And then there were 4: Updated College Football Playoff schedule: Dates and matchups for semifinal CFP games

With no NFL Thursday Night Football in Week 18, the College Football Playoffs took center stage on New Year’s Day. It was a happy start to 2026 for Oregon, Indiana and Ole Miss, who booked their spots in the semifinals, joining Miami, who won their quarterfinal the previous day.

Early blowouts set the tone

For many fans, the action on January 1 flattered to deceive, starting with two matchups that proved incredibly one-sided.

An evenly contested clash was expected between the Ducks and the Red Raiders, but Oregon made it look easy in the Orange Bowl, running out 23-0 winners over Texas Tech.

The Hoosiers were strong favorites against the Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl, although few had predicted such a dominant margin. Indiana extended its perfect season with a 38-3 thrashing of Alabama, with Fernando Mendoza, a potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, scoring three touchdowns.

Ole Miss pulls off late thriller

There was more drama in the final quarterfinal of the day as Ole Miss came from behind to defeat Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs led by nine at halftime but could not withstand a superb final quarter from the Rebels, who triumphed 39-34.

College Football Playoff semifinals schedule

The semifinals are now set:

Ole Miss Rebels vs. Miami Hurricanes (Fiesta Bowl)

• When: Thursday, January 8, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Where: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
• TV: ESPN

Oregon Ducks vs. Indiana Hoosiers (Peach Bowl)

• When: Friday, January 9, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
• TV: ESPN

The winners of the two semifinals will advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, January 19, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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