theRECAP: Miami 31 - Ole Miss 27

January 8, 2026

In one of the most exciting playoff games in history, the #10 Miami Hurricanes defeated the #6 Ole Miss Rebel, 31-27, in the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix Arizona.

Miami used a dominating defense, a power running attack and clutch passing down the stretch to secure an opportunity for a national championship 2001. The Canes will now play for the championship at Hard Rock Stadium.

Miami jumped out to the lead in the first quarter on 38-yard field goal by Carter Davis. The Rebels responded in the second quarter with a quick 80-yard drive when running back K Lacy burst up the middle for a 73-yard touchdown. The Canes immediately went on a 75-yard drive to score on a 4-yard run by ChaMar Brown. Ole Miss responded with 42-yard, then Miami responded with a Carson Beck 52-yard touchdown pass to Keelan Marion to extend the lead to 17-10. Ole Miss finished the first half with a . 58-yard field goal to close the gap to 17-13 at halftime.

The third quarter was a defensive battle with missed field goals by both teams and a Miami turnover on a Beck interception. The quarter ended with Miami owning a 17-16 lead.

In the fourth quarter, the fireworks went off with four lead changes. Miami rallied down the stretch to take a 31-27 lead. Then the Rebels made one last charge that ended with an incomplete “Hail Mary” in the end zone. The Miami celebration started.

For the game, Carson Beck completed 23 of 37 passes for 268 yards, two touchdowns and the game winning 3-yard touchdown run. Running back Mark Fletcher led Miami running attack with 133 yards. Miami passing attack was led by Keelan Marion with 7 catches for 114 yards and a touchdown. Malachi Toney chipped in 5 receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Miami’s defense was led by safety Jacobe Thomas with 5 tackles and Mo Toure with 4 tackles, 1 sack and 1 tackle for loss.

Miami dominated time of possession with a 41:22 to 18:38 advantage,

Miami now advances to the national championship game at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday, January 19th against the winner of the Oregon - Indiana semifinal game.

GO CANES!