Miami, Florida – When the Miami Hurricanes beat NC State on November 15, it appeared to be their last home game; now they return for a national championship. Edging Ole Miss 31-27 to win the Fiesta Bowl, the semi-final became a thrilling classic that people will talk about for years to come. The CFP semi saw seven lead changes, including four in the last seven minutes. Trailing 27-24 with 03:13 remaining, Carson Beck led the Cardiac Canes in a long march that involved no less than four third-down conversions aided by a crucial face mask penalty. Completing critical passes to Keelan Marion and CJ Daniels, with a one-handed circus catch by Malachi Toney ruled incomplete due to his heel being out of bounds, the Hurricanes fought their way to the Rebels’ eight-yard line.
Built for these kinds of moments🙌 #GoCanes | @CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/1eE0di0F0X
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) January 10, 2026
CharMar Brown advanced Miami further with a five-yard gain. Coach Mario Cristobal then called a timeout with 24 seconds remaining. He had one left. On the ensuing play, UM had three receivers flood to the left as the O-line battled to keep the pressure off Beck. Will Echoles snuck in, but Beck evaded him, followed by a great block by Francis Mauigoa. Unable to pass it to Toney, his intended receiver, Beck rushed to the left for the game-winning touchdown. He finished the night with 268 passing yards, three combined TDs, and an interception. Ole Miss got one last chance with 18 seconds left, but Trinidad Chambliss’ gutsy performance came up short right at the endzone.
Full steam ahead 🚂#GoCanes | @CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/F3QFOHifQs
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) January 10, 2026
Miami’s historic win makes it the first team to play a national championship game in its home stadium since the BCS/CFP era began in 1998. They also join Texas as one of the only teams to win all the NY6 bowls. UM also ended Ole Miss’ streak of 8 games with 30+ points scored.
Battle of wills
The U struck first on its opening series, hitting a 38-yard field goal courtesy of Carter Davis. Miami’s defense looked dominant for a bit until Kewan Lacy broke out with a 73-yard rushing TD. UM responded with a 15-play drive capped off by Brown’s four-yard score. After Ole Miss nailed a 42-yard field goal, Beck launched a 52-yard strike to Marion, making it 17-10. The wideout totaled seven receptions for 114 yards by night’s end. Mark Fletcher Jr. also hit the centennial mark, rushing for 133 yards, averaging six per carry. Although the Canes led at halftime, they found themselves clinging to a one-point lead going into the fourth quarter. Miami reached the red zone late in the third only to be turned away by an ill-timed interception. The Rebels pounced with a field goal.
Chambliss in the clutch 😤
The Rebels regain the lead 👀
Watch NOW on ESPN and the ESPN App pic.twitter.com/3WnYMhbCyg
— ESPN (@espn) January 9, 2026
Despite having the upper hand on the stat sheet, which included Ole Miss struggling on third down (2-for-10) and thoroughly dominating time of possession (41:22), it never became a two-possession game. Penalties, multiple dropped interceptions (4+), and costly sacks ensured the Hurricanes never landed the decisive blow. By the fourth period, the Rebels had clearly taken the momentum, as the back-and-forth intensified. Another Ole Miss field goal gave them the 19-17 advantage. Beck riposted via a short screen pass to Toney, who weaved in and out of traffic for the impressive 36-yard TD. The 18-year-old freshman sensation recorded five catches for 81 yards.
THE LAST PLAY THAT SENT MIAMI TO THE CFP NATTY 🏆 pic.twitter.com/xHXFD1iR2B
— ESPN (@espn) January 9, 2026
Elation turned to dread when Chambliss answered on the following drive. Bolstered by a costly pass interference on third and eight, Trinidad scrambled for 19 yards and then threw a punishing 24-yard touchdown to Dae’Quan Wright two plays later. It really seemed like it was all falling apart for the Hurricanes. Down three, the Cardiac Canes rose to the occasion with Carson Beck’s clutch possession. The ACC is now 9-4 in bowl games and postseason, a reversal from last year’s dismal performance.
Final Thoughts
"Feels real good don't it? Feels real good to be a Cane baby." 🔥
Carson Beck is livin' it up as a Hurricane 🌴 pic.twitter.com/rQd8Wl09Rw
— ESPN (@espn) January 9, 2026
It’s so surreal to me. A dream almost. On December 7, 2025, Miami was the last at-large team to go into the CFP. Folks doubted them all season. It continued as they faced off against Texas A&M, and few gave them any chance against Ohio State. A little over a month later, they’re advancing to the National Championship. The Hurricanes are coming home. When they beat the Wolfpack back on November 15, I never imagined the Canes returning to the Hard Rock this season, and here they are. Cristobal truly built a team that was made for this. Shoutout to Fletcher man, he’s hit the centennial mark in all three playoff games and racked up 412 total yards. A true workhorse. This is it, one more win. One more and the dream run becomes a Natty.
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