You’re sitting on the couch, remote in hand, scrolling through the guide and wondering where the chaos went. Usually, this time of year is a blur of helmets and highlights. But if you’re looking for a kickoff right this second, I’ve got some bad news. There is no college football on tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026.
It feels weird, right? We just came off a whirlwind of 12-team playoff games and a New Year’s Day that probably broke some viewership records. But right now, the sport is essentially holding its breath. The semifinals are in the rearview mirror, and the remaining teams are currently in Miami, probably dodging iguanas and doing press conferences. We are in that strange, quiet pocket of time before the biggest game of the year.
The Short Answer to Is There College Football on Tonight
Basically, we are in a holding pattern. The schedule is empty tonight because the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship is looming on the horizon. If you were hoping to see a late-season bowl or a random Saturday night clash, you’ve hit the end of the road for the 2025-2026 season schedule.
Everything is funneling toward Monday night. That’s when the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers take on the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes.
Wait, Indiana and Miami? Yeah, you read that right.
👉 See also: Tottenham vs FC Barcelona: Why This Matchup Still Matters in 2026
If you told someone three years ago that the Hoosiers would be the top-ranked, undefeated juggernaut in the title game, they’d have asked you to pass whatever you were drinking. But here we are. Curt Cignetti’s squad is 15-0. They’ve turned Bloomington into a football town, which is a sentence I never thought I’d type. They're currently 8.5-point favorites according to the latest lines coming out of the sportsbooks.
Meanwhile, Miami is playing the role of the ultimate "home" underdog. The game is at Hard Rock Stadium. It’s a literal home game for them, even if the CFP tries to keep it neutral. They’ve had a wild path to get here, including that nail-biter 31-27 win over Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl.
Why Saturday is All About the NFL Instead
The reason the NCAA clears the deck today isn't just about giving the college kids a rest. It’s about the NFL playoffs.
The NFL is a monster that eats everything in its path. Today is the Divisional Round, and the league has basically claimed Saturday as its own. If you turn on the TV tonight, you’re going to see:
✨ Don't miss: Buddy Hield Sacramento Kings: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos (which just finished or is wrapping up)
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks in a massive NFC West primetime showdown
College football knows better than to compete with that. The ratings would be a bloodbath. So, the powers that be moved the National Championship to its traditional Monday night slot. It gives fans a chance to breathe—and gives the advertisers a clear runway.
What’s Actually Happening in the College Football World Today?
Even though there aren't any games, the sport isn't "off." Far from it. Today, January 17, was actually Media Day in Miami Beach.
If you were at the Miami Beach Convention Center this morning, you would’ve seen Mario Cristobal and Cignetti answering the same questions for the hundredth time. It’s a circus. There are fan fests, John Summit is headlining concerts at Lummus Park, and the atmosphere is electric.
There’s also a ton of drama behind the scenes. You might’ve heard about the Trinidad Chambliss lawsuit. The Ole Miss quarterback is literally suing the NCAA today over his eligibility for next year. While we’re waiting for a kickoff, the lawyers are the ones actually playing offense. It’s a reminder that even when the field is empty, the "chaos" of college football never really stops.
🔗 Read more: Why the March Madness 2022 Bracket Still Haunts Your Sports Betting Group Chat
When to Watch the Next Real Game
Since there is no college football on tonight, you should probably just mark your calendar for the finale.
The 2026 CFP National Championship
- Matchup: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 10 Miami
- Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
It’s going to be a fascinating game. Indiana has this suffocating defense that just dismantled Oregon in the Peach Bowl. Miami has the momentum and the "Cardiac Canes" energy that seems to pull wins out of thin air.
If you’re really desperate for more football after the championship, the East-West Shrine Bowl is coming up on January 27, followed by the Senior Bowl on January 31. Those aren't "real" games in terms of standings, but they're the first look at the guys who will be Saturday stars in the NFL soon.
Honestly, take tonight off. Watch the 49ers and Seahawks beat each other up. Order some wings. Get your chores done tomorrow. Because come Monday night, you’re going to want to be parked in front of the TV for a matchup that nobody—and I mean nobody—saw coming at the start of the season.
Next Steps for Your Football Weekend:
- Check your DVR to make sure it's set for Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET so you don't miss the Hoosiers vs. Canes.
- If you're looking for live sports right now, flip over to FOX for the 49ers vs. Seahawks NFL Divisional game.
- Keep an eye on the transfer portal news, as several big-name players are expected to announce their new homes before the Monday night kickoff.