If you woke up this morning, January 15, 2026, and started frantically checking your TV guide for what college football is on today, I’ve got some news that might sting a little. The remote is going to be pretty lonely.
Honestly, it’s that weird, quiet pocket of January. You know the one. The semifinals are in the rearview mirror, the New Year's Day hangovers are long gone, and we are currently stuck in the "Eye of the Storm." We are effectively four days out from the biggest game of the year.
Where Did the Games Go?
There are no live FBS college football games scheduled for today, Thursday, January 15.
That’s the short answer. The long answer is that we just wrapped up an insane semifinal round. Last Thursday, on January 8, we saw No. 10 Miami pull off a gritty 31–27 win over Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl. Then, on Friday the 9th, Indiana absolutely steamrolled Oregon 56–22 in the Peach Bowl.
If you're looking for live collegiate action right now, the spotlight has shifted entirely to the hardwood. There is a massive slate of college hoops today, including New Mexico State at Liberty and Wichita State taking on Florida Atlantic. But for the pigskin? We’re in a holding pattern.
✨ Don't miss: Simona Halep and the Reality of Tennis Player Breast Reduction
Looking Ahead: The 2026 National Championship
While the answer to what college football is on today is "nothing," the answer to "when is the next big game" is much more exciting.
Mark your calendar for Monday, January 19, 2026.
That is when the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers—yes, you read that right, Curt Cignetti has actually done it—will face off against the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes. It’s happening at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Basically, Miami is playing a "road" game in their own backyard.
The Matchup Everyone is Talking About
This isn't just another game. It’s the first time both these programs have reached the National Championship in the playoff era. Indiana is currently an 8.5-point favorite. That feels high until you realize they are 15–0 and just hung over 50 points on a very good Oregon team.
🔗 Read more: NFL Pick 'em Predictions: Why You're Probably Overthinking the Divisional Round
Miami, led by Mario Cristobal, is the ultimate "chaos" team of 2025–26. They weren't even supposed to be here. They had to win a first-round game at Texas A&M, then upset No. 2 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, and then survive that nail-biter against Ole Miss. They are battle-tested, even if they aren't as "clean" on paper as Indiana.
Key Details for Monday's Game:
- Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
- TV: ESPN (Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit on the call)
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
Why the Gap in the Schedule?
People always ask why we have this massive ten-day gap between the semifinals and the final. It's mostly about the "National Championship Monday" tradition, but it’s also about logistics.
Today, while you’re wondering what college football is on today, the NCAA is actually busy with its annual convention. They’re currently meeting in Las Vegas, discussing things like the transfer portal and NIL. It’s the boring "business" side of the sport that keeps the wheels turning while the players get a week of rest to heal up for the title game.
The NFL Draft Deadline Factor
Something else is happening today that fans usually overlook. Today, January 15, is the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft.
💡 You might also like: Why the Marlins Won World Series Titles Twice and Then Disappeared
So, while there isn't a game to watch, your favorite team's roster for next year is being decided right now. Keep an eye on the social media feeds of the top juniors. By midnight tonight, we’ll know exactly who is staying and who is heading to the league. This impacts the 2026 season far more than any random Thursday night bowl game ever could.
What to Do Instead
Since the pads aren't popping today, here is how you can get your football fix:
- Watch the Replays: ESPN+ has the full archives of the Indiana/Oregon and Miami/Ole Miss semifinals. If you missed Indiana's offensive clinic, it's worth a re-watch just to see how they're manipulating safeties.
- Scout the Draft Declares: Follow the "Draft Tracker" updates. Big-name quarterbacks are making their final decisions today.
- Check Out the All-Star Circuit: The East-West Shrine Bowl and the Senior Bowl are just around the corner (starting late January). Practice reports often start leaking out around now.
The wait for Monday night feels like forever. I get it. But honestly, having a few days of silence makes the 7:30 p.m. kickoff on Monday feel that much bigger.
For those looking for immediate action, your best bet is to pivot to the Top 25 basketball rankings or catch the NBA games tonight—Memphis and Orlando are playing an international game in Berlin that tips off early if you need a mid-day sports fix.
Actionable Next Steps
- Set a calendar alert for Monday, Jan 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET for the National Championship on ESPN.
- Check the NFL Draft Underclassman Tracker tomorrow morning to see which stars from your favorite team officially declared by tonight's deadline.
- If you're in the Miami area, head to the CFP Fan Central starting this weekend for free interactive games and autograph sessions before the big game.