And Then There Were Four
The field has been cut down to its final four. After months of chaos, statement wins, and unforgettable moments, only four teams remain in the hunt for a national championship. The 2025–2026 College Football Playoff has delivered drama at every turn, and now the spotlight shines brightest as the semifinal stage arrives.
No. 1
Indiana 14-0 vs No. 5 
Oregon 13-1
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
January 9th, 7:30 PM EST
Indiana’s season has gone from surprising to historic. The Hoosiers are a perfect 14-0, and they left no doubt about their legitimacy with a stunning 38-3 dismantling of Alabama in the Rose Bowl. That win didn’t just send Indiana to the playoff, it announced them as a true national title contender.
Head coach Curt Cignetti has authored one of the most remarkable seasons the sport has ever seen, building a disciplined and physical team that thrives in big moments. At the center of it all is Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, the engine of Indiana’s offense and a player widely viewed as a potential first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Mendoza has been unstoppable, delivering precision, poise, and production every time Indiana has needed it.
Waiting on the other sideline is a familiar powerhouse. Oregon enters at 13-1, ranked fifth, with its only loss coming earlier this season against Indiana. The Ducks have spent the entire year chasing redemption, and now they get their chance on the sport’s biggest stage. Oregon brings speed, depth, and playoff experience, and this rematch adds another layer of intrigue to an already massive semifinal. Indiana looks to prove the first meeting was no fluke, while Oregon sees an opportunity to flip the script when it matters most.
No. 6 
Ole Miss 13-1 vs No. 10 
Miami 12-2
Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
January 8th, 7:30 PM EST
The other semifinal is built on momentum, resilience, and belief.
Miami enters riding a wave of confidence after knocking off No. 2 Ohio State 24-14 in one of the biggest upsets of the postseason. The Hurricanes controlled the game from start to finish, playing fast, physical football and reminding the nation that Miami is dangerous when the stakes are highest. At 12-2, the Hurricanes embrace the underdog role as they prepare for their first CFP semifinal appearance.
Ole Miss’ path has been anything but smooth. Just before the playoff began, the Rebels were rocked by the departure of head coach Lane Kiffin, who left early to take the LSU job. Instead of fracturing the team, the moment galvanized it. Ole Miss rallied together, leaned on leadership within the locker room, and turned adversity into fuel.
That resolve showed in a thrilling 39-34 revenge win over No. 3 Georgia, an instant classic that proved Ole Miss belonged on this stage. Now at 13-1 and ranked sixth, the Rebels carry momentum, toughness, and a chip on their shoulder into the Fiesta Bowl. It’s a collision of Miami’s speed and swagger against Ole Miss’ grit and resolve, with a national title berth hanging in the balance.
Four teams remain. Two nights. Every snap carries weight. The 2025–2026 College Football Playoff semifinals promise intensity, drama, and moments that will live forever. Only two will advance. Only one will finish the journey.