The 2025-26 College Football Playoff has delivered some great games, with upsets and dominant performances narrowing the field to four unlikely contenders. The semifinals feature two thrilling matchups: the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl pitting No. 6 Ole Miss against No. 10 Miami, and the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl rematching No. 1 Indiana and No. 5 Oregon.
Both games air on ESPN, with winners advancing to the CFP National Championship on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida (7:30 p.m. ET).
Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels vs. No. 10 Miami Hurricanes
Here’s the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl schedule and preview for you.
Date/Time: Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
TV/Streaming: ESPN | fuboTV (free trial)
- Ole Miss (13-1) has surged into the semifinals behind dual-threat QB Trinidad Chambliss, who engineered a comeback win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal (39-34). The Rebels’ explosive offense, averaging over 40 points in playoff games, pairs Chambliss’ mobility with a strong run game led by Kewan Lacy.
- Miami (12-2) has been the playoff’s Cinderella, upsetting Texas A&M and defending champion Ohio State (24-14 in the Cotton Bowl). QB Carson Beck and a ferocious defense (12 sacks in two playoff games, led by Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain) have powered the Hurricanes’ run.
Odds (as of January 8): Miami -3.5 | O/U 52.5
Key Storyline: Can Miami’s elite pass rush contain Chambliss’ scrambling ability? Ole Miss thrives on big plays, but the Hurricanes’ balanced defense could force turnovers.
Prediction: Miami 31, Ole Miss 27. The Hurricanes’ defensive pressure edges a high-scoring affair, sending Miami to a title game in its backyard stadium.
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers vs. No. 5 Oregon Ducks
Date/Time: Friday, January 9, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, Peach Bowl
TV/Streaming: ESPN | fuboTV (free trial)
- This Big Ten rematch revisits Indiana’s 30-20 October upset in Eugene. The undefeated Hoosiers (14-0), led by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, demolished Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal. Indiana’s balanced attack and turnover-forcing defense (+18 differential) make them the playoff’s most complete team.
- Oregon (13-1) seeks revenge after shutting out Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl. QB Dante Moore has grown, but the Ducks lose star RB Jordan Davison (broken clavicle) for this game, thinning their ground attack.
Odds (as of January 8): Indiana -3.5 | O/U 47.5
Key Storyline: Can Oregon protect Moore and avoid the mistakes (six sacks, two picks in the first meeting) that doomed them earlier? Indiana’s front seven remains dominant.
Prediction: Indiana 34, Oregon 20. The Hoosiers repeat their regular-season formula, advancing to their first-ever national championship.
2026 CFP Semifinals Bracket Overview
Here’s the 2026 CFP semifinals bracket overview for you.
| Semifinal | Matchup | Winner Advances To… |
| Vrbo Fiesta Bowl | No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 10 Miami | CFP National Championship |
| Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl | No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 5 Oregon | CFP National Championship |
We have the printable 2026 College Football Playoff Bracket posted up here for you to use as well. You can save or print the bracket to PDF format too.
National Championship Preview Teaser
A potential Indiana-Miami title game would crown a first-time champion, with the Hoosiers as slight favorites in early futures (+130).
This expanded 12-team playoff continues to deliver unforgettable moments. Download a printable bracket at SportsBrackets.net for tracking the path to Super Bowl LX – no, wait, the CFP title! Stay tuned for live updates, predictions, and more college football coverage.
Note: Odds and details current as of January 8, 2026. Lines subject to change.
