So, you’re sitting there, remote in hand, scrolling through the guide and wondering: is there any college football games today? It's January 15, 2026. The air is cold, the holidays are a distant memory, and your Saturday routine feels... empty.
Honestly, I’ve been there. You crave the sound of marching bands and the sight of a 19-year-old making a catch that defies physics. But here’s the reality check: There are no college football games today. We are currently in that weird, quiet pocket of the postseason. The semifinals are done. The New Year’s Day chaos has settled. We are basically in the eye of the storm before the biggest game of the year.
When does the action start again?
The drought doesn't last forever. If you’re looking for the next meaningful snap, you have to wait until Monday, January 19, 2026. That is the big one. The College Football Playoff National Championship.
This year’s matchup is a wild one that nobody saw coming back in August. We’ve got the No. 1 seed Indiana Hoosiers taking on the No. 10 seed Miami Hurricanes. It’s happening at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
✨ Don't miss: The Detroit Lions Game Recap That Proves This Team Is Different
Think about that for a second. Indiana. For the national title. Curt Cignetti has basically pulled off the greatest coaching job in the modern era. Meanwhile, Mario Cristobal has the U back in a "home" game for the biggest trophy in the sport. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
The gap between the semifinals and the final
Why the long wait? It's a common frustration. The Peach Bowl and Fiesta Bowl semifinals wrapped up nearly a week ago. On January 8, Indiana edged out Oregon 55-26 in a game that was way more of a blowout than anyone expected. Then, on January 9, Miami stunned the world by taking down Ole Miss 31-27.
The NCAA and the CFP committee give these teams about ten days to breathe. It’s not just for rest; it’s for the massive logistical nightmare of moving two entire universities to South Florida. Plus, it gives the media a week to over-analyze every single injury report until we’re all sick of hearing about "momentum."
🔗 Read more: The Chicago Bears Hail Mary Disaster: Why Tyrique Stevenson and Bad Luck Changed a Season
What about all-star games?
If you’re a real draft nerd, you might be looking for the "prospect" games. Today is quiet on that front too.
The American Bowl in Lakeland, Florida, doesn't happen until January 22. You’ll see guys like Army’s Noah Short there. Then you’ve got the East-West Shrine Bowl on January 27 and the Senior Bowl on January 31. These are great if you want to scout the guys your NFL team will probably reach for in the third round, but they aren't happening today.
Is there anything else to watch?
If you’re desperate for a fix, the NFL is about to take over the weekend. While today—Thursday—is empty for the pros too, the Divisional Round kicks off this Saturday, January 17.
💡 You might also like: Steelers News: Justin Fields and the 2026 Quarterback Reality
- Saturday: Bills vs. Broncos and 49ers vs. Seahawks.
- Sunday: Texans vs. Patriots and Rams vs. Bears.
It’s not college ball, but it’s the closest thing we’ve got until Monday night.
Why this January lull actually matters
Most people get annoyed by the break, but it’s actually the best time to catch up on the transfer portal. While the games are paused, the rosters for 2026 are being built right now. Every time you refresh your feed, a star quarterback is probably hitting the portal or committing to a new NIL deal.
It’s also a good time to look at the 2026 schedule that was just finalized for teams like NIU and UCLA. The sport never truly stops; it just changes form for a few days.
So, since there aren't any games on the tube today, take a beat. Reset the smoker. Re-up on your favorite game-day snacks. We’ve only got one real college game left in the 2025-26 season, and you’re going to want to be ready when Indiana and Miami finally lock horns.
Your next move: Set a reminder for Monday night at 7:30 p.m. ET. Check your local listings for ESPN, and maybe spend tonight looking up how Indiana actually became the best team in the country. It’s a story worth knowing before the coin toss.