CFP Semifinals
Indiana Ole Miss and Oregon reach CFP
Fernando Mendoza / Curt Cignetti / Kalen DeBoer / Pete Golding / Los Angeles, United States / College Football Playoff / College Football Playoff / Rose Bowl / Sugar Bowl /

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Last Updated
2/1/2026
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140
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The Breakdown 80

  • The College Football Playoff semifinals are set to showcase a thrilling rematch between the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers and the fifth-seeded Oregon Ducks, following Indiana's impressive 38-3 blowout of Alabama in the Rose Bowl quarterfinals that marked a historic low for the Crimson Tide.
  • Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza shined in the Rose Bowl, throwing for 192 yards and solidifying his status as a top NFL draft prospect, drawing significant attention from teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders.
  • Oregon, known for its powerful defense, secured its postseason spot by shutting out Texas Tech 23-0 in the Orange Bowl, setting the stage for an intense showdown against Indiana.
  • Ole Miss, emerging as a dark horse, defeated Georgia 39-34 in a nail-biting Sugar Bowl that featured a dramatic last-minute field goal, demonstrating their resilience under new head coach Pete Golding after Lane Kiffin's controversial exit.
  • This year's playoff is highlighting a significant shift in college football, as traditional powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia fall short against rising teams such as Indiana, Ole Miss, Miami, and Oregon.
  • As the anticipation builds for the semifinals, analysts are buzzing with predictions and insights into the matchups, focusing on player performances and tactical battles that could define the future of college football.

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Fernando Mendoza / Curt Cignetti / Kalen DeBoer / Pete Golding / Paul Finebaum / Kirk Herbstreit / Los Angeles, United States / New Orleans, United States / Miami, United States / College Football Playoff / Alabama Crimson Tide / Ole Miss Rebels / Oregon Ducks / Miami Hurricanes / Texas Tech Red Raiders / College Football Playoff / Rose Bowl / Sugar Bowl /

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