College football’s College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals are set, with No. 10 Miami facing No. 6 Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl and No. 1 Indiana taking on No. 5 Oregon in the Peach Bowl, featuring a mix of new contenders and historic programs. The matchups, scheduled for January 7 and 9, 2026, promise high-stakes drama as teams vie for a spot in the national championship game.
The Fiesta Bowl pits Miami against Ole Miss in a clash of contrasting styles. Miami, led by a dominant defense featuring pass rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, aims to counter Ole Miss’s dynamic offense quarterbacked by Trinidad Chambliss. Chambliss, a transfer from Division II Ferris State, has been instrumental in Ole Miss’s playoff run, showcasing elusiveness and precision, as seen in their upset win over Georgia. Miami’s offense relies on running back Mark Fletcher Jr., who has been key in their playoff victories, but faces a challenge against Ole Miss’s efficient run defense.
Ole Miss’s story is one of resilience, with interim coach Pete Golding stepping up after Lane Kiffin’s departure, drawing parallels to Steve Fisher’s Michigan basketball team. The Rebels’ kicker, Lucas Carneiro, has been clutch, making critical field goals, including a game-winner against Georgia. On the other side, Miami draws on nostalgia, with alumni like Michael Irvin and Ray Lewis supporting, as they seek their first national title since 2001.
In the Peach Bowl, Indiana and Oregon meet in a rematch of a regular-season game where Indiana won 30-20. Indiana, the top seed, boasts a balanced offense with Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza and a strong running game led by Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby. Their defense, highlighted by players like Devan Boykin, has been stifling, as evidenced in their blowout win over Alabama.
Oregon, led by quarterback Dante Moore, has a potent offense but has shown inconsistency, with Moore throwing interceptions in playoff games. Their defense, featuring standouts like Teitum Tuioti and Brandon Finney Jr., must contain Indiana’s attack. Analysts note that Oregon’s field position struggles could be exploited by Indiana’s punter Mitch McCarthy, who can pin opponents deep.
Betting insights from Yahoo Sports highlight key factors: Ole Miss’s ability to neutralize Miami’s pass rush and Indiana’s advantage in field position. For Ole Miss-Miami, bets favor Ole Miss to cover the spread, while for Oregon-Indiana, the under on Oregon’s team total is recommended, reflecting concerns about their offensive efficiency.
The CFP semifinals mark a shift in college football, with three first-time semifinalists—Miami, Ole Miss, and Indiana—bringing fresh energy to the postseason. The outcomes will set the stage for the national championship, with potential historic wins for programs like Ole Miss, seeking their first title since 1960, or Miami, aiming to end a long drought.
As the games approach, focus remains on key matchups: Miami’s defense versus Chambliss’s mobility, and Indiana’s experience against Oregon’s youth. The results will not only crown a champion but could influence future playoff dynamics and team legacies.
