If you'd told me a year ago that I’d be sitting here writing about Indiana playing for a natty, I probably would’ve laughed. Hard. But here we are. It’s 2026, and the Hoosiers aren’t just "kinda good" anymore—they’re the No. 1 team in the country and about to play in the biggest game of their lives.
So, let's get right to it because you're probably scrambling to make sure your cable or streaming setup is ready. What channel is the Indiana football game on? The College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship between No. 1 Indiana and No. 10 Miami is airing on ESPN.
That’s the main spot. But since it’s ESPN, they’re doing that "MegaCast" thing they love, which means you have about a dozen different ways to watch the Hoosiers try to finish this miracle season.
The Specifics: Time, Date, and Channel
Mark your calendar for Monday, January 19, 2026. This isn't a Saturday afternoon kickoff. We’re looking at a 7:30 p.m. ET start time.
The game is happening at Hard Rock Stadium down in Miami Gardens. Yeah, it’s basically a home game for the Hurricanes, but if the Peach Bowl was any indication, the "Red Sea" of IU fans will probably travel better than anyone expects.
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Where to Find the Game
- Main Broadcast: ESPN
- The "Fun" Broadcast: ESPN2 (This is where the Pat McAfee Show Field Pass usually lives—highly recommended if you want less formal commentary and more chaos).
- The Techy Broadcast: ESPNEWS (SkyCast) or ESPNU (Coaches Film Room).
- Spanish Language: ESPN Deportes.
- Radio: Indiana Hoosiers Sports Network (Don Fischer on the call, as always).
Honestly, if you have a basic cable package, YouTube TV, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV, you’re set. Just search for "ESPN" and you’re golden.
Why This Indiana Football Game is Different
This isn't just another bowl game. Indiana is 15-0. Let that sink in for a second. A program that was once statistically the "losingest" in FBS history is now one win away from a perfect season.
Coach Curt Cignetti has basically performed a miracle in Bloomington. He didn't just change the culture; he set it on fire and rebuilt it. The way they dismantled Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl semifinal? That wasn't a fluke. That was a statement.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza—the Heisman winner, by the way—is playing out of his mind. The irony isn't lost on anyone that Mendoza is a Miami native. He’s going back home to the 305 to try and take down the Hurricanes in their own backyard.
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Streaming and Other Ways to Watch
What if you don't have traditional cable? You've got plenty of options in 2026.
The game will be available on the ESPN App, but remember you usually need a login from a provider (like a friend's cable password or your own streaming sub) to get it to work. If you're looking for 4K—which I highly recommend for a game this big—check your provider settings on DirecTV or YouTube TV. They usually have a dedicated 4K channel that makes the turf look so crisp you’ll want to touch it.
For those in Bloomington who didn't snag a ticket to Miami, IU is actually hosting a massive watch party at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. All the free tickets were claimed pretty much instantly, but if you have one, the doors open at 6:00 p.m. It’s going to be electric in there.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
People look at Miami as a No. 10 seed and think Indiana should walk all over them. Don't be that person.
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Miami is playing at Hard Rock. It’s their house. They just beat Ole Miss in a nail-biter to get here, and they have a defensive front that can actually pressure Mendoza.
Key Storylines to Watch
- The Mendoza Homecoming: Can the Heisman winner keep his cool in front of his hometown crowd?
- Cignetti vs. Cristobal: A masterclass in program building vs. elite recruiting.
- The IU Defense: They've been the unsung heroes all year, especially in that slugfest against Ohio State in the Big Ten title game.
Making the Most of the National Championship Game
If you're hosting a party, make sure your internet can handle the 4K stream. There’s nothing worse than the "spinning wheel of death" when IU is on the goal line.
Also, check out the halftime show on ESPN+. They’re actually streaming the full marching band performances. The Marching Hundred has a special set planned for the final, and it's usually better than the talking heads in the studio anyway.
Your Game Day Checklist
- Check your ESPN subscription status now, not five minutes before kickoff.
- Sync your radio if you prefer Don Fischer’s voice (you’ll have to pause the TV for a few seconds to line up the audio).
- Download the IU Athletics app for live stats if you’re a nerd for the numbers.
This is history. Regardless of what happens Monday night, this season has changed Indiana football forever. But man, winning it all would be something else.
Next Steps: Verify your streaming login credentials today and clear some space on your DVR if you plan on recording this for the archives. If you're looking for specific radio frequencies in your area, check the official Indiana Hoosiers Sports Network affiliate list before you head out.