Watch Indiana vs Miami CFP Championship Game Tonight: Time, TV Schedule
On January 19, 2026, college football fans are in for a treat. The Miami Hurricanes will face off against the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff championship game.
This matchup is happening at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. It’s shaping up to be a wild conclusion to the season.
The top-seeded Hoosiers, led by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, are on the verge of a perfect 16-0 season. Miami, with quarterback Carson Beck at the helm, has had a season full of ups and downs but managed to claw their way into the playoffs.
Here’s what you need to know about this much-hyped showdown—how to watch, the odds, and which players could steal the spotlight.
Contents
Game Details and How to Watch
If you want to catch the action live, tune in to ESPN at 6:30 p.m. CT on Monday, January 19. The game’s also streaming on the ESPN app and Fubo, which has a free trial if you’re feeling indecisive.
Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens is the stage for this high-stakes clash. It’s a fitting spot for a game that’s got everyone buzzing.
Broadcast Information
- Channel: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN app, Fubo (free trial)
- Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
- Date: Monday, January 19
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
Team Overviews
The Indiana Hoosiers come in as the top seed, undefeated at 15-0. Head coach Curt Cignetti and quarterback Fernando Mendoza have been steamrolling opponents all year.
Their path to the title game included a 38-3 blowout over Alabama in the Rose Bowl. They also dismantled Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl—just brutal.
Miami’s story is a little messier. They finished 13-2, and while there were some embarrassing losses to unranked teams, they found their groove at just the right time.
Wins over Ohio State (24-14 in the Cotton Bowl) and Ole Miss (31-27 in the Fiesta Bowl) punched their ticket to the big dance. It’s been a wild ride for the Hurricanes, no doubt.
Indiana Hoosiers
- Record: 15-0
- Key Player: Fernando Mendoza (Heisman winner)
- Notable Wins: Rose Bowl (38-3 vs. Alabama), Peach Bowl (56-22 vs. Oregon)
Miami Hurricanes
- Record: 13-2
- Key Player: Carson Beck
- Notable Wins: Cotton Bowl (24-14 vs. Ohio State), Fiesta Bowl (31-27 vs. Ole Miss)
Betting Odds and Predictions
As of January 16, BetMGM has Indiana favored by 8.5 points. The over/under is set at 47.5, which sounds about right for two teams that can put up points but also play defense when it counts.
The moneyline odds? IU -350, Miami +280. Indiana’s the clear favorite, but college football’s never that simple.
Spread and Over/Under
- Spread: Indiana (-8.5)
- Over/Under: 47.5
- Moneyline: IU -350 | MIAMI +280
Miami’s been the underdog before and surprised people, so who knows. This one could go down to the final minutes. If you’re a fan, you probably shouldn’t make other plans Monday night.
Key Matchups to Watch
The quarterback battle is what everyone’s talking about. Fernando Mendoza has been a force all year, picking apart defenses with his arm and legs.
Carson Beck, though, has been Miami’s steady hand through chaos. He’s carried them here—sometimes on his back, honestly.
Quarterback Showdown
- Fernando Mendoza (Indiana): Heisman winner, dual-threat QB
- Carson Beck (Miami): Veteran leader, clutch performer
There’s also the clash between Indiana’s defense and Miami’s offense. Indiana’s defense has shut down just about everyone, which is impressive in this era of high-scoring games.
Miami’s offense can be unpredictable, but when they’re on, they’re a handful. It’s hard to say which side will blink first.
Defense vs. Offense
- Indiana Defense: Dominant unit, key to their undefeated season
- Miami Offense: High-scoring potential, led by Carson Beck
Historical Significance
If Indiana wins, they’ll be the first team in college football history to finish 16-0. That’s a huge deal—no one’s done it before, and it’d put them in the record books for good.
For Miami, a victory would be proof of their resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks. It’d be another wild chapter in their already legendary program.
Indiana’s Quest for Perfection
- First 16-0 season in college football history
- Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza leading the charge
Miami’s Resilience
- Overcoming a tumultuous season
- Key victories against top opponents
Conclusion
The College Football Playoff championship game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes is shaping up to be an unforgettable showdown. With a perfect season on the line for Indiana, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Miami’s got a shot at a wild turnaround, and honestly, who doesn’t love a good underdog story? If you want to catch every moment, tune in to ESPN at 6:30 p.m. CT on January 19.
The game will be live from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Still curious about details or how to watch?
Check out the Oklahoman’s comprehensive guide for more info. Should be a night to remember.
