The 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) Fiesta Bowl semifinal between the Miami Hurricanes and the Ole Miss Rebels turned into a breathtaking football saga that will be talked about for years in college football circles. A classic showdown at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, ended with Miami clinching a dramatic 31-27 victory and punching their ticket to the CFP National Championship game.
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| Miami Escapes Ole Miss in CFP Semifinal Fiesta Bowl |
Historic Fiesta Bowl Clash
When Miami and Ole Miss met in this CFP semifinal, it marked a rare and historic matchup not seen since 1951. Both teams were hungry for a spot in the title game, but the Hurricanes — ranked No. 10 — were considered underdogs against the No. 6 Rebels, who had surged through the season with a high-powered offense and a rugged defense.(AP News)
The Fiesta Bowl was more than just a game. It was a test of grit, strategy, and heart. Miami’s defense, one of the nation’s stingiest all season, aimed to disrupt Ole Miss’s explosive playmakers. Meanwhile, Ole Miss’s balanced attack sought to wear down Miami and find open lanes for big plays.(CBS Sports)
Game Flow and Key Moments
The Hurricanes took an early lead, responding to Ole Miss’s offensive surges with timely scoring and defensive stops. Miami quarterback Carson Beck was at the center of the action, finishing with 268 passing yards and a touchdown while delivering the most unforgettable play of the game — a 3-yard touchdown run with just 18 seconds left that sealed the victory.(NCAA.com)
Beck’s performance was both efficient and courageous, leading Miami down the field in the final drive and evading pressure when it mattered most. His leadership was central to the Hurricanes’ success and Wednesday night’s nail-biter.(New York Post)
The Rebels didn’t go quietly. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss kept his team in the hunt throughout, sparking several scoring drives and keeping the pressure on Miami until the final whistle. His mobility and decision-making allowed the Rebels to respond to Miami’s plays and stay within striking distance.(WKMG)
Standout Performances
Several players stepped up in this semifinal thriller. Wide receiver Keelan Marion caught seven passes for 114 yards and a score, while Malachi Toney added five receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown — both providing critical offensive sparks for Miami.(New York Post)
On defense, Miami’s front seven continued its dominant postseason run, applying pressure and disrupting Ole Miss’s rhythm. Although the Rebels’ offensive line has been formidable at limiting sacks during the regular season, Miami’s relentless pass rush made Ole Miss uncomfortable at key moments.(CBS Sports)
What This Win Means for Miami
The victory was significant on multiple fronts. For Miami, it represented a return to the CFP National Championship game for the first time since 2002 and capped a postseason filled with upsets, including wins against Texas A&M and defending champions Ohio State.(SportsPage Indiana)
Miami’s journey to this point was remarkable. As the last at-large team to make the playoff field and a double-digit seed, many doubted their ability to go deep. But the Hurricanes silenced skeptics with a combination of toughness on defense, timely offense, and clutch plays late in games. Their resilience became a defining characteristic of the 2025-26 campaign.(NCAA.com)
This CFP semifinal win also continued Miami’s long tradition of big-stage performances, and it sets up a championship showdown that Hurricanes fans have dreamed of for more than two decades.(NCAA.com)
Fiesta Bowl’s Impact on College Football Landscape
The 2026 Fiesta Bowl semifinal served as a vivid reminder that the College Football Playoff format can produce unforgettable drama and close finishes between evenly matched teams. Miami’s victory over a favored Ole Miss squad underscored the unpredictability that makes college football’s postseason so compelling.(CBS Sports)
For Ole Miss, the loss was heartbreaking. Despite an outstanding season that saw the Rebels upset top programs like Georgia and dominate many opponents, they came up just short of reaching the championship game. Their journey this year, however, will be remembered as one of the most exciting stories of 2025-26 football.(AP News)
Looking Ahead to the National Championship
Now, all eyes turn to Miami’s next challenge: the College Football Playoff National Championship game. With momentum on their side and a roster full of playmakers, the Hurricanes are poised to chase the ultimate prize. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Miami can carry this magic all the way to a title.