GLENDALE — The Fiesta Bowl is here, and the stakes are high as No. 10 Miami and No. 6 Ole Miss face off for a chance to advance to the College Football National Championship.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Head coach Pete Golding of Mississippi and head coach Mario Cristobal of Miami (right) pose with the trophy before their matchup at the Fiesta Bowl during a news conference at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort on Jan. 7, 2026. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The two teams will meet in Arizona, marking the fifth Fiesta Bowl appearance in program history for one school and the first-ever appearance for the other. The Hurricanes and Rebels have faced each other only three times in their history, with each matchup taking place in Miami.
With the game set at a neutral site and fans traveling from across the country, the stakes between these two teams have never been higher.
History is set to be made here in the desert, but what do Burn City Sports writers and editors think about the matchup, and who do they believe will extend their season as winners of this year’s Fiesta Bowl?
Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jakobe Thomas (8) celebrates an interception with defensive back Dylan Day (23) to seal the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Dec. 31, 2025. Ohio State lost 24-14. © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Wendy Lopez: Miami 21-10
Miami took down the No. 2 team in the nation and has quarterback Carson Beck, who statistically is one of the better arms still in the college football playoffs. While I do believe getting through the Hurricanes’ defense will be a tough task for the Rebels, Trinidad Chambliss is a threat with his accuracy and speed. It may come down to how Miami approaches him and keeps him from going on a run if it wants to win its first-ever Fiesta Bowl.
Spenser Tilus: Miami 23-20
I think [Miami’s] defense line is just too physical and they are going to control the game. Trinidad Chambliss will make some plays to keep it close, but he’ll be under pressure too much for it to be consistent throughout the entire game.
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) passes the ball during the Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinals at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. © Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Tanner Tortorella: Ole Miss 27-24
For the funniest possible outcome. But really, Ole Miss offense still chugging with Pete Golding leading the charge. Forty-one points against Tulane and 39 against a top-10 defense in the nation in Georgia. Miami’s defense is special, but I trust Pete Golding, Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy more to get it done.
Ben Bliklen: Miami 27-21
Miami’s defense is too much for Ole Miss to handle. Even though the Rebels will have big plays out of their star QB, Trinidad Chambliss runs out of answers as the Rebels’ magic runs out. I expect Mark Fletcher to get his number called a good amount of times and will be a big part of the Hurricanes’ offense as well.
Ole Miss’s defense has talent, but it isn’t top-tier. Miami will be able to put up points. Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. will both have big days for the Hurricanes’ defense. Miami gets to go back home with a win and play a championship in their home building of Hard Rock Stadium
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back CharMar Brown (6) celebrates a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Stephen Smith: Ole Miss 24-17
Trinidad Chambliss is set up to make marquee plays in the passing attack and running game for the Rebels.
Ole Miss’ offensive line has a task with Miami’s defensive front, but Carson Beck will have a challenge on his hands with Mississippi’s defensive front.
Pete Golding will be the difference maker. He will have the Rebels ready to roll.
Good morning from the @cfbplayoff Semifinal at the @vrbo #FiestaBowl.
Tonight, the desert hosts greatness! 🌵🏆🌤️ pic.twitter.com/mYiwGFIXwC
— Fiesta Sports Foundation (@Fiesta_Bowl) January 8, 2026
As Miami and Ole Miss prepare for their much-anticipated matchup in the Valley, all eyes will be on which team controls each side of the ball and whether their young stars will continue to shine as the lights grow brighter.
The Hurricanes and Rebels face off in the Fiesta Bowl on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 5:30 p.m. MST.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Pat Tillman’s impact remembered in annual Pat’s Run that merges sports and service
