You’ve probably got the snacks ready and the remote in hand, but I’ve got to be the bearer of some slightly annoying news. If you’re looking for the college football playoff schedule today on tv, you are going to find a whole lot of nothing on the collegiate front. Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026. Usually, Saturdays belong to the campus heroes, but right now, the NFL has completely sucked the oxygen out of the room.
We are in that weird, quiet pocket between the high-octane semifinals and the massive national title showdown. It feels wrong, doesn't it? A January Saturday without a kickoff between the hedges or under the stadium lights just feels like a missed opportunity. But there's a reason for the silence.
The NFL Divisional Round Has Taken Over
Basically, the big wigs at ESPN and the CFP don't want to compete with the pros. Today is all about the NFL Divisional playoffs. While you won't see any college kids playing, you can catch the Buffalo Bills taking on the Denver Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. Later tonight, the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers are going at it on FOX at 8 p.m. ET.
It’s a strategic retreat for college football. They know that trying to pull viewers away from a 49ers-Seahawks playoff game is a losing battle. So, they’ve cleared the deck.
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When Is the Next Actual College Game?
Mark your calendar for Monday. That is the big one. The 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship is set for Monday, January 19. It’s the game we’ve been waiting for since August.
Here is the deal for Monday night:
- Matchup: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 10 Miami (FL)
- Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN (with several "MegaCast" options)
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
Indiana being the top seed is still wild to think about. Curt Cignetti has done something in Bloomington that people thought was literally impossible. They are 15-0. They just demolished Oregon 56-22 in the semifinals. On the other side, you have the Miami Hurricanes, the No. 10 seed. They are basically playing a home game in Miami. They’ve been the "Cinderella" of this 12-team bracket, knocking off Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Ole Miss to get here.
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College Football Playoff Schedule Today on TV: Where to Find Coverage
Even though there isn't a game today, the TV networks aren't just ignoring the sport. If you flip over to the ACC Network or ESPNU, you’ll see a ton of "Championship Preview" content.
Honestly, the hype machine is in full effect. ESPN has been running "Inside the College Football Playoff" episodes on repeat. You can also catch plenty of talking heads debating whether Indiana’s high-flying offense can handle the speed of Miami’s defensive front. If you are desperate for college content today, your best bet is the ESPN App, where they have archived the semifinal games (Miami’s 31-27 win over Ole Miss and Indiana’s blowout of Oregon).
What to Watch For on Monday Night
Since there’s no college football playoff schedule today on tv, you might as well prep for Monday. This is the second year of the 12-team format, and it has been a chaotic success. Having a 10-seed in the final proves that the expansion was worth it.
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The broadcast on Monday isn't just a standard game. ESPN is doing the "MegaCast" again.
- Main Broadcast: Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit on ESPN.
- Field Pass: Pat McAfee and his crew on ESPN2. This is usually more like a podcast with a game in the background.
- Film Room: Over on ESPNU, you’ll get coaches like Gene Chizik and Mike Gundy breaking down plays in real-time.
- ACC Network: They are doing a "Field Pass" too, specifically focused on Miami, featuring Jimbo Fisher and Mark Richt.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since the gridiron is empty today, here is how you should handle the wait:
- Download the ESPN App: This is where the "Hometown Radio" feeds will live on Monday night if you prefer your local announcers over the national ones.
- Check Your Local Listings for ABC: Some regions will carry a simulcast of the main broadcast, but ESPN is the primary home.
- Set Your DVR for 7:30 p.m. ET Monday: If you have to work late or deal with family stuff, don't risk spoilers. This Indiana team plays fast, and if you miss the first quarter, you might miss three touchdowns.
The wait is almost over. Enjoy the NFL games today, but get your Hoosier or Hurricane gear ready for Monday night. It's going to be a historic night in South Florida.