Few expected Ole Miss and Miami to still be standing in the College Football Playoff semifinals, but the Rebels and Hurricanes both enter the Fiesta Bowl confident they can win two more games and capture an unlikely College Football Playoff title.
College football fans know well that Miami never travels alone. The Hurricanes’ rich crop of NFL alumni frequently support the team, both at home and away, and Michael Irvin is just the start of it.
For other big names in the football world and beyond, Trinidad Chambliss might be the main attraction at the Fiesta Bowl. The former Division II star turned unlikely Ole Miss hero looked like the best player on the field in the Rebels’ Sugar Bowl upset of Georgia, and everyone wants to see what he has for an encore against a stellar Miami defense.
Here’s a look at which celebrities are on hand for the Fiesta Bowl between Ole Miss and Miami.
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Celebrities at Ole Miss-Miami
This section will be updated during the Fiesta Bowl.
A slew of Miami alumni are expected on Thursday night, including honorary captains Ray Lewis and Edgerrin James:
Ray Lewis and Edgerrin James are honorary captains for Miami today. A host of alums are expected including Michael Irvin, Reggie Wayne, Cam Ward, Jon Vilma and Andre Johnson (plus more!)
— Andrea Adelson (@aadelsonESPN) January 8, 2026
Michael Irvin
To no surprise, legendary Miami and Dallas Cowboys WR Michael Irvin is back on the sideline in support of his alma mater.
Ray Lewis and Edgerrin James
Lewis and James are honorary captains for Miami on Thursday night.
Reggie Wayne, Edgerrin James, and Andre Johnson are here for the CFP Semifinal. Pic.twitter.com/XATz4q7qaM
— Gaby Urrutia (@GabyUrrutia247) January 8, 2026
Reggie Wayne and Andre Johnson
Former NFL wide receivers Reggie Wayne and Andre Johnson were spotted on the sidelines before the Fiesta Bowl as they prepare to cheer on their alma mater in Glendale.
Cam Ward
With the Tennessee Titans' season over, 2024 Heisman finalist Cam Ward is in the building for the Fiesta Bowl.
Cam Ward is on the sideline to support Miami in the Fiesta Bowl 👏 pic.twitter.com/GemP1cENbd
— AllSportsPeople (@sportingnews) January 8, 2026
Greg Olsen
Former Miami and NFL tight end is on hand to cheer on his alma mater. Olsen is set to call Sunday's playoff game between the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers back on the east coast on Sunday.
Greg Olsen in the House! Pic.twitter.com/uBOrQWYcPQ
— Grant Reacts (@GrantReacts1) January 8, 2026
Sketch
Popular streamer Sketch is in the building, and he is backing Ole Miss with a national championship game bid on the line.
Sketch rockin' with the Rebels in the CFP semis 🔥
— ESPN (@espn) January 8, 2026
Watch Miami-Ole Miss at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN and the ESPN App 🍿 pic.twitter.com/ULgCHulYK0
Jonathan Vilma
Former Miami LB, NFL player and Fox broadcaster Jonathan Vilma is in the house supporting the Hurricanes.
Gino Torretta
Heisman Trophy winner and national champion Gino Torretta is at State Farm Stadium to support his Miami Hurricanes as well.
Where is the Fiesta Bowl?
The Fiesta Bowl is annually played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The venue is also home to the NFL's Arizona Cardinals.
Since the College Football Playoff expanded to 12 teams, the Fiesta Bowl is perennially a playoff game. Before expansion, the Fiesta Bowl was part of a three-year rotation of New Year's 6 bowl games that would host playoff games.
Plenty of celebrities made the trip to support Miami in College Station and in Dallas, so at least a few are expected to be on hand to watch the Hurricanes face Ole Miss out west.
MORE: Has Ole Miss ever won a national champioship?