College Football Playoff Semifinals: Indiana vs. Oregon and Miami vs. Ole Miss

The College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals feature a highly anticipated rematch between the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers and the No. 5 Oregon Ducks at the Peach Bowl on January 9, 2026. This matchup comes after Indiana's decisive 38-3 victory over No. 9 Alabama in the Rose Bowl quarterfinals, marking the Hoosiers' first CFP win and their first bowl victory since 1991. Indiana's quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, completed 14 of 16 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns, leading a dominant performance against Alabama's defense.

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In their previous encounter on October 11, 2025, Indiana defeated Oregon 30-20 at Autzen Stadium, a game that showcased Indiana's physicality and defensive prowess, as they sacked Oregon quarterback Dante Moore six times and forced two interceptions. The Ducks, however, have shown significant improvement since that loss, culminating in a 23-0 shutout of No. 4 Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl quarterfinals, where their defense forced four turnovers.

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In the other semifinal, No. 10 Miami will face No. 6 Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl on January 8, 2026. Miami's journey to the semifinals has been remarkable, highlighted by a stunning 24-14 upset over defending champion Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. The Hurricanes' defense, led by standout players like Keionte Scott, who returned an interception for a touchdown, has been instrumental in their success, allowing them to advance despite not competing in the ACC Championship.

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Ole Miss, under interim head coach Pete Golding, has also made headlines by defeating No. 3 Georgia 39-34 in the Sugar Bowl. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss threw for 362 yards and two touchdowns, leading a second-half comeback that secured their place in the semifinals. This matchup will be the first meeting between Miami and Ole Miss since 1951, adding to the historical significance of the game.

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As the semifinals approach, Indiana is favored by 4 points over Oregon, while Miami is a 3-point favorite against Ole Miss. The outcomes of these games will not only determine who advances to the national championship but also shape the narratives of these programs, particularly for Indiana and Ole Miss, who are both seeking their first national titles.

New York Times

The upcoming College Football Playoff semifinals promise to deliver thrilling matchups, with Indiana and Oregon looking to settle their rivalry and Miami and Ole Miss aiming to continue their surprising runs. As the stakes rise, fans can expect intense competition and high-level performances from all four teams.

Arizona Republic