Miami vs. Ole Miss set for 2026 Fiesta Bowl: Preview and odds for CFP semifinal
The second College Football Playoffs The semifinal will take place as No. 6 Ole Miss prepares to face No. 10 Miami in the Fiesta Bowl on January 8. The match is the first between these two schools since 1951 and represents each’s first trip to the national semifinals.
The Rebels pulled off a major upset in a rematch against No. 3 Georgia, beating the SEC champions 39-34 in the Sugar Bowl. The win was a program record 13th, two victories under newly promoted head coach Pete Golding.
The Hurricanes also pulled off a surprise, knocking off No. 2 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl with a 24-14 effort. Miami relied on its stacked offensive line to overtake the Buckeyes and seek its first national championship in more than 20 years.
Ole Miss and Miami have only played three times. The Hurricanes won one in 1951, while the Rebels captured two more before World War II. Now both programs can rise to national prominence and reach the national championship game with a victory in the Fiesta Bowl.
What you need to know about Ole Miss
Ole Miss is in the midst of one of the most remarkable seasons in college football history. Lane Kiffin held off the Rebels from moving to rival LSU ahead of the College Football Playoff, leading Ole Miss to hand the keys to defensive coordinator Pete Golding.
Instead of folding, the Rebels responded with a sensational run. Ole Miss crushed 11th-seeded Tulane in a rematch, then used a Herculean effort from quarterback Trinidad Chambliss to upset Georgia. Chambliss has been a revelation since taking over as starting quarterback and throwing for 362 yards and two touchdowns in the upset.
Chambliss was flanked by running back Kewan Lacy, who became one of the best running backs in the SEC. Golding’s defense also made huge plays down the stretch to earn a 13th win.
Heading into the Fiesta Bowl, Ole Miss has perhaps the most explosive offense remaining in the College Football Playoff. However, they are also the lowest rated defense. The unit will need to have its best game against a Miami offense loaded with playmakers.
What you need to know about Miami
The Hurricanes are the first “Cinderella” of the expanded College Football Playoff, pulling off major upsets over No. 7 Texas A&M and No. 2 Ohio State to reach the semifinals. Miami was a 9.5-point underdog against the Buckeyes, but relied on its stacked defensive line to force its way to the Fiesta Bowl.
Defensive ends Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor both earned All-America honors and played the role during the run. The duo had a combined three sacks in the Cotton Bowl and helped pave the way for a defense that held the Buckeyes to just 14 points.
On offense, running back Mark Fletcher Jr. has been a revelation in the playoffs. The junior has 287 all-purpose yards in the two wins, including a physical 56-yard run to help set up a game-winning touchdown against the Aggies. Throughout the season, however, they relied on freshman receiver Malachi Toney, who cleared 1,000 receiving yards.
However, Carson Beck remains the Hurricanes’ biggest wild card. He did not push the ball downfield while running, but completed a Cotton Bowl record 13 consecutive passes to keep the offense on schedule.
Fiesta Bowl odds, predictions
Ole Miss and Miami are in the midst of magical runs, and one of them will end in the national semifinals. While Ole Miss has proven it can compete with the best in the sport, Miami’s defensive line may be the most unbeatable advantage left in the postseason. The Rebels haven’t played a passing game at the level of Rueben Bain or Akheem Mesidor during the season, and the Hurricanes will generate enough points to reach the national championship game. Pick: Miami -3.5
