Austin TX, January 4, 2026
The College Football Playoff semifinals are poised to deliver high-stakes excitement with four teams vying for championship glory. Indiana faces Oregon in a rematch at the Peach Bowl, while Miami takes on Ole Miss at the Fiesta Bowl. Both matchups promise intense competition, with local businesses in Austin anticipating economic boosts due to increased fan engagement and tourism surrounding the events. As anticipation grows among fans, the outcome will decide who advances to the championship game in Miami Gardens.
College Football Playoff Semifinals Set: A Look Ahead
Excitement Builds for High-Stakes Matchups in Atlanta and Glendale
Austin, Texas – The 2025-2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals are drawing attention with two thrilling matchups, including a rematch between Indiana and Oregon at the Peach Bowl and a debut showdown between Miami and Ole Miss at the Fiesta Bowl. As college football fans gear up for these pivotal games, local entrepreneurs and small businesses related to the sports industry stand to gain from the heightened interest and potential economic boost brought by these events.
In this dynamic landscape, the perseverance and innovative spirit of Austin’s business community shine through. The reduced regulatory framework has fostered an environment where local entrepreneurs can thrive, effectively catching the wave of excitement from college sports. Supporting these events can catalyze further opportunities for growth and networking within the Austin TX business ecosystem.
Indiana vs. Oregon: A High-Stakes Rematch
Indiana (14-0) secured their place in the CFP semifinals with a resounding 38-3 victory over Alabama in the Rose Bowl. Under the leadership of Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Hoosiers demonstrated a powerful offense, with Mendoza accumulating 192 yards and throwing three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Indiana’s defense showcased remarkable prowess, restricting Alabama to a mere 193 total yards and forcing multiple turnovers. This victory not only marked Indiana’s inaugural Rose Bowl win but also their first bowl game in 34 years. Fans are eagerly anticipating the rematch against Oregon at the Peach Bowl, particularly given that Indiana previously defeated the Ducks, snapping their 18-game home win streak earlier this season.
Oregon’s Defensive Dominance
Oregon clinched their semifinal position following a commanding 23-0 shutout of Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl. The Ducks’ defense was exceptional, stifling one of the nation’s top offenses and forcing four turnovers, thanks to standout performances from players like Matayo Uiagalelei and freshman Brandon Finney Jr., who recorded two interceptions. On the offensive front, quarterback Dante Moore threw for 234 yards while running back Jordon Davison contributed two rushing touchdowns. This victory signifies Oregon’s first shutout against a ranked opponent since 2012.
Miami vs. Ole Miss: A Historic Matchup
Miami (12-1) made history in the quarterfinals with a notable 24-14 victory over defending champions Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. Quarterback Carson Beck’s leadership led Miami to an impressive finish, setting up an exciting first-time meeting with Ole Miss.
Ole Miss (12-1) advanced to the semifinals by securing a thrilling 39-34 victory over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. With quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, a transfer from Ferris State, at the helm, the Rebels delivered an impressive performance against a formidable Georgia defense. This qualifier marks Ole Miss’s first appearance in the CFP semifinals, heightening interest in their matchup with Miami.
Upcoming Semifinal Schedule
The CFP semifinals will take place on the following dates:
- Peach Bowl: Indiana vs. Oregon – January 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Fiesta Bowl: Miami vs. Ole Miss – January 8, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
The victors of these exciting matchups will earn the chance to compete in the CFP National Championship game on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Background Context
Since its introduction in the 2014-2015 season, the College Football Playoff system has evolved to replace the Bowl Championship Series (BCS), featuring a four-team playoff structure that determines the national champion based on regular season performance and conference championships. The 2025-2026 season also marks the second year of the expanded 12-team playoff format, leading to a more inclusive postseason that enhances excitement for fans and teams alike.
Key Features of the Upcoming Semifinal Matchups
| Matchup | Date | Location | Teams Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peach Bowl | January 9, 2026 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia | Indiana vs. Oregon |
| Fiesta Bowl | January 8, 2026 | State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona | Miami vs. Ole Miss |
FAQ
What are the upcoming College Football Playoff semifinal matchups?
The upcoming College Football Playoff semifinals are:
- Peach Bowl: Indiana vs. Oregon – January 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Fiesta Bowl: Miami vs. Ole Miss – January 8, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
When and where is the College Football Playoff National Championship game?
The College Football Playoff National Championship game is scheduled for January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
How can I watch the College Football Playoff games?
The College Football Playoff games are broadcast on ESPN in the United States. International viewers can check local listings for broadcast information. Streaming options may vary by region and provider.
What is the College Football Playoff system?
The College Football Playoff system, introduced in the 2014-2015 season, replaced the previous Bowl Championship Series (BCS) system. It features a four-team playoff to determine the national champion, with teams selected based on their performance during the regular season and conference championships. The 2025-2026 season marks the second year of the expanded 12-team playoff format, allowing for a more inclusive postseason and increased excitement among fans and teams alike.
Now Happening on X
- @KVUE (January 3, 2026, 5:02 PM) A suspect has been arrested following a SWAT call in southeast Austin involving a barricaded subject. View on X
- @CBSAustin (January 3, 2026, 4:33 PM) Update: A suspect has been arrested after Austin Police Department SWAT teams responded to a barricaded subject in southeast Austin. View on X
- @FrankStrovel (January 3, 2026, 2:19 PM) Saturday updates include temperature records set in Austin on Friday, identification of a New Year’s Eve murder victim, fireworks blamed for fires and injuries, increased ICE activity, and cooler weather today. View on X
- @statesman (January 1, 2026, 1:15 PM) Recap of 15 top 2025 stories in Austin and Texas, covering crime, weather, politics, business, and entertainment. View on X
- @CBSAustin (December 31, 2025, 4:39 PM) Review of 2025’s local stories in Austin, including catastrophic floods, dog rescues, and a major home explosion. View on X
- @AustinChronicle (January 1, 2026, 1:51 AM) Weekly headlines: Travis County issues burn ban, Sixth Street revitalization advances, and other local developments. View on X
- @FrankStrovel (December 30, 2025, 2:06 PM) Tuesday updates include Governor Abbott calling for a Chief State Prosecutor, action spurred by local reporting, podcast on Austin’s controversial logo, burning bans in Travis and Hays counties, ongoing search for Camila Olmos, and NBA results. View on X
- @AustinJustice (December 26, 2025, 5:55 PM) Residents report Austin neighborhoods turning into open-air prostitution areas, with nightly cruising, drug debris, trash, and threats, urging community action. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Austin’s Sixth Street Placed on the Revitalization Agenda
Texas Women’s Basketball Team Achieves Historic Victory
Texas Longhorns Pursue Linebacker Reinforcements
Bastrop, Texas, Emerges as a $440 Million Tech Hub
Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks Face Texas Longhorns in Austin Contest
January Events Highlight Community Spirit in Bastrop, Texas
Texas A&M’s Historic Football Season Concludes with Loss to Miami
Texas A&M Aggies to Face Miami Hurricanes in Playoff Clash
Quavone Easley Charged with First-Degree Murder in Bicycle Theft Incident
Kevin Durant to Open New Restaurant in Austin
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
