References checked after final interview but before offer

I was told in my final interview that I was 1 of 2 finalists. Two days later I got the call they were moving me to references and then after they collect those, we could discuss next steps. Do you thi

I was told in my final interview that I was 1 of 2 finalists. Two days later I got the call they were moving me to references and then after they collect those, we could discuss next steps. Do you think they requested this from both candidates? Or the preferred candidate only? I had to submit 6 references - 3 supervisors and 3 peers, direct reports, etc. I got all references submitted this morning but haven’t heard anything.