Semi finals college football semifinals set for January 8-9 as undefeated Indiana faces upset-minded teams seeking championship redemption

The semi finals college football semifinals are set for January 8-9, 2026, featuring historic Fiesta and Peach Bowl matchups that will determine which teams advance to the national championship. After thrilling quarterfinal games concluded on New Year’s Day, the final four teams locked into an incredible slate of semifinal contests. All eyes turn to two of college football’s most prestigious bowl games, where championship dreams will be decided.

Undefeated Hoosiers Look for Revenge in Peach Bowl Showdown

No. 1 Indiana brings a perfect 14-0 record into their Peach Bowl showdown against No. 5 Oregon, but this is no first meeting. The Hoosiers dominated this exact matchup earlier in the regular season, winning convincingly 30-20 on the road in Eugene during one of the season’s most critical games.

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza leads Indiana’s offense and will face Oregon’s dynamic Dante Moore, two of the most exciting NFL Draft prospects at the position. The Hoosiers’ undefeated mark puts them as heavy favorites heading into Atlanta, where Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host this championship-caliber matchup.

Indiana’s path features virtually no weaknesses, having navigated a full season without defeat. Oregon proves formidable after demolishing No. 4 Texas Tech 23-0 in their quarterfinal game, showing defensive dominance when it matters most.

Historic Fiesta Bowl Showdown Sets Miami Against Upset-Minded Ole Miss

The Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, brings together No. 10 Miami and No. 6 Ole Miss in one of the most surprising semifinal matchups ever assembled. Miami shocked everyone by upsetting defending champion Ohio State 24-14 in their quarterfinal game, with quarterback Carson Beck leading a stunning performance that ended the Buckeyes’ championship hopes.

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss delivered a historic display of his own, orchestrating a 30-46 for 362 yards and 2 touchdowns performance to upset No. 3 Georgia and advance to the semis. The Rebels’ ability to overcome elite competition demonstrates their tournament-tested resilience heading into this clash against the Hurricanes.

Both teams represent remarkable Cinderella stories in the playoff, having navigated lower seeding positions into the final four. Miami’s defensive intensity and Ole Miss’ exceptional quarterback play create an intriguing matchup where neither team features overwhelming favorites’ status.

Playoff Bracket Takes Shape with Historic Bowl Game Matchups

Semifinal Game	Date & Time	Location	Network
Fiesta Bowl: No. 10 Miami vs. No. 6 Ole Miss	Thursday, Jan. 8 – 7:30 p.m. ET	State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona	ESPN
Peach Bowl: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 5 Oregon	Friday, Jan. 9 – 7:30 p.m. ET	Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia	ESPN

Championship Dreams on the Line in Elite Quarterback Showcase

Both semifinal matchups showcase exceptional quarterback play at the college level. Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore represent the future of the NFL at the position, while Trinidad Chambliss and Carson Beck bring contrasting styles to their Fiesta Bowl encounter.

Indiana will rely on their undefeated record and experience facing Oregon in the regular season to navigate the Peach Bowl. Oregon’s rushing attack, led by Jordon Davison who scored twice against Texas Tech, presents a methodical challenge to Indiana’s dominant defense throughout the tournament.

The 12-team playoff format made this historic final four possible, expanding beyond previous smaller playoff fields to include lower-seeded teams who seize their opportunities. Miami and Ole Miss represent the ultimate success stories of expanded playoff inclusion, showing any team can advance with momentum and execution when given the chance.

Will Undefeated Indiana Finish Perfect, or Will Scrappy Underdogs Shock College Football?

The burning question entering these semifinal games focuses on whether No. 1 Indiana can complete a perfect season without defeat, or whether Ole Miss and Miami can maintain their upset momentum into the championship game. Indiana’s previous victory over Oregon suggests the Hoosiers possess the blueprint for success, yet Oregon’s defensive dominance and improved play since October indicates a more formidable challenge awaits.

Similarly, Miami seeks to prove that eliminating defending champion Ohio State signals genuine championship pedigree, not a lucky one-game performance. Ole Miss must demonstrate that Trinidad Chambliss’s historic quarterback display represents sustainable excellence under the brightest playoff spotlight.

College football fans should circle both January 8 and 9 on their calendars, as these semifinal games will determine whether tradition and dominance prevail or if remarkable underdogs complete the most shocking final four tournament conclusion in modern playoff history.

Sources

• NCAA.com – Official College Football Playoff bracket and schedule information
• ESPN – Comprehensive playoff coverage including semifinal game details and team performances
• CBS Sports – Game previews and analysis for all semifinal matchups