If you just sat down on your couch, cracked a drink, and started scrolling through the guide looking for college football on tv today, I have some bad news. It’s quiet. Maybe too quiet.
Today is Monday, January 12, 2026. Usually, this is the window where we’re vibrating with post-semifinal energy, but the schedule this year has shifted the climax further out. The bowl season—that chaotic, month-long marathon of opt-outs, transfer portal drama, and occasionally some actual football—has officially hit the "calm before the storm" phase.
Honestly, it feels weird. For weeks, we've had games at noon, games at midnight, and games on streaming services we didn't even know we subscribed to. Now? Total silence. But that doesn't mean the season is over. It just means the stakes are higher than they’ve ever been.
The State of the Bracket: Where Did the Games Go?
We just came off a weekend that basically reshaped how we think about the "Blue Blood" hierarchy. On Friday, January 9, No. 1 Indiana didn't just beat Oregon; they dismantled them 56-22 in the Peach Bowl. It was a statement. Then you had Miami surviving a fourth-quarter shootout against Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl just the night before.
Because of how the 12-team playoff structure is built, we are currently in a seven-day "dead period." There are no games today. No late-night MACtion. No random lower-tier bowl games in half-empty baseball stadiums.
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Instead, the sport is holding its breath until Monday, January 19, 2026. That is the date for the College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Why the wait is driving everyone crazy
People hate waiting. I get it. But there’s a tactical reason for this gap.
- Recovery: Miami is coming off a brutal travel schedule. They've been on the road or at neutral sites since mid-November.
- Preparation: Curt Cignetti’s Indiana squad is 15-0. They need this time to figure out how to stop a Miami offense that seems to score at will.
- Media Hype: Expect ESPN to fill your feed with "The U is Back" vs. "The Hoosier Miracle" narratives for the next 168 hours.
How to Watch the Upcoming National Championship
Since there isn't a live game right now, you should probably make sure your tech is actually ready for the 19th. The championship kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
If you’ve cut the cord, you’ve probably realized by now that the "free" ways to watch are getting fewer and farther between. You aren't going to find this on local broadcast channels like ABC or FOX. It’s an ESPN exclusive.
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The Best Ways to Stream the Final
Honestly, if you don't have cable, your best bet is likely a trial of YouTube TV or Fubo. Hulu + Live TV is also a heavy hitter because it bundles ESPN+, which usually has the "Megacast" feeds (those are the ones with the coaches' film room or the Pat McAfee sideline rants).
If you are looking for the "Command Center" feed with all the advanced stats and various camera angles, that usually lives on ESPNU. For the Spanish-language broadcast, head over to ESPN Deportes.
What to Watch While You Wait
Just because there isn't college football on tv today doesn't mean you have to watch house-hunting reruns. 2026 has been a wild year for college sports media, and there’s plenty of "re-watch" value to catch up on before the title game.
I'd highly recommend hunting down the replay of the Indiana-Alabama Rose Bowl quarterfinal. Seeing a No. 1 seed Indiana put 38 points on Bama while only giving up a field goal is something that still doesn't feel real. It's the kind of game that explains exactly why the Hoosiers are a 7.5-point favorite heading into next week.
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Also, keep an eye on the transfer portal news. Today is a massive day for players entering the portal now that their bowl games are finished. The "second season" of college football—recruiting and roster management—is very much on TV in the form of talking head segments on the SEC Network and Big Ten Network.
Addressing the "Home Field" Controversy
One thing everyone is talking about today (even without a game) is the location of the championship. It’s at Hard Rock Stadium. That’s Miami’s home turf.
Is it fair? Not really. Is it a massive advantage? Absolutely. Miami is the No. 10 seed, but they’ll be playing in front of a crowd that is easily 80% Hurricanes fans. This is the first time in the modern playoff era that a team is playing for the title in their own stadium.
Indiana fans are currently scrambling to find flights to South Florida, and prices are, frankly, disgusting. If you're planning on going, you're looking at four-figure tickets just to get in the door.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since the TV is dark today, here is how you can actually prepare for the big one:
- Check your ESPN login: Don't wait until 7:29 p.m. next Monday to realize your password expired or your streaming app needs a 2GB update.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Keep an eye on Miami’s backfield. They took some big hits in the Fiesta Bowl, and their depth is going to be tested against Indiana’s defensive front.
- Set your DVR for "The B1G Show": Since there's no game, the Big Ten Network is running heavy analysis of Indiana’s path all day today. It’s great background noise if you’re missing the sound of whistles and pads.
- Ignore the "No Games" Gloom: Use today to actually talk to your family. You won't be doing much of that once the 19th rolls around.
The season is almost over, but the biggest game in the history of two "non-traditional" powers is just a week away. Sit tight. The wait will be worth it.