Wait. If you’re looking for a pro game tonight, January 19, 2026, you might be a little confused. Technically, Monday Night Football—at least the NFL version we watch all autumn—wrapped up its season last week. The Houston Texans handled the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 on January 12 to close out the Wild Card round.
But don't turn off the TV.
Tonight is actually the biggest Monday night of the entire football calendar, just not the one with the shield logo on the 50-yard line. We’re talking about the College Football Playoff National Championship. It's the #1 Indiana Hoosiers taking on the #10 Miami Hurricanes.
Game time for monday night football tonight and where to watch
The game time for monday night football tonight is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Kickoff usually slides a little closer to 7:50 p.m. ET once the pageantry and the National Anthem—performed this year by American Idol winner Jamal Roberts—actually wrap up. You can catch the whole thing on ESPN. If you’re a fan of the "MegaCast" style, they usually have about six different ways to watch across their family of networks, including film rooms and hometown radio syncs.
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It's going down at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Yeah, the Hurricanes are basically playing a home game for the title.
Why tonight is different from your average Monday
Honestly, the "Monday Night Football" brand is so strong people often forget that the NFL steps aside for this specific January window. The NFL Divisional Round just happened this past Saturday and Sunday. We saw the Buffalo Bills take on the Denver Broncos and the San Francisco 49ers battle the Seattle Seahawks.
Because the NFL wants to own the weekend, they leave Monday night open for the college kids to crown a king.
Indiana being here is, frankly, wild. Coach Curt Cignetti has turned that program into a juggernaut in record time. They’re 15-0. They’ve been beating teams by an average of nearly 29 points. On the other side, Miami is the first team to ever make it this far as a #10 seed in the new 12-team playoff format. They’ve been "giant killers" all month, knocking off Ohio State and Ole Miss.
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Quick Breakdown of the Schedule:
- Event: College Football Playoff National Championship
- Matchup: #1 Indiana vs. #10 Miami
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET (Pregame) / 7:50 p.m. ET (Kickoff)
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL
- Channel: ESPN / ESPN+ / ESPN2 (MegaCast)
Is there any NFL action at all?
Nope. If you’re strictly an NFL fan, you’re in a waiting period. The league is currently resetting for the Conference Championships which take place next Sunday, January 25.
There is no "NFL" game time for monday night football tonight because the league doesn't want to compete with the National Championship's television ratings. It’s a gentleman’s agreement that’s existed for years.
If you really need an NFL fix, you're looking at highlights or checking out the early lines for the AFC and NFC title games. The Broncos and Seahawks—the top seeds who had byes—are the teams everyone is watching right now to see if they can hold off the momentum of the teams that played this weekend.
What about the halftime show and entertainment?
College games don't usually do the "Super Bowl" style pop star show, but tonight is an exception. The marching bands from both Indiana and Miami are the main draw for the traditionalists. They’ll be on the field during the break.
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If you're into the pre-game vibe, DJ Mal-Ski is handling the stadium energy. It's a massive production. ESPN usually treats this like their version of the Super Bowl because, for their college football rights, it actually is.
Real-world viewership tips
If you're streaming, make sure your apps are updated. ESPN+ is the go-to, but if you have a cable login, the ESPN app usually provides a more stable 4K feed if your TV supports it.
Expect the game to run long. College games have more clock stoppages than the NFL. Don't be surprised if this "Monday Night" game keeps you up until nearly midnight on the East Coast.
Wrap-up and what's next
While the game time for monday night football tonight refers to the college finale, it’s the only high-stakes football left until next Sunday. Whether you're rooting for the undefeated Hoosiers or the "Cane Train" playing in their backyard, it’s going to be a massive broadcast.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Double-check your local listings: If you're on the West Coast, remember this is a 4:30 p.m. PT start.
- Clear some DVR space: If you can't watch live, the game is almost certainly going to be re-aired on the ACC Network or Big Ten Network tomorrow, but nothing beats seeing the trophy lift live.
- Get ready for next Sunday: Once the clock hits zero tonight, the sports world pivots entirely back to the NFL for the Conference Championships.