2026 Fiesta Bowl: Sam Leavitt's Transfer to LSU Shakes Up Ole Miss vs. Miami Clash

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — As the 2026 Fiesta Bowl approaches, the football world is abuzz with the latest developments affecting the matchup between the Miami Hurricanes and the Ole Miss Rebels. Scheduled for January 8 at 7 p.m. MST, the game will take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and will be broadcast nationally.

In a significant twist, the focus has shifted from the field to the sidelines, as Ole Miss finds itself in the spotlight due to a major transfer announcement. Sam Leavitt, a prominent quarterback who previously played for Arizona State, has transferred to LSU, marking a pivotal moment for Lane Kiffin and his newly assembled roster. According to a report from Yahoo, this transfer is Kiffin's first major acquisition through the portal, bolstering LSU's quarterback lineup.

This news comes at a critical time for Ole Miss, who are set to face the Miami Hurricanes in one of the most anticipated games of the college football season. The Rebels' preparation for the Fiesta Bowl has been intense, as they look to capitalize on their successful season and secure a victory against the Hurricanes.

Ole Miss will need to overcome the distraction that the Leavitt transfer may cause. Despite the change in LSU's roster, the Rebels' focus remains on their strategy to outplay the Hurricanes. Head coach Lane Kiffin, known for his offensive acumen, will be steering the Rebels as they aim to clinch the Fiesta Bowl.

Miami, on the other hand, comes into the game with a strong season record, ready to challenge Ole Miss. Their defense will be crucial in countering the Rebels' offensive tactics, especially with the potential changes in morale due to the recent news from the transfer portal.

Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the game unfolds, considering the recent developments. The Fiesta Bowl not only serves as a platform for both teams to showcase their prowess but also as a stage where the implications of roster changes can be observed in real-time.

As anticipation builds, the focus remains on the Fiesta Bowl score, with both teams vying for the win. For Ole Miss, the impact of the transfer news could be a motivating factor or a distraction, depending on how the team and its coaching staff manage the situation.

The 2026 Fiesta Bowl promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both Miami and Ole Miss aim to demonstrate their capabilities on the national stage. With kickoff just hours away, the excitement is palpable, and the stakes are higher than ever.

The game is set to be a defining moment for both squads, with the Rebels looking to rise above the off-field news and the Hurricanes poised to take advantage of any lapse in focus. As the clock ticks down to kickoff, all eyes will be on how the teams respond to the evolving narrative.

Stay tuned for the Fiesta Bowl score updates and post-game analysis, as the Miami Hurricanes and the Ole Miss Rebels clash in this high-stakes encounter.