Just because the Miami Hurricanes are favored to win the Fiesta Bowl does not mean that they will. FanDuel Sportsbook has the Canes laying 3.5 points at State Farm Stadium going up against those feisty Ole Miss Rebels. Fortunately for Mario Cristobal's team, Miami may have a very important piece available to them on defense. The first availability report provides good things for OJ Frederique Jr.
Frederique is listed as probable after being carted off the field during Miami's win in the Cotton Bowl.
Encouraging news with OJ after report on Wednesday night that he was on crutches and wearing walking boot https://t.co/LYhKufXLq0
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 6, 2026
This is significant because the focal point of Ole Miss' offense is that of the passing game centered around their star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. He is an incredibly accurate passer, one who seems to be at his best once the play does break down. Miami can go toe-to-toe with Ole Miss athletically, but we all saw what happened when Georgia's defense started to wear down in the end...
Should Miami win the Fiesta Bowl over Ole Miss, they will be playing back home for the national title.
Miami gets a huge break with OJ Frederique Jr. probable for Fiesta Bowl
On the season, Frederique has played in only nine games for the Hurricanes. While he did appear in both of their playoff games so far at Texas A&M in the first round and vs. Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, Frederique did miss all of the November slate for the Canes. To have him back when it matters most is so crucial. He was seen on crutches and in a walking boot after suffering a non-contact injury.
So what Miami needs to do to advance to the national championship game at home is to play within itself on offense, as well as see if the Ole Miss offensive line can hold up vs. the vaunted pass rush of the Hurricanes. Chambliss was able to buy time in the backfield all day vs. Georgia's lackluster pass rush. He may not be as lucky going up against Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor come Thursday.
Overall, Miami stands as good of a chance as anyone at this point to win the College Football Playoff. The talent separating the Canes from Indiana, Ole Miss, and Oregon is inconsequential at this time. Having a starting quarterback who has seen everything in Carson Beck is a huge plus. However, Ole Miss is one of the few teams he has lost to in his playing career. He has to take better care of the ball.
Assuming Frederique can keep up pace in the secondary, Miami may very well advance on Thursday.