In a dramatic Fiesta Bowl clash, the Miami Hurricanes edged out the Ole Miss Rebels 31-27 to advance to the College Football Playoff national championship game. The victory, sealed by a last-minute touchdown drive, sets up a home game for Miami in the title decider.
The semifinal matchup, held on January 8, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, lived up to its billing as an instant classic. Miami controlled much of the game, building a lead through efficient offense and stifling defense, but Ole Miss rallied in the second half to keep the contest tight. The Hurricanes scored first with a field goal and extended their advantage with touchdowns, while the Rebels relied on big plays, including a 73-yard touchdown run by Kewan Lacy.
Quarterback Carson Beck was instrumental for Miami, completing 23 of 37 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns, along with a crucial rushing score. Beck, a transfer from Georgia, showcased poise under pressure, particularly in the fourth quarter when the game was on the line. His performance capped a remarkable personal journey, having never started a CFP game before this season.
Ole Miss fought valiantly behind quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who threw for 268 yards and a touchdown, and led a late drive to take a brief lead. However, the Rebels’ efforts were hampered by injuries, including to star running back Kewan Lacy, who exited with a hamstring issue. Despite this, Chambliss connected with Dae’Quan Wright for a 24-yard touchdown with 3:13 left, giving Ole Miss a 27-24 edge after a successful two-point conversion.
Miami responded immediately, with Beck engineering a 15-play, 75-yard drive that consumed nearly three minutes of clock. He capped it with a 3-yard touchdown run with just 18 seconds remaining, putting the Hurricanes back ahead. Ole Miss had one final chance, but Chambliss’s Hail Mary attempt fell incomplete, sealing Miami’s victory.
The win marks a significant milestone for Miami, which entered the CFP as the last team in the 12-team field after a season of ups and downs. Under head coach Mario Cristobal, the Hurricanes have revived their program, reaching the championship game for the first time in over two decades. Cristobal, a Miami alum, emphasized the team’s resilience and connection to the university’s storied past.
With the victory, Miami earns the right to play for the national title at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on January 19, 2026. They will face the winner of the other semifinal between Indiana and Oregon, offering a chance to win a championship on home turf—a feat not accomplished in the CFP era.
The emotional postgame celebrations highlighted the journey, with players and alumni embracing the moment. For Ole Miss, the loss ends a impressive playoff run, but the Rebels demonstrated competitiveness that bodes well for the future. As Miami looks ahead, the focus shifts to preparing for the ultimate test, with the opportunity to cement their return to college football’s elite.
