Key Takeaways
- The Vrbo Fiesta Bowl is a highly anticipated College Football Playoff semifinal between No. 10 seed Miami and No. 6 seed Ole Miss.
- Famous alumni from both schools, including NFL stars, MLB stars, actors, and WWE superstars, are attending the game to show their support.
- Eli Manning, Michael Irvin, Ray Lewis, and Calais Campbell are among the notable alumni attending the game.
- The winner of the Fiesta Bowl will advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Introduction to the Fiesta Bowl
The Vrbo Fiesta Bowl is one of the most highly anticipated games in the College Football Playoff, and it’s not just the fans who are excited. Famous alumni from both Miami and Ole Miss are flocking to State Farm Stadium in Glendale to show their support for their teams. The game will determine which team will advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. With a long list of notable alumni attending the game, it’s sure to be an exciting event.
Famous Alumni in Attendance
One of the most notable attendees is Eli Manning, who played for Ole Miss from 2000-03 and finished third in Heisman voting in his senior season. Manning’s No. 10 jersey was retired at Ole Miss in the 2021 season, joining his father Archie Manning’s No. 18 jersey. Despite missing the CFP quarterfinal in New Orleans, Manning confirmed on his YouTube channel that he will be attending the semifinal. He has good memories of playing at State Farm Stadium, where he won Super Bowl 42 in 2008 with the New York Giants.
Miami’s Famous Alumni
Miami also has a long list of famous alumni attending the game, including Michael Irvin, who played for the Hurricanes from 1985-87. Irvin was on Miami’s national championship team in 1987 and was later selected 11th overall by the Cowboys in the NFL draft. He has been a constant hype man on the sidelines for his Hurricanes and livestreamed his trip to Arizona for the semifinal on his YouTube channel. Irvin and Miami’s head coach, Mario Cristobal, go back nearly 40 years, when Cristobal was being recruited as a player to the Hurricanes, and Irvin was one of the hosts.
NFL Hall of Famers in Attendance
NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis and two-time Super Bowl champion is also attending the game, along with fellow Miami alum Calais Campbell. Campbell just finished his 18th season and 10th with the Arizona Cardinals. Lewis and Edgerrin James served as the honorary captains for Miami. The presence of these NFL Hall of Famers is a testament to the strong alumni network of both schools.
Other Notable Attendees
Other notable attendees include Cam Ward, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft and last season’s Miami quarterback, who came back to support his team after his season with the Tennessee Titans wrapped. Ward has good memories of playing at State Farm Stadium, where he beat the Cardinals 22-21 in Week 5. WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella is also attending the game, serving as the grand marshal of the Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe on January 3, 2026. Bella and her identical twin sister, Brie, spent most of their youth in Scottsdale playing soccer before finding fame in professional wrestling and reality television.
Predictions and Support
Some alumni are even making predictions about the game. Zac Gallen, the MLB free agent pitcher who finished his seventh season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, told The Arizona Republic that he thinks Mississippi will win 34-24. Meanwhile, former Hurricanes players Reggie Wayne, Edgerrin James, and Andre Johnson are coming out in strong support of their school’s bid for the first championship since 2001. The presence of these famous alumni is a testament to the strong sense of community and school spirit that exists among both Miami and Ole Miss fans.
Conclusion
The Vrbo Fiesta Bowl is shaping up to be an exciting event, with a long list of famous alumni from both schools attending the game. With the winner advancing to the College Football Playoff National Championship, the stakes are high, and the energy is sure to be electric. Whether you’re a fan of Miami or Ole Miss, one thing is certain – this game is going to be one to remember.
