So, you’re scrolling through the guide looking for college football games today on TV. It’s Sunday, January 18, 2026. You’ve probably got the NFL divisional playoffs humming in the background—Texans and Patriots are duking it out on ABC, and the Rams and Bears are set for later on NBC—but your brain is still stuck in Saturday mode. You want the bands. You want the campus chaos. You want the college game.
Honestly? You’re going to have to wait about twenty-four hours.
There are technically zero college football games today on TV. If you see someone promising a "full Sunday slate," they’re either stuck in a time loop or trying to sell you a bridge. The sport essentially goes into a 24-hour hibernation on this particular Sunday to stay out of the way of the NFL’s massive playoff footprint. It’s a tactical retreat. But don't click away just yet, because tomorrow is the reason the entire schedule was cleared out.
Tomorrow night, Monday, January 19, we get the big one. The College Football Playoff National Championship.
What Really Happened to the Sunday Schedule?
In the old days, bowl season sort of petered out. Now, with the 12-team playoff format in its second full year, the rhythm has changed. We just came off a chaotic semifinal round where No. 1 Indiana absolutely dismantled Oregon (56-22) and No. 10 Miami edged out Ole Miss in a 31-27 nail-biter.
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The organizers aren't silly. They know that trying to put a college game up against a Sunday NFL Divisional matchup is a recipe for a ratings disaster. So, the "games today" part of your search is a big fat zero. But the "college football on TV tomorrow" part is where the real history happens.
The Matchup: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 10 Miami
It sounds like a basketball score, doesn't it? Indiana being No. 1 in football is something most of us didn't have on our 2026 bingo cards three years ago. Yet, here they are, 15-0 and looking like a freight train.
Miami, on the other hand, is the ultimate "why not us?" story. They were the last team to squeeze into the 12-team bracket. Since then, they've knocked off Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Ole Miss. They are essentially playing a home game tomorrow night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Where and When to Watch (Since it’s not today)
Even though there are no college football games today on TV, you’ll want to set your DVR or clear your schedule for Monday evening. Here is the exact breakdown for the title game:
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- The Game: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 10 Miami
- Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN+, Disney+, and the ESPN App
If you're one of those people who loves the "MegaCast" experience, ESPN usually goes all out. Expect the Film Room on ESPNU and the Skycam on ESPNEWS. Honestly, the Coaches Film Room is usually the best way to watch if you actually want to understand why a play worked, rather than just hearing a commentator yell about momentum.
Why Indiana is Favored
The Hoosiers are a machine. They lead the country in scoring offense, and they just put up 56 on an Oregon defense that was supposed to be elite. They don't just win; they humiliate people. Their coach has managed to turn Bloomington into a destination for the best portal talent in the country. It's weird. It's new. It's working.
The Miami "Cinderella" Factor
Can we call Miami a Cinderella? Probably not. They have five rings. But as a No. 10 seed? They’re the lowest seed to ever make the final. Their defense has been the story, racking up 47 sacks this year. If they can get to Indiana’s quarterback and make him uncomfortable—something Oregon couldn't do—this game stays close.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Post-Season
A lot of fans think that because the "Bowl Season" is technically over, the "College Football" season is done. It isn't. While you won't find live action today, the 12-team playoff has extended the "relevance" window.
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Usually, by mid-January, we're just waiting for National Signing Day. But now? We have a legitimate "Final Two" scenario that feels much more like the NFL playoffs. It’s why today feels so empty. We’re in the eye of the storm.
Actionable Steps for Football Fans Today
Since you can't watch a live college game this Sunday, here is how you can actually prep for the National Championship tomorrow:
- Check the Injury Report: Keep an eye on Miami's secondary. They took some hits in the Ole Miss game, and if they aren't 100%, Indiana will pick them apart.
- Scope the Betting Lines: As of Sunday morning, Indiana is a solid 7.5-point favorite. If that line starts moving toward Miami, it means the "home field advantage" talk is starting to influence the money.
- Find a Watch Party: Since the game is in Miami, expect the atmosphere to be electric. If you’re not in South Florida, look for local alumni chapters.
- Download the Apps: If you're planning to stream, make sure your ESPN+ login actually works before the 7:30 p.m. kickoff. Nothing ruins a game like a "forgot password" loop.
The wait is annoying. Sunday feels like it should have college football. But when Indiana and Miami kick off tomorrow night at Hard Rock, today's silence will make a lot more sense.