Full Breakdown
College Football Playoff Semifinals Set After Thrilling Quarterfinals
1/2/2026, 10:25:59 PM
Quarterfinals Overview
The 2025-26 College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals concluded with significant upsets and dominant performances, setting the stage for an exciting semifinal round. The quarterfinals featured four major bowl games: the Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, and Sugar Bowl, held on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Key Results from the Quarterfinals
The quarterfinals saw the elimination of three powerhouse programs: the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes, No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs, and No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide. The No. 10 Miami Hurricanes stunned Ohio State with a 24-14 victory in the Cotton Bowl, showcasing a strong defensive performance that included a pick-six by Keionte Scott. Miami's win marked their second upset in the CFP, having previously defeated No. 7 Texas A&M.
In the Rose Bowl, the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers dominated Alabama, winning 38-3. Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw three touchdowns, leading Indiana to its first bowl victory since 1991. Meanwhile, the No. 5 Oregon Ducks shut out No. 4 Texas Tech 23-0 in the Orange Bowl, forcing four turnovers and demonstrating a formidable defense.
The most thrilling matchup occurred in the Sugar Bowl, where No. 6 Ole Miss edged out No. 3 Georgia 39-34. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss delivered a standout performance, throwing for 362 yards and leading a comeback from a halftime deficit.
Semifinal Matchups
The semifinals will feature two matchups: Miami vs. Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl on January 8, and Oregon vs. Indiana in the Peach Bowl on January 9. Both games are set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN.
Miami vs. Ole Miss
This matchup pits the resilient Miami Hurricanes against the Ole Miss Rebels, who are making their first appearance in the CFP semifinals. Miami's defense has been a key factor, having forced 25 turnovers this season. Ole Miss, under head coach Pete Golding, will look to build on their momentum from the Sugar Bowl victory.
Oregon vs. Indiana
The other semifinal features a rematch between Oregon and Indiana, who previously faced off in October, with Indiana winning 30-20. Both teams are seeking their first national championship, with Oregon aiming to overcome past disappointments in the CFP.
Implications of the Quarterfinals
The quarterfinals highlighted a trend in the expanded 12-team format: teams earning first-round byes have struggled, with only Indiana managing to advance. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the bye week, as teams with extended breaks have now recorded a 1-7 record in the new format.
What's Next
The winners of the semifinals will advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship, scheduled for January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. This year's playoffs promise to crown a first-time national champion, as none of the remaining teams have previously won a title since the CFP's inception in 2014.
As the semifinals approach, fans eagerly anticipate the outcomes of these pivotal matchups, which could redefine the landscape of college football.
