When the No. 10-ranked Miami Hurricanes and No. 6-ranked Ole Miss Rebels clash in a College Football Playoff semifinal on Thursday night at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, it’s going to put a pair of 3,000-yard quarterbacks dueling on the field.
Miami quarterback Carson Beck, who transferred from Georgia before this season, and Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss have been lights-out for their teams. Beck and the Hurricanes beat the Ohio State Buckeyes 24-14 at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl on Dec. 31, 2025.
As for Chambliss, he helped the Ole Miss offense roll past Georgia 39-34 at the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1. Both of these games were College Football Playoff quarterfinals, and the Hurricanes and Rebels earned their way into the semifinal clash.
Miami Hurricanes Opt-Outs and Injury Report
For the Hurricanes, defensive lineman Daylen Russell has opted out of the Miami playoff run and has entered the transfer portal.
As for injuries to Miami players, linebacker Malik Bryant and wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw have been ruled out. Those listed as questionable include defensive back Damari Brown, plus defensive linemen Cole McConathy II and Ahmad Moten Sr.
Beck, who has 3,313 passing yards, will be supported on the other side of the ball by the Hurricanes’ tough defense. The Miami defense finished fourth nationally in scoring, allowing just 13.0 points per game. It also ranked 10th in total defense, allowing just 285 yards per game.
MORE: Ole Miss Down 4 Offensive Coaches Against Miami’s Elite Pass Rush
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal will look to keep his Hurricanes on track and, hopefully, reach the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
According to the PFSN CFB Defense Impact metrics, Miami has an impact score of 89.9, which grades out to a B+. Keep your eyes on defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr., who will look to make life miserable for Chambliss and the Ole Miss offense.
Ole Miss Rebels Opt-Outs and Injury Report
Before the Rebels started their playoff run, former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin had already bolted for his new job at LSU. As far as players are concerned, quarterback Austin Simmons has entered the transfer portal, but is expected to remain with the team until this Cinderella story reaches its “The End.”
When looking at the Ole Miss injury report, cornerback Cedric Beavers, linebacker Raymond Collins, and offensive linemen PJ Wilkins and John Wayne Oliver have been ruled out.
MORE: Trinidad Chambliss’ Lawyer Pushes Back on NCAA As Eligibility Decision Looms
While Chambliss, who has 3,660 passing yards, has gotten plenty of headlines with his great play, don’t take an eye off running back Kewan Lacy, who will return next season and play under Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding. The former Missouri rusher finished third in FBS with 1,464 yards rushing. He totaled 23 rushing touchdowns, which are third in SEC history.
According to the PFSN CFB RB Impact metrics, Lacy has an impact score of 90.1, which grades out to an A-.
How to Watch the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
The Vrbo Fiesta Bowl will be shown on ESPN.
- Date: Jan. 8, 2026.
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Place: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
- TV: ESPN
Streaming options for the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl include the ESPN app, Fubo, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live. These streaming platforms may also require subscriptions to access their content.
ESPN has its No. 1 college football broadcasting crew at State Farm Stadium. Veteran ESPN college football announcer Chris Fowler will call the play-by-play while longtime ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit will be alongside. As for sideline reporters, Holly Rowe and Laura Rutledge will provide updates throughout the game.
