The stage is set for a high-stakes clash in the College Football Playoff semifinals as the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels (13-1) take on the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes (12-2) in the Fiesta Bowl. This matchup pits the explosive offense of Ole Miss against Miami’s stout defense, with both teams riding winning streaks—Miami has won six straight, including an upset over defending champion Ohio State, while Ole Miss has reeled off seven consecutive victories, capped by a thrilling rematch win over Georgia. The winner advances to the national championship, making this a must-watch battle in Glendale, Arizona.
Head-to-Head History
Ole Miss holds a slight edge in the all-time series, leading 2-1. The teams have met only three times, all in Miami, with the last encounter dating back to 1951 when the Hurricanes won 20-7. Ole Miss claimed victories in 1940 (21-7) and 1941 (12-0). This rare matchup adds an element of unpredictability, as neither team has faced the other in over 70 years, and modern rosters bear little resemblance to those historical squads.
Key Players to Watch
Both teams boast dynamic playmakers who could swing the game. Here’s a spotlight on standouts from each side:
Ole Miss Rebels:
QB Trinidad Chambliss: A dual-threat star with 3,660 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions, plus 520 rushing yards and 8 scores. His mobility and arm talent make him a nightmare for defenses, especially in up-tempo schemes.
RB Kewan Lacy: The sophomore workhorse has racked up 1,464 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. His physicality will test Miami’s run defense.
WR Harrison Wallace III: A big-play threat with 894 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns on 57 catches.
DE Princely Umanmielen: Leads the defense with 8 sacks, providing crucial pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
LB TJ Dottery: Anchors the unit with 87 tackles.
Miami Hurricanes:
QB Carson Beck: The senior has thrown for 3,313 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions at a 74.4% completion rate. He’ll need to manage the game efficiently against Ole Miss’s aggressive front.
RB Mark Fletcher Jr.: Powers the ground game with 947 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
WR Malachi Toney: The freshman sensation has 1,008 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, plus contributions in the run game.
DL Akheem Mesidor: A disruptive force with 10.5 sacks.
LB Mishael Toure: Leads in tackles with 69.
Key matchups include Ole Miss’s high-tempo offense versus Miami’s No. 4 scoring defense, and Miami’s top-ranked offensive line against Ole Miss’s run defense.
Injury Updates
Injuries could play a pivotal role in this late-season showdown:
Ole Miss Rebels: LB Rashad Collins is out with an undisclosed injury. DT Kam Franklin is questionable, which could impact the interior defensive line. RB Kewan Lacy is listed as probable after earlier concerns. Overall, ESPN reports no additional major issues, but the team is managing typical wear and tear from a long season.
Miami Hurricanes: WR Daylyn Upshaw is out with a foot injury. CB OJ Frederique is probable, while CB Damari Brown and DL Ahmad Moten Sr. are questionable but expected to contribute. LB Mishael Bryant is also dealing with issues. Like Ole Miss, no widespread outbreaks are reported per ESPN.
Predicted Lineups
College football doesn’t always release official starting lineups until game time, but based on recent performances and depth charts, here’s a projected outlook for key positions (subject to change due to injuries or coaching decisions):
Ole Miss Rebels (Offense – Spread Scheme):
QB: Trinidad Chambliss
RB: Kewan Lacy
WR: Harrison Wallace III, plus rotations with other receivers like Cayden Lee
OL: Projected starters include LT Jayden Williams, LG Jeremy James, C Reece McIntyre, RG Julius Buelow, RT Micah Pettus (strong unit but facing Miami’s elite front)
TE: Caden Prieskorn
Ole Miss Rebels (Defense – 4-2-5 Base):
DL: Princely Umanmielen (DE), Kam Franklin (DT, if healthy), JJ Pegues (DT), Jared Ivey (DE)
LB: TJ Dottery, Suntarine Perkins
Secondary: CB Trey Amos, S John Saunders Jr., S Yam Banks, CB Isaiah Hamilton, Nickel Louis Moore
Miami Hurricanes (Offense – Pro-Style with Tempo):
QB: Carson Beck
RB: Mark Fletcher Jr.
WR: Malachi Toney, Xavier Restrepo, Jacolby George
OL: Projected starters: LT Francis Mauigoa, LG Jalen Rivers, C Zach Carpenter, RG Anez Cooper, RT Markel Bell (No. 1-ranked unit nationally)
TE: Elijah Arroyo
Miami Hurricanes (Defense – 4-3 Base):
DL: Akheem Mesidor (DE), Rueben Bain Jr. (DT), Ahmad Moten Sr. (DT, if available), Simeon Barrow Jr. (DE)
LB: Mishael Toure, Francisco Mauigoa, Jaylin Alderman
Secondary: CB Damari Brown (if healthy), S Mishael Powell, S Zaquan Patterson, CB OJ Frederique (probable), Nickel Daryl Porter Jr.
These projections draw from recent games and roster trends, with rotations expected due to the playoff grind.
Fan Expectations
Fans on X are buzzing with a mix of optimism and caution, reflecting the evenly matched odds (Miami favored by 3.5 points). Ole Miss supporters highlight their team’s offensive firepower and potential to exploit Miami’s vulnerabilities against mobile QBs, with one fan predicting a Rebels upset due to time-of-possession dominance and a high-scoring affair. Miami backers emphasize their physical trenches and defensive prowess, expecting long drives to wear down Ole Miss and capitalize on turnovers. Predictions vary, with some seeing Miami advancing to the title game in their home stadium, while others warn of Ole Miss’s “storybook run” continuing. Overall, excitement is high, with fans noting the stylistic challenges and historical rarity of the matchup.
Where to Watch
Date/Time: Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT)
TV: ESPN (play-by-play: Chris Fowler, analyst: Kirk Herbstreit)
Live Stream: ESPN app, Fubo (free trial available for new users), or other services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV
Radio: SiriusXM (Channel 84 for national broadcast)
