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CFP 2026 Quarterfinals: Winners, Losers
CFP 2026 Quarterfinals: Winners, Losers

Across four games, fans saw dominant performances, dramatic finishes, and one of the most surprising power shifts in recent postseason memory. As the semifinals approach, the national championship race has narrowed, but uncertainty remains.

Some programs announced themselves as legitimate title favorites. Others left the playoff with difficult questions about direction, depth, and postseason readiness.

Indiana Makes History in the Rose Bowl

The most emphatic statement came from Indiana Hoosiers, the No. 1 overall seed, who dismantled Alabama Crimson Tide 38–3 in the Rose Bowl.

Indiana controlled the game from the opening drive. The Hoosiers’ defense limited Alabama to under 200 total yards and forced repeated three-and-outs, never allowing the Crimson Tide to establish rhythm. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was efficient and composed, throwing three touchdown passes and capitalizing on excellent field position throughout the night.

Beyond the scoreline, the win carried historical weight. It was Indiana’s first Rose Bowl victory and the most dominant postseason performance in program history. It also ended a troubling trend for top-four seeds in the new CFP format, which had previously struggled after receiving first-round byes.

For Alabama, the loss was sobering. The 35-point margin stands as the worst bowl defeat in school history and raises legitimate concerns about roster development and playoff adaptability moving forward.

Oregon’s Defense Sends a Message

In the Orange Bowl, Oregon Ducks delivered a quieter but equally convincing statement, shutting out Texas Tech Red Raiders 23–0.

Oregon’s defense dictated the game from start to finish, forcing turnovers and consistently winning the line of scrimmage. Texas Tech never found offensive momentum, while Oregon relied on a balanced approach, including two rushing touchdowns from Jordon Davison.

The shutout was notable in a playoff era often dominated by high-scoring games. Oregon’s ability to win decisively without explosive offense reinforces the Ducks’ status as a serious semifinal threat.

Ole Miss Survives Sugar Bowl Chaos

The Sugar Bowl provided the most dramatic finish of the quarterfinals. Ole Miss Rebels edged Georgia Bulldogs 39–34 on a last-second field goal after a chaotic final minute filled with reviews and clock confusion.

Ole Miss showed resilience, responding to multiple Georgia scoring drives and keeping composure under pressure. The Rebels’ offense capitalized on short fields and timely execution, while their defense made just enough stops late.

The victory moves Ole Miss within two wins of its first national championship since 1960, while Georgia exits the playoff with questions about late-game management and defensive consistency.

Miami Shocks Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl

Perhaps the biggest upset came in the Cotton Bowl, where Miami Hurricanes defeated Ohio State Buckeyes 24–14.

Miami, seeded No. 10, played with poise well beyond its ranking. The Hurricanes capitalized on Ohio State mistakes, controlled time of possession, and delivered key defensive stops in the second half. The win validated the CFP committee’s controversial decision to include Miami in the expanded field.

For Ohio State, the loss was another frustrating postseason exit, reinforcing concerns about translating regular-season dominance into playoff success.

What’s Next: CFP Semifinal Outlook

With the quarterfinals complete, the semifinal matchups are set:

  • Peach Bowl: Indiana vs. Oregon

  • Fiesta Bowl: Ole Miss vs. Miami

Indiana enters as the most complete team remaining, combining elite defense with disciplined offense. Oregon brings physicality and defensive confidence. Ole Miss thrives on momentum and explosive plays, while Miami has embraced the underdog role with growing belief.

The CFP National Championship Game will take place on January 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. As the playoff narrows to four, the title race feels wide open — but Indiana has clearly positioned itself as the team everyone else must beat.