For the first time in the College Football Playoff era, there is no Alabama, no Georgia, no Ohio State, and no Michigan in the Semifinals. After a New Year's Day of carnage for the traditional elites, the 2026 CFP Final Four represents a complete changing of the guard.
Quarterfinal Recap: The Day the Giants Fell
Rose Bowl: #1 Indiana 38, #9 Alabama 3
The Hoosiers (14-0) proved their undefeated record was no fluke, absolutely dismantling the Crimson Tide in Pasadena. It was a statement win for Curt Cignetti's squad.
Sugar Bowl: #6 Ole Miss 39, #3 Georgia 34
In a shootout in New Orleans, Lane Kiffin finally broke through the glass ceiling, knocking off Kirby Smart's Bulldogs in a thriller.
Orange Bowl: #5 Oregon 23, #4 Texas Tech 0
The Ducks' defense pitched a shutout against one of the nation's top offenses, cruising to victory in Miami.
Cotton Bowl (Dec 31): #10 Miami 24, #2 Ohio State 14
The upset that started it all seeing "The U" return to national prominence.
Semifinal Schedule
- Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
#10 Miami vs. #6 Ole Miss
Thursday, Jan 8 | 7:30 PM ET | ESPN - Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
#5 Oregon vs. #1 Indiana
Friday, Jan 9 | 7:30 PM ET | ESPN
Matchup Analysis
Peach Bowl: The Unbeaten vs. The Quack Attack
Indiana (14-0) enters as the favorite, but Oregon (12-2) is playing its best football of the season. This game pits Curt Cignetti's disciplined machine against Dan Lanning's explosive roster. The winner will play for the National Title.
Fiesta Bowl: The Party in the Desert
Miami vs. Ole Miss is a matchup of pure entertainment. Cam Ward vs. Jaxson Dart. Two innovative offensive minds in Shannon Dawson and Lane Kiffin. Expect points, swag, and headlines.