If you just woke up and the first thing you did was grab your remote to find a kickoff, I have some news. It’s January 15, 2026. We’re in that weird, quiet pocket of the sports calendar where the dust from the semifinals has finally settled, but the biggest game of our lives is still a few days away.
Honestly, the question of what channel are the bowl games on today is a bit of a trick one this morning.
Here is the reality: the "official" bowl season—at least the part with the dozens of corporate-sponsored games in Florida and Arizona—is actually over. We’ve moved past the Pop-Tarts Bowl and the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. We even finished the grueling College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals last week.
Right now, the college football world is holding its collective breath for Monday night. That is when #1 Indiana and #10 Miami will clash for the National Championship. But if you’re looking for live action right this second, you’re going to find a lot of "analysis" and "bracketology" instead of live pigskin.
What Happened to the Thursday Night Slot?
Usually, we’re used to seeing a game on Thursday. However, the 2025-26 schedule was back-loaded heavily into the New Year’s window. Because the CFP expanded to 12 teams, the calendar looks way different than it did three or four years ago.
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We just came off a wild stretch. On January 8, Miami shocked the world by taking down Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl. Then, on January 9, Indiana absolutely dismantled Oregon in the Peach Bowl. Both of those games were on ESPN.
If you see "college football" on your guide today, it’s almost certainly a replay on the SEC Network, ACC Network, or Big Ten Network. They love running those "Games in 60" or "Classic Replays" during this gap week. It’s basically the only way they can keep the hype train moving until Monday.
Searching for What Channel Are the Bowl Games on Today
I get why you're searching for this. For decades, January was wall-to-wall football. But with the new playoff format, the "meaningless" bowls (no offense to the Isleta New Mexico Bowl) get pushed into December. By mid-January, it’s all about the championship.
If you are looking for specific game-day info for the big finale, here is the breakdown you actually need:
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- The Matchup: #1 Indiana vs. #10 Miami
- The Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
- The Time: 7:30 PM ET
- The Channel: ESPN
It’s kind of wild to see Miami in this spot. They came in as a #10 seed. They had to fight through a brutal road game at Texas A&M just to get their foot in the door. Then they upset Ohio State. Then they beat Ole Miss. Now, they’re basically playing a home game at Hard Rock Stadium for the title.
Meanwhile, Indiana has been a buzzsaw. They didn't just beat Oregon in the Peach Bowl; they dominated them. If you’re a betting person, the Hoosiers are the favorites, but Miami has that "team of destiny" vibe going for them.
Where to Find Football Fixes Right Now
Since there aren't live bowl games on today, what do you watch?
Most fans are pivoting to the NFL playoffs, but if you’re a college die-hard, your best bet is ESPNU or the Big Ten Network. They’ve been running marathons of the best games from the 2025 season all week.
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You’ll also see a lot of talk about the "transfer portal" and "national signing day" prep. It’s not a game, but in 2026, the off-field drama is basically its own sport. Coaches are already out on the road recruiting while the two finalists prepare for Miami Gardens.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since you can’t watch a live bowl today, here’s how to prep for the championship Monday:
- Check your ESPN subscription: The National Championship on January 19 is an ESPN exclusive. If you’re a cord-cutter, make sure your Fubo, YouTube TV, or Sling login is active.
- Look for the "MegaCast": On Monday, ESPN usually runs different versions of the game on ESPN2 (often the Pat McAfee Show version) and ESPNU (the SkyCast).
- Clear your Monday night: The game kicks off at 7:30 PM ET, but with the trophy presentation and the inevitable 20-minute halftime shows, don't expect it to end before 11:15 PM.
- Watch the Replays: Use the "On Demand" section of your sports app to find the Peach Bowl and Fiesta Bowl highlights. Understanding how Indiana and Miami got here will make Monday much more fun.
The wait is almost over. Enjoy the quiet while it lasts.