Who are the top contenders in the 2026 College Football Playoff semifinals?

The semifinalists include Indiana, Oregon, Ole Miss, and Miami, with several teams aiming for their first national title.

Can Miami 'The U' win the national title this season?

Miami has a strong chance to win its first national title since 2002, especially with the championship game potentially played in their home stadium.

What are the key storylines for Ole Miss in the CFP?

Ole Miss is coached by interim coach Pete Golding and could secure a national title against former coach Lane Kiffin's new team.

Home / Sports / College Football's New Kings: Unlikely Semifinalists Reign

College Football's New Kings: Unlikely Semifinalists Reign

6 Jan

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Summary

Indiana and Oregon aim for first national titles.
Ole Miss could win against former coach Lane Kiffin's team.
Miami seeks its first title since 2002, playing in its hometown.

College Football's New Kings: Unlikely Semifinalists Reign

The College Football Playoff semifinals showcase a new era with teams like Indiana and Oregon vying for their inaugural national championships. Indiana, historically the losingest program, could cap an incredible two-year run. Oregon, aiming for its first title, seeks redemption after a significant loss in the previous playoff. These matchups signal a shift in college football's power dynamics, moving beyond traditional powerhouses.

Meanwhile, Ole Miss presents a compelling narrative, potentially winning a national title in the interim coach's fourth game, especially if they defeat the team led by their recently departed coach, Lane Kiffin. Kiffin himself stands to gain a bonus from his new team, LSU, should Ole Miss triumph. The championship game's location in Miami adds another layer, with "The U" aiming to secure its first national title since 2002.

This season's playoff also emphasizes the evolving landscape of player compensation through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, with Oregon and Miami being early adopters. The potential championship game between Oregon and Miami offers a clash of contrasting storylines: Indiana versus South Beach, a gritty battle of line play, or Miami's resurgence, potentially achieving glory from an at-large playoff spot.