CFP Championship 2026: Indiana vs. Miami Date, Time, TV Schedule
The stage is set for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship. This year’s showdown features top-seeded Indiana against the bracket’s Cinderella story, No. 10 Miami.
The big game kicks off Monday, January 19, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Start time is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
You can catch all the action live on ESPN networks or stream it through the ESPN app and Fubo. Honestly, it feels like everyone’s going to be watching.
Let’s take a closer look at how these two teams got here—and how you can tune in for the finale.
Contents
Indiana vs. Miami: A Clash of Titans
Indiana, this year’s top seed, has looked nearly unstoppable. Head coach Curt Cignetti and transfer quarterback Carson Beck have led the Hoosiers through a season of blowouts, including a 56-22 rout of Oregon in the Peach Bowl.
Their defense? It’s been called a *meat grinder* for good reason. In the Rose Bowl, they held Alabama to just three points.
Indiana’s Road to the Championship
Indiana’s path here has been wild. Here’s a quick look at how they advanced:
- First Round: Indiana did not play in the first round as the top seed.
- Rose Bowl: Indiana 38, Alabama 3
- Peach Bowl: Indiana 56, Oregon 22
Offense, defense—Indiana’s got both firing. It’s a team that just doesn’t seem to have many weak spots.
Miami’s Cinderella Story
Across the field, you’ve got No. 10 Miami. They weren’t supposed to get here, but here they are, flipping the script under head coach Mario Cristobal and quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
The Hurricanes stunned Ole Miss 31-27 in the Fiesta Bowl. They also shut down Ohio State’s offense in the Cotton Bowl, holding them to just 14 points.
Miami’s Path to Glory
Miami’s road has been nothing short of dramatic. Check out their playoff run:
- First Round: Miami 10, Texas A&M 3
- Cotton Bowl: Miami 24, Ohio State 14
- Fiesta Bowl: Miami 31, Ole Miss 27
They’ve shown grit and a stubborn refusal to quit. Indiana shouldn’t underestimate them.
How to Watch the 2026 CFP National Championship
There are plenty of ways to watch this one. ESPN’s got the main broadcast, but there’s a little something for everyone:
- ESPN: Main broadcast with Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit
- ESPN2: Commentary from Pat McAfee and crew
- ESPNU: Film Room with Steve Addazio, Dave Clawson, Gene Chizik, and Mike Gundy
- ESPNews: SkyCast feed
- ACC Network: Field Pass with Taylor Tannebaum, Eric Mac Lain, Eddie Royal, and Jimbo Fisher on the sidelines
If streaming’s more your thing, the ESPN app and Fubo both have you covered. Fubo even has a free trial for new folks, so you could watch without paying a dime—at least for this game.
The Coaches: Curt Cignetti vs. Mario Cristobal
This matchup isn’t just about the players. Curt Cignetti has turned Indiana into a serious contender, while Mario Cristobal’s guided Miami through an unlikely run.
Both coaches bring plenty of experience and a knack for strategy. It’s shaping up to be a chess match as much as a football game.
Key Players to Watch
There are some real difference-makers on the field. Here are two to keep an eye on:
- Carson Beck (Indiana): The veteran transfer QB has been the heartbeat of the Hoosiers, coming up big when it counts.
- Fernando Mendoza (Miami): Miami’s quarterback has kept his cool in close games, steering his team through some nail-biters.
Honestly, whichever quarterback handles the moment better could decide who walks away with the trophy.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 CFP National Championship is shaping up to be one wild ride. Indiana’s got that powerhouse vibe, while Miami’s the plucky underdog—honestly, who doesn’t love a surprise?
Fans can catch every second on ESPN, stream it on the ESPN app, or even check it out through Fubo. Just don’t blink; you might miss something big.
Curious about the full schedule or how to tune in? You can dig into more details over at Sporting News.
