him and why they loved him. He had to learn how to smile again.

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The process wasn’t easy, and progress hasn’t always been a straight line. But it’s what makes Dressel, 27, who he is now as a swimmer and a person (and new dad). It’s also why he’s back in the pool and headed to Paris, one of the headliners of Team USA and arguably the most important piece of the puzzle for the U.S. swim team in its efforts to win the meet by bringing home more gold medals than its peers. There is outside pressure, yes. But inside his mind, Dressel’s biggest critic is quieter.

“It’s really tough,” Dressel told The Athletic last month. “It’s embedded in me — where you always want to look for ways to get better. I’m still doing that, but I’m not becoming obsessed and so fixated on it that I lose sight of what’s actually fun with the sport. It’s hard, and it’s not like I’ve all of a sudden gotten to figure it out this year. There are things that I’m really proud that I’ve done differently, like being able to enjoy parts of the sport without just crapping on myself for not being perfect.

“It is still very much a work in progress.”


Caeleb Dressel won five gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics. But a year later, he walked away from the sport. It’s still “a work in progress,” he said of his return. (Tim Clayton / Corbis via Getty Images)

Now, Dressel sounds like a person who’s figured out a lot about himself through therapy. One of the first things he will tell you is how helpful his regular appointments with his therapist have been.

“I’ve been trying to not be so fixated on results and just simply enjoying racing and training — those are the two parts of the sport that I really enjoy,” Dressel said. “There are parts of the sport that I really dislike, that I really hate. But it’s worth putting up with for the moments that I really do enjoy. It’s going to be a balance; I’m not expecting every part of the sport to just be the best thing ever for me. But I’ve really leaned into the parts of the sport that I do enjoy.

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“That’s been the main difference for me. I’ve always loved training. I’ve always loved being around the team. The actual racing portion, I do really, really enjoy — as soon as the gun goes off, it’s just simply fun. So, I’ve just been trying to keep it just simply swimming. Simply swimming this year.”

Dressel will simply swim the 50-meter freestyle and the 100 fly as individual events at the Games, and he’ll likely be part of multiple relays. At the U.S. Olympic trials in Indianapolis, he finished third in the 100-free final, which cost him the opportunity to defend his gold medal in the event in Paris.

But he’s happy to be part of the Olympic team. He’s proud of what he accomplished at trials to qualify for it. He’s thrilled that his infant son, August, got to see it all, held in Meghan’s arms in the stands.

“No one can take that away,” Dressel said in Indianapolis. “He’s not going to remember it. I will tell him, trust me, I got photos so I can prove it. … That was a really special moment. Meghan knows what goes into this, not just the parenting side of things but she gets to see firsthand the struggles that come with the sport.

“The tears that come with it, the frustration and then also the high points, and getting to share that with them, because they go through that as well — that was really special, August getting to see that.”

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Meghan shared a video of Dressel with baby August at the Olympic training camp in North Carolina this month, another moment captured and saved to commemorate a once-in-a-lifetime moment. They’ll be in Paris, too, alongside Dressel’s parents and family. Dressel said he wouldn’t be where he is today without their support. And he certainly wouldn’t be where he is without Meghan, whom he calls the “superhero” of their family.

Parenthood is wonderful for many reasons, but perhaps the greatest lesson it teaches is one of perspective — especially for someone who has spent most of his life chasing times and hunting perfection that does not and cannot exist.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever go a best time ever again, and that’s tough to say out loud. It really is,” Dressel said. “When you’re 19, 20, 21, you keep chipping away, chipping away, chipping away. I’m still working harder than ever, finding every path I can take to shave those couple of tenths. But I don’t know. I don’t know if I can do that. I’m really good at racing. You put me in a race, I will make it close, as close as I possibly can, even if I have to try to kill myself to get there. I will put myself in those situations.”

So, he doesn’t know exactly how Paris will go. But he knows he’s older, wiser and genuinely happier than before the last Olympic Games. Others see it, too, and not just when he’s straddling the lane line after a race or punching the water in celebration.

“He’s always had that smile,” seven-time gold medalist and University of Florida training partner Katie Ledecky said. “He took that time away, and when he came back, he’s had that smile every day. Just to see his progression over this past year, how he’s just gotten better and better each meet — he seems to just be loving the racing, and he loves the training probably more than the racing, and that makes everyone around him better.”

It will make one of the best swimmers in the world better, too. And that’s why that smile is as good as gold, no matter what medal hangs around Dressel’s neck.

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Caeleb Dressel

“I don’t know if I’ll ever go a best time ever again, and that’s tough to say out loud,” Caeleb Dressel said. He’ll give it a shot in Paris starting later this month. (Maddie Meyer / Getty Images)

(Top illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photo: Sarah Stier / Getty Images) 

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Falcons hire franchise legend Matt Ryan to major front office role

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Falcons hire franchise legend Matt Ryan to major front office role

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The Atlanta Falcons have added one of the team’s greatest players to its front office.

The Falcons announced on Saturday that former quarterback Matt Ryan, who spent the first 14 years of his 15-year NFL career with the team after being drafted third overall in 2008, will be president of football on Saturday. The 40-year-old Ryan, who holds team records for passing yards, touchdowns and wins, will assume the new role immediately.

Ryan will report directly to owner Arthur Blank and collaborate with president and CEO Greg Beadles to ensure the alignment of the business and football areas of the organization.

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Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) on the sideline before he is inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor at halftime of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Oct. 3, 2024. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)

“Throughout his remarkable 14-year career in Atlanta, Matt’s leadership, attention to detail, knowledge of the game and unrelenting drive to win made him the most successful player in our franchise’s history,” Blank said in a statement.

“I am confident those same qualities will be a tremendous benefit to our organization as he steps into this new role. From his playing days to his time as an analyst at CBS, Matt has always been a student of the game, and he brings an astute understanding of today’s NFL, as well as unique knowledge of our organization and this market. I have full confidence and trust in Matt as we strive to deliver a championship caliber team for Atlanta and Falcons fans everywhere.”

The Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris on Sunday after back-to-back 8-9 seasons. The Falcons had won their last four games, leading some to believe Morris might be afforded a third season, but Blank had other plans.

AARON RODGERS TAKES THINLY-VEILED SHOT AT JETS AHEAD OF STEELERS’ PLAYOFF GAME

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CBS Sports broadcaster Matt Ryan before a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, on Nov. 16, 2025. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)

The Falcons also fired general manager Terry Fontenot after five seasons on Sunday. Ryan will be fully involved in the team’s search for the Falcons’ next head coach and general manager.

“Arthur gave me the chance of a lifetime almost twenty years ago, and he’s done it again today,” Ryan said in a statement.

“While I appreciate the time I had with the Colts and with CBS, I’ve always been a Falcon. It feels great to be home. I could not be more excited, grateful, or humbled by this new opportunity. I began my career with a singular goal: to do right by the Blank family, the Falcons organization, the City of Atlanta, and especially our fans. My commitment to the success of this franchise has not changed. I’m beyond ready to help write a new chapter of excellence.”

Ryan has spent the last three seasons as a member of the CBS Sports team as an analyst.

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) passes the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, on Jan. 2, 2022. (Rich Barnes/USA TODAY Sports)

“I want to thank the incredible team at CBS Sports. I loved my three years there and I am truly grateful for their support in pursuing this opportunity. The CBS Sports culture is amazing, and I have made teammates and friends for life,” Ryan said in a statement.

Ryan, who was drafted out of Boston College, played with the Falcons for 14 seasons and holds many franchise records, including passing yards (59,735), attempts (8,003), completions (5,242), passing touchdowns (367), passer rating (94.6), completion percentage (65.5) and 300-yard games (73).

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High school basketball: Friday’s boys’ and girls’ scores

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High school basketball: Friday’s boys’ and girls’ scores

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

FRIDAY’S RESULTS

BOYS

CITY SECTION

Dorsey 75, Northridge Academy 67

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El Camino Real 60, Carson 40

Fairfax 80, North Hollywood 43

Harbor Teacher 43, Torres 33

LA Hamilton 47, Marquez 40

LA University 74, Franklin 52

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Santee 71, Rise Kohyang 39

SOCES 74, Lincoln 73

South East 59, Locke 45

View Park 44, Orthopaedic 40

Westbrook 57, Maywood CES 56

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Wilmington Banning 50, Verdugo Hills 37

WISH Academy 50, University Prep Value 47

SOUTHERN SECTION

ACE 57, Victor Valley Christian 45

Agoura 52, Newbury Park 48

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Alhambra 57, Montebello 43

Aliso Niguel 39, Beckman 37

Anaheim 57, Garden Grove Santiago 42

Anaheim Canyon 75, Santa Ana Foothill 52

Animo Leadership 61, Ambassador 58

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Arcadia 69, Muir 45

Arlington 73, Hemet 66

Arrowhead Christian 68, Linfield Christian 53

Arroyo 79, Pasadena Marshall 57

Ayala 67, Diamond Bar 63

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Azusa 77, Duarte 76

Banning 77, Desert Mirage 30

Bassett 51, Pomona 18

Bell Gardens 69, San Gabriel 49

Beverly Hills 57, Culver City 48

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Big Bear 98, AAE 49

Bishop Amat 91, Gardena Serra 49

Blair 95, South Pasadena 78

Bonita 68, Walnut 51

Brea Olinda 67, Garden Grove Pacifica 53

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Burbank Burroughs 72, Glendale 64

Calabasas 81, Westlake 70

California 84, El Rancho 39

California Lutheran 66, Desert Christian Academy 65

Calvin Christian 63, Cornerstone Christian 28

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Cathedral 73, Cantwell-Sacred Heart 69

Cerritos 60, Whitney 32

Chaminade 55, Loyola 48

Citrus Hill 80, Canyon Springs 55

Corona Centennial 89, Norco 21

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Corona Santiago 70, Eastvale Roosevelt 63

Crescenta Valley 77, Burbank 64

Desert Hot Springs 69, Cathedral City 46

Downey 78, Firebuagh 38

Dunn 60, Grace 53

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Edgewood 67, Workman 34

Edison 75, Newport Harbor 70

El Dorado 69, Sonora 60

El Toro 53, Mission Viejo 48

Excelsior Charter 79, Lucerne Valley 34

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Foothill Tech 66, Cate 39

Fountain Valley 56, Huntington Beach 49

Gahr 54, Dominguez 52

Glendora 54, Claremont 33

Hacienda Heights Wilson 62, Charter Oak 52

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Harvard-Westlake 78, Crespi 53

Indian Springs 64, Pacific 32

JSerra 80, Orange Lutheran 66

Keppel 79, Schurr 50

Laguna Beach 69, Irvine University 48

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La Habra 69, Crean Lutheran 56

Lakeside 72, Heritage 53

Lakeview Leadership 69, PAL Academy 22

La Salle 63, Mary Star of the Sea 38

La Sierra 52, Jurupa Valley 51

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La Serna 49, Santa Fe 47

Long Beach Cabrillo 59, Long Beach Jordan 53

Long Beach Poly 78, Compton 50

Long Beach Wilson 65, Lakewood 52

Los Alamitos 80, Marina 60

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Maranatha 45, Heritage Christian 44

Mater Dei 95, Servite 76

Mira Costa 69, Peninsula 28

Moorpark 58, Camarillo 54

Murrieta Valley 70, Great Oak 67

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North Torrance 47, West Torrance 42

Northview 45, West Covina 37

Oaks Christian 72, Thousand Oaks 65

Ontario Christian 79, Woodcrest Christian 58

Orange 60, Estancia 59

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Oxford Academy 64, Artesia 62

Oxnard 60, Rio Mesa 50

Oxnard Pacifica 73, Dos Pueblos 70

Paloma Valley 65, Vista del Lago 42

Palos Verdes 53, Wiseburn-Da Vinci 51

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Pasadena 86, Hoover 20

Perris 52, Valley View 51

Pilibos 69, Mesrobian 35

Pioneer 79, Glenn 41

Portola 69, Irvine 44

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Ramona 87, Norte Vista 77

Rancho Christian 78, Liberty 39

Rancho Verde 76, ORange Vista 46

Rio Hondo Prep 51, Chadwick 50

Riverside King 62, Corona 53

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Riverside North 44, Moreno Valley 41

Riverside Prep 65, CIMSA 52

Rosemead 38, South El Monte 33

Rowland 41, Covina 40

Rubidoux 56, Patriot 43

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San Bernardino 94, Miller 45

San Marcos 73, Buena 35

San Marino 60, La Canada 53

Santa Ana Valley 40, Magnolia 33

Santa Barbara 64, Ventura 37

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Santa Clara 48, St. Bonaventure 45

Santa Rosa Academy 81, United Christian Academy 40

Sequoyah 51, Hillcrest Christian 47

Sierra Canyon 78, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 74

Sierra Vista 69, Garey 35

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Silver Valley 53, Hesperia Christian 46

Simi Valley 93, Del Sol 42

Southlands Christian 50, Avalon 49

South Torrance 50, Torrance 46

St. Anthony 79, St. Bernard 71

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St. Genevieve 67, Paraclete 41

St. John Bosco 74, Santa Margarita 73

St. Monica 78, St. Paul 60

Temecula Valley 79, Vista Murrieta 73

Temple City 66, Monrovia 49

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Twentynine Palms 59, Yucca Valley 33

University Prep 59, Desert Christian 45

Valencia 84, Canyon Country Canyon 58

Vasquez 97, PACS 52

Village Christian 90, Cerritos Valley Christian 34

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Warren 86, Paramount 57

Webb 75, Newport Christian 48

Western 68, Savanna 54

Westminster La Quinta 60. Rancho Alamitos 48

Woodbridge 66, St. Margaret’s 50

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Yorba Linda 49, Sunny Hills 48

INTERSECTIONAL

Buckley 64, Taft 61

Rolling Hills Prep 72, Narbonne 42

GIRLS

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CITY SECTION

Marquez 36, MSCP 31

Panorama 38, Fulton 7

South East 61, Huntington Park 36

SOUTHERN SECTION

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AAE 46, Big Bear 31

Arcadia 69, Muir 31

Arroyo 26, Pasadena Marshall 19

Ayala 41, Diamond Bar 32

Banning 66, Desert Mirage 14

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Bonita 41, Walnut 24

Brentwood 61, Crossroads 32

Buena Park 72, Santa Ana Calvary Chapel 20

Burbank Burroughs 58, Glendale 42

Camarillo 59, Moorpark 31

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Capistrano Valley Christian 49, Samueli Academy 35

Cerritos 72, Whitney 58

Chaparral 61, Murrieta Mesa 60

CIMSA 42, Riverside Prep 24

Corona Centennial 96, Norco 8

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Costa Mesa 60, Westminster 36

Crescenta Valley 77, Burbank 39

Desert Chapel 45, Joshua Springs Christian 15

Desert Christian 37, University Prep 26

Downey 53, Gahr 16

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Duarte 61, Azusa 23

Edgewood 44, Workman 25

El Dorado 48, Crean Lutheran 30

El Modena 61, Santa Ana Foothill 27

El Rancho 38, California 31

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Esperanza 47, Anaheim Canyon 34

Etiwanda 69, Villa Park 49

Fillmore 44, Santa Clara 19

Flintridge Prep 73, Pasadena Poly 37

Fullerton 51, Laguna Hills 35

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Garden Grove 47, Ocean View 23

Glendora 61, Claremont 32

Godinez 43, Placentia Valencia 23

Hacienda Heights Wilson 75, Charter Oak 20

Hemet 33, Canyon Springs 20

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Hesperia 54, Apple Valley 38

Hesperia Christian 56, Silver Valley 54

Holy Martyrs Armenian 49, AGBU 23

Indian Springs 62, Pacific 28

Irvine 45, Northwood 34

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Keppel 53, Schurr 34

La Canada 54, San Marino 22

La Puente 32, Ganesha 22

La Serna 51, Santa Fe 40

La Sierra 30, Jurupa Valley 29

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Lawndale 55, Hawthorne 9

Leuzinger 77, Compton Centennial 28

Liberty 46, Vista del Lago 27

Loara 44, Anaheim 39

Long Beach Jordan 72, Long Beach Cabrillo 5

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Lucerne Valley 42, Excelsior Charter 38

Murrieta Valley 61, Great Oak 19

Newbury Park 55, Agoura 33

Nogales 63, Baldwin Park 42

North Torrance 47, West Torrance 35

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Norwalk 49, Bellflower 40

Oak Hills 78, Burbank Burroughs 33

Oak Park 91, Royal 10

Oakwood 61, Burbank Providence 15

Ontario Christian 86, Lakewood St. Joseph 51

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Palos Verdes 55, Wiseburn-Da Vnci 50

Pasadena 53, Hoover 43

Patriot 62, Rubidoux 9

Pioneer 55, Glenn 30

Ramona 62, Norte Vista 18

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Riverside King 60, Corona 47

Riverside Poly 52, Hillcrest 51

Rowland 58, Covina 30

Sage Hill 73, Portola 45

San Bernardino 61, Miller 19

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Santa Ana Valley 45, Western 38

Santa Clarita Christian 45, Faith Baptist 37

Santa Paula 73, Carpinteria 43

Saugus 79, Golden Valley 39

Savanna 44, Westminster La Quinta 21

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Sierra Vista 60, Garey 38

St. Margaret’s 64, Laguna Beach 41

Southlands Christian 22, St. Lucy’s 19

South Torrance 49, Torrance 41

Temple City 53, Monrovia 34

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Thousand Oaks 67, Oaks Christian 32

Twentynine Palms 62, Yucca Valley 20

Valencia 82, Canyon Country Canyon 55

Village Christian 68, Cerritos Valley Christian 56

Vista Murrieta 51, Temecula Valley 48

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Warren 57, Mayfair 32

West Covina 32, Northview 25

Westlake 61, Calabasas 57

Woodbridge 50, Irvine University 16

Yorba Linda 42, Sunny Hills 32

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INTERSECTIONAL

Archbishop Mitty 80, Fairmont Prep 45

Chatsworth 49, Northridge Academy 40

Newport Beach Pacifica Christian 67, North County San Marcos 53

Rosary Academy 53, King/Drew 44

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West Ranch 82, Vaughn 11

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Indiana crushes Oregon to advance to first championship game in program history, stunning sports world

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Indiana crushes Oregon to advance to first championship game in program history, stunning sports world

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The 2025 Indiana Hoosiers became the fifth team in modern college football history to go 15-0. Now they can become the first team of the modern era to ever go 16-0, and only the second of all-time, joining an 1894 Yale team that played with leather helmets. 

With a merciless 56-22 thumping of Oregon in the Peach Bowl, the Hoosiers punched their ticket to their first national championship game appearance in program history. 

Head coach Curt Cignetti has left the college football world breathless with a dramatic turnaround of the Hoosiers program, going from one of the losingest teams in the Big 10 to potentially the most dominant single-season of all time. 

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Elijah Sarratt #13 of the Indiana Hoosiers is tackled by Ify Obidegwu #7 of the Oregon Ducks during the first quarter in the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Many prominent sports figures took to social media to express their amazement of Indiana’s unprecedented dominance during and after their win over Oregon. Indiana Gov. Mike Braun also chimed in. 

Indiana’s Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw five touchdown passes, improving his case to be the top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. 

Kaelon Black ran for two touchdowns to lead the Indiana running game.

INDIANA WINS FIRST OUTRIGHT BIG 10 FOOTBALL TITLE SINCE 1945 AFTER OHIO STATE FLUBS SHORT FIELD GOAL TRY

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Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers is tackled by Aaron Flowers #21 of the Oregon Ducks during the second quarter in the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Oregon (13-2, No. 5 CFP) was doomed by the three first-half turnovers while also being short-handed by the absence of two of their top running backs.

Indiana’s defense didn’t wait long to make an impact. On Oregon’s first snap, cornerback D’Angelo Ponds intercepted Moore’s pass intended for Malik Benson and returned the pick 25 yards for a touchdown. Only 11 seconds into the game, the Hoosiers and their defense already had made a statement this would be a long night for Moore and the Oregon offense.

Moore’s 19-yard scoring pass to tight end Jamari Johnson tied the game. The remainder of the half belonged to Indiana and its big-play defense.

After Mendoza’s 8-yard touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr. gave the Hoosiers the lead for good at 14-7, Indiana’s defense forced a turnover when Moore fumbled and Indiana recovered at the Oregon 3, setting up Black’s scoring run.

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Moore lost a second fumble later in the second quarter when hit by Daniel Ndukwe and Mario Landino recovered at the Oregon 21. Mendoza’s first scoring pass to Sarratt gave the Hoosiers’ the 35-7 lead.

Indiana extended its lead to 42-7 on Mendoza’s 13-yard scoring pass to E.J. Williams Jr.

Oregon finally answered. A 70-yard run by Hill set up a 2-yard scoring run by Harris.

The Hoosiers led 35-7 at halftime as the Ducks were held to nine rushing yards on 17 carries. Noah Whittington, who leads Oregon with 829 rushing yards, was held out with an undisclosed injury after Jordon Davison, who had rushed for 667 yards and 15 touchdowns, already was listed as out with a collarbone injury.

Backup running backs, including Jay Harris and Dierre Hill Jr, provided too little help for quarterback Dante Moore. Moore’s task against Indiana’s stifling defense would have been daunting even with all his weapons.

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Following their undefeated regular season, the Hoosiers have only gained momentum in the CFP. Indiana overwhelmed Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal as Mendoza passed for 192 yards and three touchdowns.

Now, the Hoosiers will prepare to face Miami on Jan. 19 in the national championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Miami beat Mississippi 31-27 in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal on Thursday night.

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Roman Hemby #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers runs out of bounds before the endzone against the Oregon Ducks during the second quarter in the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Indiana will try to give the Big Ten its third straight national title, following Ohio State and Michigan the last two seasons. Few teams from any conference can compare with the Hoosiers’ season-long demonstration of balanced strong play.

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The country will be watching to see if this unprecedented team can finish the job and really punch their ticket into the history books. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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