Indiana vs Miami CFP Championship: Kickoff Time, TV Channel, Live Stream
Fans have been waiting for the College Football Playoff (CFP) national championship game, and finally, it’s here. This year’s matchup? Two teams nobody really expected: the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes.
Both squads survived a tough season and the grind of a 12-team CFP bracket to make it this far. With a national audience about to tune in, the stage is set for a game people will talk about for a while.
Let’s get into the essentials—kickoff details, TV info, and how to catch the action if you’re streaming.
Contents
Indiana Hoosiers: A Season of Redemption
Indiana used to be known mostly for losing—actually, they held the record for most all-time losses in college football. But under head coach Curt Cignetti, things have changed fast.
Last year, Notre Dame knocked the Hoosiers out in the first CFP round. This season, Indiana came back with a chip on their shoulder, determined to flip the script.
Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza has been the engine for Indiana, and the team has been flawless. They grabbed the national No. 1 seed and cruised through the bracket.
Key Players to Watch
Fernando Mendoza is the headline act for Indiana, and honestly, it’s hard to look away when he’s on the field. He’s been the difference maker all year.
- Running Back: Johnathan Taylor—he’s got breakaway speed and can turn nothing into something.
- Wide Receiver: Michael Penix Jr.—reliable, sure-handed, and always seems to find space.
- Linebacker: Micah McFadden—this guy’s a menace on defense, always around the ball.
Miami Hurricanes: The Underdog Story
Miami’s road has been anything but straightforward. They lost conference games to Louisville and SMU, which could’ve sunk their season, but somehow, they never dropped out of the top 25.
Quarterback Carson Beck, a transfer in his first year with the team, has been huge. Miami came into the CFP as the No. 10 seed and just kept upsetting favorites until they landed a spot in the title game.
Key Players to Watch
Carson Beck keeps this offense humming with his calm leadership. He’s been at the center of Miami’s run.
- Running Back: Cam’Ron Harris—he’s tough to bring down and isn’t afraid of contact.
- Wide Receiver: Charleston Rambo—can turn a game with one big play downfield.
- Defensive End: Gregory Rousseau—constantly in the backfield, making life miserable for quarterbacks.
Game Details: Kickoff Time, TV Channel, and Streaming Options
The CFP national championship is set for Monday, Jan. 19, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, will host, which gives the Hurricanes a bit of a home-field vibe.
You can catch the game live on ESPN, which is rolling out its “Megacast” with all the bells and whistles.
How to Watch
If you’re more of a streamer, no worries—the game’s on the ESPN app and Fubo. Don’t have cable? That’s fine.
Fubo’s got you covered with a free trial for new folks, so you can try it out without commitment and watch a bunch of sports while you’re at it.
Radio Broadcast
Prefer to listen? SiriusXM’s got the Miami broadcast on channel 81 and Indiana on 84. New subscribers get a four-month free trial, which is pretty tempting if you’re into live sports on the go.
Road to the Championship
Getting here wasn’t easy for either team. Both Indiana and Miami had to take down some big names along the way.
Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana set the tone early and never let up. Their wins in the Rose Bowl and Peach Bowl were, well, kind of jaw-dropping:
- Rose Bowl: Indiana 38, Alabama 3
- Peach Bowl: Indiana 56, Oregon 22
Miami Hurricanes
Miami’s path was all about resilience. They pulled off upset after upset:
- First Round: Miami 10, Texas A&M 3
- Cotton Bowl: Miami 24, Ohio State 14
- Fiesta Bowl: Miami 31, Ole Miss 27
What’s at Stake
The CFP title is the holy grail in college football. Indiana’s chasing a fairytale finish to their comeback story, looking to finally join the sport’s elite.
Miami? They’ve got a shot to show everyone they belong at the top and to finish off a wild, underdog run. Should be one heck of a game.
Expert Predictions
As the game gets closer, experts and analysts can’t seem to agree on a winner. Some folks say Indiana’s spotless season and powerful showings put them ahead.
But then there are those who point to Miami’s recent surge. Their knack for surprising everyone is tough to ignore.
This year’s CFP national championship? It’s shaping up to be wild. Two teams, both with something to prove, are about to clash for it all.
Want details on kickoff, TV info, or how to stream? Check out Sporting News.
