If you’re staring at your TV guide looking for a professional gridiron clash tonight, Monday, January 19, 2026, you might be a bit confused. Usually, this is the sacred window for big-budget NFL drama. But tonight is different.
There is no NFL game on Monday Night Football tonight.
Instead, the biggest game in the world of amateur sports is moving in. We’re talking about the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship. It’s the #1 Indiana Hoosiers taking on the #10 Miami Hurricanes.
What Game is on Monday Night Football Tonight?
Technically, "Monday Night Football" is a brand owned by ESPN and the NFL, but tonight, the network is handing the keys to the college kids. The NFL finished its Divisional Round yesterday. We saw the New England Patriots take down the Houston Texans 28-16 and the Chicago Bears battle the Los Angeles Rams. With the pros taking a breather before the Conference Championships next Sunday, the CFP National Championship is the only show in town.
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It kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
The Matchup: Indiana vs. Miami
This isn't just any game. It’s a bit of a "pinch me" moment for Indiana fans. The Hoosiers are 15-0. Let that sink in. A program known for basketball is currently the undisputed king of the turf, coming off a massive 56-22 blowout against Oregon in the semifinals.
On the other side, you’ve got "The U." Miami wasn't even supposed to be here. They were the final team to sneak into the 12-team playoff as a #10 seed. Since then, they've played like a team possessed, upsetting Ohio State and Ole Miss to get back to their first title game since the early 2000s.
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Where to Watch the Game
If you’re looking for the broadcast, don't go hunting for it on ABC or local channels unless you’re looking for the "MegaCast" options. The primary telecast is on ESPN.
- Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (essentially a home game for the Canes)
- Announcers: Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit
- Radio: SiriusXM channels 80, 81, and 84
Honestly, the atmosphere in Miami is going to be electric. Since the Hurricanes are playing in their own backyard at Hard Rock Stadium, the ticket prices on the secondary market have reportedly skyrocketed.
Why is there no NFL game?
A lot of fans get caught off guard because the NFL did have a Monday night game last week during the Wild Card round (Texans vs. Steelers). But the league generally avoids Monday night games during the Divisional Round to ensure the winners have enough recovery time before the AFC and NFC Championship games.
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Plus, nobody—not even the NFL—really wants to counter-program against the College Football National Championship. It’s a ratings juggernaut.
What to Expect Tonight
Indiana enters as an 8.5-point favorite. Their offense, led by a relentless ground game, has been putting up video game numbers all season. Miami’s defense, however, has recorded 47 sacks this year. They specialize in making life miserable for quarterbacks.
Expect a lot of talk about Carson Beck, the Miami QB who transferred from Georgia and found his second wind in South Florida. On the Indiana side, the focus is all on head coach Curt Cignetti, who has pulled off arguably the greatest coaching turnaround in the history of the sport.
Key Storylines to Watch:
- Home Field Advantage: Miami is playing in its own stadium. Will the "orange out" rattle the Hoosiers?
- Indiana’s Perfection: Can they finish 16-0? Only a few teams in history have ever reached that summit.
- The 12-Team Era: This is the first year we’ve seen a #10 seed make it all the way to the final. It basically proves the new playoff format actually works.
Actionable Next Steps
If you were hoping for NFL action, you'll have to wait until Sunday, January 25. That’s when the Denver Broncos will host the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship, followed by the Seattle Seahawks taking on either the Bears or Rams in the NFC.
For tonight, grab some wings and tune into ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET. Even if you aren't a die-hard college fan, watching Indiana try to complete a perfect season against a resurgent Miami squad is the best sports drama you're going to find on a Monday night in January.