Who won the 2026 Fiesta Bowl Today: Score, Results, List of winners

Miami Storm into National Championship for First Time in 23 Years After Thrilling 2026 Fiesta Bowl Victory, history, Past Winners.

Miami Hurricanes Punch Ticket to National Championship for First Time in 23 Years

In a thrilling College Football Playoff semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes edged the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels 31-27, advancing to the CFP National Championship game for the first time since 2002.

Quarterback Carson Beck, the transfer from Georgia, sealed the victory with a dramatic 3-yard touchdown run with just 18 seconds remaining, capping a comeback from a late deficit. Beck threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns while adding the game-winning score on the ground.

The Hurricanes (now 13-2) overcame a fierce challenge from Ole Miss (13-2), who had taken a 27-24 lead on a touchdown pass and two-point conversion with over three minutes left. Miami's defense, which has been the cornerstone of their playoff run, forced a final stop to preserve the win.

A Historic Drought Ends

Miami's last national championship appearance came in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl (for the 2002 season), where they fell 31-24 in double overtime to Ohio State. The Hurricanes claimed their fifth national title after the 2001 season with a dominant Rose Bowl victory over Nebraska.

This marks the program's first title game berth in 23 years, a drought that has tested the patience of "The U" faithful. Under head coach Mario Cristobal, Miami has rebuilt with a stingy defense—ranked fourth nationally in points allowed (13.07 per game)—and opportunistic play.

The Hurricanes' path to the semifinal included a 10-3 first-round road win over Texas A&M and a 24-14 quarterfinal upset of defending champion and No. 2 seed Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.

Playing for No. 6 at Home

Miami will now compete for its sixth national championship on January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida—their home field. They become the first team in history to play for a national title in its own stadium.

The Hurricanes await the winner of Friday's Peach Bowl semifinal between No. 1 Indiana and No. 5 Oregon.

Key Performances

Carson Beck (Miami QB): 23/37, 268 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT; game-winning rush TD.

Mark Fletcher Jr. (Miami RB): Strong ground game contribution, helping control possession.

Malachi Toney (Miami WR): Key receptions, including a touchdown.

Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami DE): Disruptive presence on defense.

For Ole Miss, quarterback Trinidad Chambliss kept the game close with his dual-threat ability, but the Rebels couldn't overcome Miami's late heroics.

This victory rekindles memories of Miami's dynasty era in the 1980s and early 2000s, when the Hurricanes won five titles between 1983 and 2001. Now, with home-field advantage in the championship, "The U" has a golden opportunity to add to its storied legacy.

Fiesta Bowl: Ole Miss vs Miami score

TEAM Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 F

Ole Miss 0 13 3 11 27

Miami 3 14 0 14 31 

 

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When is the 2026 Fiesta Bowl.

The 55th Annual Verbo Fiesta Bowl 2026 will be played Eve's Bowl on Thursday, January 8, 2026, 

Where is the 2026 Fiesta Bowl being played, location.

It will be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona,

What time does the 2026 Fiesta Bowl game starts.

The 55th Annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl will be  kick-off at 5:30 p.m. MT.

All National Kick-off times are .

7:30 p.m. ET

6:30 p.m. CT

5:30 p.m. MT

4:30 p.m. PT.

How can I watch the 2026 Fiesta Bowl game? What channel will it be on?

The 2026 Fiesta Bowl game will be air live nationally televised on ESPN.

How can I stream the Fiesta Bowl game 2026 or watch it without cable?

The Fiesta game will be streamed live on the ESPN Sports website and the ESPN Sports App. OR Try FuboTV for free for Live streaming.

Fubo TV and Sling TV both offers to watch the event without cable. Because they are two of the most popular streaming services that offer ESPN without cable. Both services also offer a free trial and don’t require contracts. This means you can try each service out and if you’re not happy, you can cancel the service at any time.

ESPN can be also accessed on subscription live TV streaming services, such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV.

Who will plays in the 2026 Fiesta Bowl.?

This semifinal features a classic clash of styles: Ole Miss' high-powered, second-ranked offense (averaging 498 yards and 37.5 points per game) against Miami's stingy defense (11th nationally, allowing just 285 yards and 13 points per game).

Ole Miss Rebels (13-1): The Rebels are riding one of the most remarkable playoff runs in recent memory. After head coach Lane Kiffin left for LSU just before the postseason, interim/promoted coach Pete Golding led them to victory. They avenged their regular-season loss with a thrilling 39-34 Sugar Bowl win over Georgia, highlighted by QB Trinidad Chambliss' heroics, RB Kewan Lacy's rushing attack, and kicker Lucas Carneiro's record field goals. Ole Miss boasts an explosive passing and running game but has the lowest-rated defense among remaining teams.

Miami Hurricanes (12-2): The lowest-seeded team to ever reach a CFP semifinal, the Hurricanes have been the playoff's biggest surprise. They grinded out a low-scoring first-round win over Texas A&M, then stunned defending national champion Ohio State 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal. Transfer QB Carson Beck (from Georgia) has managed games efficiently, while the run game and an elite defensive front—led by edge rushers like Rueben Bain—have dominated with sacks, turnovers, and physicality.

Top Players to Watch in the 2026 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: Miami vs. Ole Miss

The CFP semifinal matchup between No. 10 Miami Hurricanes and No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels features several standout performers who have driven their teams' surprising runs. Here are the top players on each side, based on their 2025 season impact, playoff performances, and expert highlights:Ole Miss Rebels Key Players

• Trinidad Chambliss (QB): The Ferris State transfer has been the heartbeat of Ole Miss' explosive offense. In the Sugar Bowl upset over Georgia, he threw for 362 yards and 2 TDs (30-of-46), including clutch plays to set up the game-winning FG. Season stats highlight his efficiency and dual-threat ability, making him a projected top NFL Draft pick contender.
• Kewan Lacy (RB): Widely regarded as one of the nation's best running backs, Lacy rushed for over 1,200 yards this season despite a shoulder injury. His physical style powers the Rebels' ground game—if healthy, he's a game-changer against Miami's stout front.
• Harrison Wallace III (WR): The leading receiver exploded in the Sugar Bowl with 9 catches for 156 yards and 1 TD. His big-play ability stretches defenses and pairs perfectly with Chambliss.
• Lucas Carneiro (K): The hero of the Georgia win, hitting multiple long FGs (including records of 55+ yards earlier) and the 47-yarder to seal it.

Miami Hurricanes Key Players

• Rueben Bain (DE): The star of Miami's elite defensive line, Bain leads a ferocious pass rush that's dominated playoffs (multiple sacks and disruptions). Experts call him the "most unbeatable advantage" remaining—Ole Miss' OL hasn't faced anyone like him.
• Carson Beck (QB, transfer from Georgia): Efficient and experienced, Beck has managed games masterfully in the playoffs, including a record streak of completions vs. Ohio State. Season: High completion % with ~3,300 yards and 27 TDs.
• Mark Fletcher Jr. (RB): Powered the run game in upsets, with big performances (e.g., 115+ total yards vs. OSU). Key to controlling clock against Ole Miss' vulnerable defense.
• Akheem Mesidor (DL): Pairs with Bain for one of the nation's top edges—constant pressure and turnovers.

Where Can I gets the Tickets of 2026 Fiesta Bowl.

Tickets are available by visiting fiestabowl.org/tickets or calling 480.350.0911. You Can also purchase the Fiesta Bowl Tickets on SeatGeek. 

Who won the Fiesta Bowl 2025.? 

Dec. 31, 2024 — Penn State 31, Boise State 14

Fiesta Bowl History, List of Past winners, All-time results, Last 20 years champions, since 2000.

Arizona State played first three Fiesta Bowls played in their home stadium from 1971-73. In the inaugural Fiesta bowl game 1971, the Sun Devils beat Florida State 45-38.

The Fiesta Bowl matchup currently features schools from at-large conferences tie-ins.

The Fiesta bowl game takes place at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona as the previous venue for this contest was Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona from 1971-2006.

Ohio State won the title fourth times out if fourth Appearances in the Fiesta Bowl from 2002-2015.



2000 — Nebraska 31 Tennessee 21

2001 — Oregon State 41 Notre Dame 9

2002 — Oregon 38 Colorado 16

2003* — Ohio State 31 Miami 24 (2 OT)

2004 — Ohio State 35 Kansas State 28

2005 — Utah 35 Pittsburgh 7

2006 — Ohio State 34 Notre Dame 20

2007 — Boise State 43 Oklahoma 42 (OT)

2008 — West Virginia 48 Oklahoma 28

2009 — Texas 24 Ohio State 21

2010 — Boise State 17 TCU 10

2011 — Oklahoma 48 Connecticut 20

2012 — Oklahoma State 41 Stanford 38 (OT)

2013 — Oregon 35 Kansas State 17

2014 — UCF 52 Baylor 42

2014 — Boise State 38 Arizona 30

2016 — Ohio State 44 Notre Dame 28

2016 — Clemson 31 Ohio State 0

2017 — Penn State 35 Washington 28

Jan. 1, 2019 — No. 11 LSU 40 No. 7 UCF 32

Dec. 28, 2019 — Clemson 29 Ohio State 23

Jan. 2, 2021 — Iowa State 34 Oregon 17

Jan. 1, 2022 — Oklahoma State 37 Notre Dame 35

Dec. 31, 2023 — TCU  51, Michigan, 45

Jan. 1, 2024 — Oregon 45,  Liberty 6

Dec. 31, 2024 — Penn State 31, Boise State 14


MORE: Full Fiesta Bowl Winners List by Year, Past Champions, All-Time Results History.


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