Miami Hurricanes Edge Ole Miss in Thrilling Victory to Reach College Football Playoff National Championship

9 January 2026 Sports

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Miami Hurricanes secured a dramatic 31-27 victory over the Ole Miss Rebels on Thursday night, punching their ticket to the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship Game, which will be held at their home venue, Hard Rock Stadium. The thrilling semifinal clash at State Farm Stadium showcased a back-and-forth battle marked by explosive plays and clutch moments, culminating in quarterback Carson Beck’s game-winning touchdown that sent the Hurricanes to the title game.

Miami opened the scoring with a steady 13-play drive capped by a field goal, but Ole Miss quickly responded in the second quarter thanks to running back Kewan Lacy’s electrifying 73-yard touchdown run. The Rebels’ speed set the tone early, but Miami’s resilience shone through as Beck orchestrated a 15-play touchdown drive featuring a four-yard rushing score by CharMar Brown. The teams traded blows, with Beck connecting on a 52-yard touchdown pass to Keelan Marion to give Miami a 17-13 halftime lead.

The third quarter saw both teams struggle to capitalize, with missed field goals and a critical interception thrown by Beck allowing Ole Miss to narrow the gap to 17-16. However, the fourth quarter ignited with intensity as Ole Miss kicker Trinidad Chambliss put the Rebels ahead 19-17 with a field goal. Miami answered swiftly when Malachi Toney took a screen pass 36 yards for a touchdown, reclaiming the lead and electrifying the Hurricanes’ faithful.

As the clock wound down, Beck delivered the decisive touchdown, a moment that sealed Miami’s fate as the host of the CFP National Championship. Ole Miss’s last-ditch Hail Mary attempt fell short, leaving the Rebels to rue missed opportunities. The Hurricanes will now await the winner of the other semifinal between the Indiana Hoosiers and Oregon Ducks, scheduled for January 19.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Miami football, as the team prepares to compete for the national title on familiar turf. The CFP’s official site provides extensive coverage of the playoff structure and upcoming championship details, highlighting the importance of this home-field advantage. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Miami seeks to capitalize on this momentum.

For more on college football playoff logistics and team standings, the NCAA official website offers comprehensive resources. Additionally, insights into game statistics and player performances can be found through the College Football Playoff’s official portal. The state of the sport and its evolving competitive landscape are also discussed by the ESPN College Football section, which provides expert analysis and up-to-the-minute updates.

As Miami prepares for the championship showdown, the city and its fans anticipate a historic event at Hard Rock Stadium, a venue that has become synonymous with high-stakes football. The Hurricanes’ victory over Ole Miss not only advances them to the pinnacle of college football but also ignites hope for a national title on home soil.

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Written By
Marcus Reed follows major U.S. leagues, college sports and big events with an eye for the business, culture and community stories that live beyond the scoreboard.
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