If you're waking up in Bloomington—or anywhere else in Hoosier Nation—asking what time does Indiana University football play today, I have some news that might make you want to pace around your living room.
Honestly, it’s a weird day to be an IU fan. We are currently in that strange, vibrating silence between the greatest win in the history of the program and the biggest game any of us will ever see.
The short answer? Indiana University does not play a game today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
They just finished dismantling Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl on Friday night. It was a bloodbath. Now, the team is basically in a localized lockdown, prepping for the College Football Playoff National Championship against Miami. That game is set for Monday, January 19, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET.
The Schedule That Nobody Expected
Look, if you told me two years ago that I’d be writing about IU in the national title game in mid-January, I would’ve asked what you were drinking. This program used to be the "sad" part of the Big Ten. We were the "basketball school" that people visited to get an easy win and some nice scenery.
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Curt Cignetti changed that. He didn't just change the culture; he took a sledgehammer to it.
The Hoosiers are sitting at 15-0. Undefeated. It sounds fake. But after beating Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl and then putting 56 points on the Ducks, it's very real.
Why Isn't There a Game Today?
In the new 12-team playoff format, the calendar gets stretched thin. Since IU played their semifinal on January 9, they have a ten-day layoff before the final at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
While there’s no kickoff today, the "game" is happening behind closed doors. Cignetti is notorious for his "win-now" blueprint. Reports from Bloomington suggest the team is already deep into film study on the Hurricanes.
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Miami is 13-2. They’re ranked No. 10, but don't let that fool you. They’ve won seven straight. They’re playing 30 minutes away from their own campus. It’s going to be a road game in everything but name for our boys.
Key Details for the National Championship
Since you’re looking for game times, you’ll want to clear your calendar for next Monday. Here is the vital info:
- Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 7:30 PM ET
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
- TV Channel: ESPN
- The Matchup: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 10 Miami (FL)
Is Indiana Actually the Favorite?
It feels dirty to say, but yeah. Indiana is the No. 1 seed.
Aiden Fisher and D'Angelo Ponds have turned this defense into a group of ball-hawks that people on social media are literally accusing of cheating because they "start too fast." Fisher actually laughed about it in a press conference yesterday, basically saying they just study harder than everyone else.
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Then you have Fernando Mendoza at quarterback. The kid was the offensive MVP of the Peach Bowl. He’s playing with a level of confidence that borders on arrogant, and frankly, we love it.
What Should You Do Today?
Since there isn't a game to watch right this second, most fans are doing one of three things.
First, they're scouring the secondary markets for tickets to Miami. Prices are astronomical. If you find something under a grand, you've basically won the lottery.
Second, the transfer portal news is still flying. IU just landed Paddy McAteer, a kicker from Troy who grew up playing Gaelic football in Ireland. The guy didn't even touch an American football until 2024, and now he’s a key part of the 2026 roster.
Third, people are just... waiting. The tension in Indiana right now is thick. We are one win away from college football immortality.
If you're looking to gear up, the local shops on Kirkwood are probably picked over, but online restocks for "Peach Bowl Champions" gear are happening today.
Actionable Next Steps
- Set your DVR now for Monday night at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN so you don't miss a second of the pre-game.
- Check the weather for Miami Gardens if you're planning to fly down; it’s looking like mid-70s, which is a far cry from the Indiana winter we're currently dealing with.
- Follow the injury reports for safety Amare Ferrell, who had a brief scare in the Oregon game but has already confirmed he's returning to the program for the 2026 season.