College Football Playoff Schedule: Fiesta Bowl and College GameDay Highlights
College football fans, it’s finally here. The College Football Playoff schedule picks up again today, Thursday, January 8, 2026, with the Fiesta Bowl. Ole Miss and Miami are set to face off in what should be a wild matchup.
We’re down to just three games before the national championship. “College GameDay” on ESPN is back too, bringing all the coverage, hype, and hot takes you could want.
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up and how these teams got here, in case you’ve lost track.
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Fiesta Bowl: Miami vs. Ole Miss
Tonight at 7:30 p.m. Eastern, the Fiesta Bowl kicks off on ESPN. We’re live from Glendale, Arizona, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
This is the first of two College Football Playoff semifinals. Whoever wins heads to the national championship on Monday, January 19, in Miami.
Team Dynamics and Key Players
Miami’s been rolling, thanks in large part to their electric quarterback. Their offense is dangerous, and the defense has been holding strong when it counts.
Keep an eye on their top wide receiver and that defensive line—they’ve been game-changers all season.
It’s been a wild ride for Ole Miss, too. Lane Kiffin left for LSU, and Pete Golding stepped in as interim head coach.
Somehow, the Rebels have kept it together. Their running back can break open a play at any moment, and their linebacker has been all over the field.
Peach Bowl: Oregon vs. Indiana
The Peach Bowl is up next—Oregon vs. Indiana. That one’s set for Friday, January 9, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN, live from Atlanta.
The winner here gets a shot at the national championship, facing whoever survives the Fiesta Bowl.
Oregon’s Redemption Story
Oregon’s got a chip on their shoulder after losing to Indiana earlier this season. Linebacker Bryce Boettcher said that loss woke them up. Since then, the Ducks have looked sharp, maybe even a little scary.
Indiana’s Consistent Performance
Indiana hasn’t really slipped up all year. Their offense moves the ball, and the defense is tough to crack.
Their quarterback, in particular, has been cool under pressure, making smart plays and keeping things steady.
ESPN’s “College GameDay” Special Editions
If you love the pregame chatter, ESPN’s “College GameDay” is rolling out special editions before both semifinals. The show starts at 6 p.m. Eastern on January 8 and 9.
Expect plenty of deep dives, predictions, and maybe a few surprises.
Expert Analysis and Coverage
Rece Davis is hosting, as usual, with Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, and Nick Saban all on the desk. Pete Thamel will be dropping insider info, and “Stanford Steve” Coughlin is back with the betting angles.
Path to the National Championship
It’s been a grind to get here. All four teams have had to scrap and claw their way through the playoffs.
- Oregon: Knocked out Texas Tech in the quarterfinals and Alabama in the semifinals.
- Indiana: Took down Oklahoma in the quarterfinals and Alabama in the semifinals.
- Ole Miss: Beat Georgia in the quarterfinals and Miami in the semifinals.
- Miami: Got past Ohio State in the quarterfinals and Ole Miss in the semifinals.
National Championship Preview
Circle Monday, January 19, on your calendar. The national championship is set for Miami, and it should be a banger.
Whoever comes out of the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl will be hungry for that title. It’s hard to predict, but you just know both teams will leave it all out there.
Conclusion
The College Football Playoff semifinals are here, and honestly, it feels like the energy is electric. Fans everywhere are gearing up for some wild matchups and, let’s be real, probably a few surprises.
The Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl will decide who gets that shot at the national title. Stakes are sky-high, and there’s just something about this time of year that makes every play feel huge.
Catch the games live on ESPN. If you want to hear what the “College GameDay” crew thinks—or just need a little more hype—they’ve got you covered with plenty of commentary and those last-minute predictions.
Want more details on the Playoff schedule or some extra game breakdowns? Check out Heavy.com. It’s worth a look if you’re trying to keep up with all the madness.
