The 12-team CFP is down to three teams after Miami’s late Fiesta Bowl comeback — and the Peach Bowl will decide who meets the Hurricanes in Miami Gardens.
Updated: January 9, 2026 • By: Swikriti
The 2025–26 College Football Playoff (CFP) has reached the moment every fan waits for: the final weekend before the national championship. In just its second year of the 12-team format, the expanded bracket has produced bigger matchups, more meaningful late-season games, and a postseason that feels like an event every night.
With the semifinals underway, No. 10 Miami has already clinched a place in the national title game after a dramatic 31–27 win over No. 6 Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl. Now, No. 1 Indiana and No. 5 Oregon will decide the final championship spot in the Peach Bowl.
For official postseason info and updates, see the CFP’s official hub at CollegeFootballPlayoff.com . Broadcast coverage for the semifinals and title game is on ESPN .
Miami’s Fiesta Bowl Comeback Sends the Hurricanes to the Title Game
The first semifinal delivered instant CFP lore. In the Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, Arizona), No. 10 Miami outlasted No. 6 Ole Miss with a 31–27 win — sealed by a late, last-minute surge that flipped the game and the bracket.
Miami’s reward is enormous: a trip to the national championship in Miami Gardens, Florida, where the Hurricanes will attempt to add a modern CFP crown to their historic legacy. Among the final three, Miami is the only remaining program that has ever won an AP national championship, adding extra weight to this run.
Next Up: Indiana vs Oregon in the Peach Bowl
The last ticket to the championship will be decided in Atlanta: No. 1 Indiana vs No. 5 Oregon in the Peach Bowl.
- Date: Friday, January 9
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
- TV/Streaming: ESPN / WatchESPN
Indiana arrives with a statement win after a 38–3 demolition of Alabama in the quarterfinals. Oregon has played with the confidence of a team that believes it can finish the job — and it has the star power to prove it.
Quarterbacks Driving the Final Push
The final three teams feature some of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the country:
- Fernando Mendoza (Indiana): the Heisman winner leading the Hoosiers’ breakthrough season.
- Carson Beck (Miami): a proven postseason performer and multi-year star who has Miami one win from the trophy.
- Dante Moore (Oregon): a high-upside prospect many view as a future NFL headline-maker.
CFP 2025–26 Schedule and Results
The CFP postseason runs from December 19, 2025 through January 19, 2026: first round (Dec. 19–20), quarterfinals (Dec. 31–Jan. 1), semifinals (Jan. 8–9), and the national championship (Jan. 19).
Semifinals (Jan. 8–9)
| Date | Bowl | Matchup / Result | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jan. 8 | Fiesta Bowl | No. 10 Miami 31, No. 6 Ole Miss 27 | Glendale, AZ |
| Fri, Jan. 9 | Peach Bowl | No. 1 Indiana vs No. 5 Oregon (7:30 p.m. ET) | Atlanta, GA |
National Championship (Jan. 19)
Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 — 7:30 p.m. ET
No. 10 Miami vs TBD
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (ESPN / WatchESPN)
First Round (Dec. 19–20)
- No. 9 Alabama 34, No. 8 Oklahoma 24
- No. 10 Miami 10, No. 7 Texas A&M 3
- No. 6 Ole Miss 41, No. 11 Tulane 10
- No. 5 Oregon 51, No. 12 James Madison 34
Quarterfinals (Dec. 31 – Jan. 1)
- No. 10 Miami 24, No. 2 Ohio State 14
- No. 5 Oregon 23, No. 4 Texas Tech 0
- No. 1 Indiana 38, No. 9 Alabama 3
- No. 6 Ole Miss 39, No. 3 Georgia 34
CFP National Championship: Recent Winners Snapshot
Here’s a quick look at recent CFP national championship results and where they were played.
| Season | Result | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Michigan 34, Washington 13 | Houston, Texas |
| 2025 | Ohio State 34, Notre Dame 23 | Atlanta, Georgia |
| 2026 (upcoming) | Miami vs TBD | Miami Gardens, Florida |
Future CFP National Championship Locations
- 2026: Jan. 19 — Miami (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida)
- 2027: Jan. 25 — Las Vegas (Allegiant Stadium)
How to Watch CFP and College Football in 2026 (Without Cable)
College football coverage spans ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and conference networks. For the CFP specifically, the semifinals and national championship are carried on ESPN platforms.
Streaming Options Mentioned Most by Fans
- ESPN streaming tiers: an “Unlimited” package (with access to ESPN’s linear networks) and a lower-cost “Select” option (often associated with ESPN+ programming). Pricing and promos can change, so verify before subscribing.
- DIRECTV streaming bundles: can include ESPN access depending on plan and device setup.
- FOX streaming services: helpful for regular-season FOX and FS1 windows (including Big Noon Saturdays) alongside local FOX stations.
Tip: If your goal is just to watch the CFP games, double-check that your plan includes the ESPN feed for the semifinal window and the national title night.
Live Update Box (Add This Before Publishing)
Latest: Miami is into the national championship after beating Ole Miss 31–27 in the Fiesta Bowl. Up next: Indiana vs Oregon in the Peach Bowl (Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m. ET). Winner faces Miami on Jan. 19 in Miami Gardens.
FAQ
When is the 2026 CFP National Championship?
The CFP National Championship is scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Where is the 2026 CFP title game being played?
The game will be at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Who is in the CFP final already?
No. 10 Miami has already advanced to the championship game after beating No. 6 Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl.
Who plays in the final semifinal?
No. 1 Indiana faces No. 5 Oregon in the Peach Bowl semifinal on Friday, January 9.
One semifinal is complete. One remains. And the championship stage is already set in South Florida. If Miami finishes the job, it completes a modern CFP climb from the 10-seed — but Indiana or Oregon will have the final say.
