If you’re staring at the calendar for Monday, January 19, 2026, and thinking it’s just another slow start to the work week, you’re kinda missing the biggest story in sports right now. Seriously. Tomorrow isn't just a Monday. It is the literal climax of the college season and a weirdly busy day for European soccer.
The headline is impossible to ignore: No. 10 Miami vs. No. 1 Indiana.
I know, I know. Indiana in the national title game? It sounds like a glitch in a video game simulation. But Curt Cignetti has actually done it. Tomorrow night at Hard Rock Stadium, the Hoosiers are looking to finish a 16-0 season.
What Football Games Are Playing Tomorrow: The National Championship Showdown
Basically, the entire American sports world is going to be hyper-focused on Miami Gardens tomorrow. The College Football Playoff National Championship kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
This game is wild for a few reasons. First off, Miami is playing at their home stadium, but they’re technically the "away" team. That hasn’t happened in a title game since the mid-90s. The Hurricanes are coming off that nail-biter 31-27 win over Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl. They’ve been playing "cardiac canes" football all month.
📖 Related: Heisman Trophy Nominees 2024: The Year the System Almost Broke
Indiana is the heavy favorite, though. Most books have them at -8.5. They just dismantled Oregon 55-26 in the semi-final. If you’ve watched them this year, you know their efficiency is just stupidly high. It’s "Cornfed vs. Convicts" as some people are calling it, which is a bit of a throwback to the old-school Miami rivalries.
European Soccer Fixtures for Monday, Jan 19
If you aren't into the American college scene, or if you're just looking for something to watch during the day while you're supposed to be working, Europe has some decent "Monday Night Football" (the soccer kind) on deck.
The Premier League has a sneaky good mid-table clash. Brighton hosts Bournemouth at 8:00 p.m. local time (3:00 p.m. ET). Brighton is always fun to watch because they refuse to play boring football, even when it bites them in the grass.
Over in Spain, Sevilla is traveling to Elche. Sevilla has had a rough go of it lately, and Elche away is always a "trap" game. That one also kicks off at 8:00 p.m. local.
👉 See also: When Was the MLS Founded? The Chaotic Truth About American Soccer's Rebirth
Italy’s Serie A has a double-header tomorrow:
- Cremonese vs. Verona (5:30 p.m. local / 11:30 a.m. ET) – A massive relegation six-pointer.
- Lazio vs. Como (7:45 p.m. local / 1:45 p.m. ET) – Como has been the trendy team to follow this year with their high-profile ownership, but Lazio at the Olimpico is a different beast entirely.
Why Tomorrow Matters More Than Usual
Usually, Mondays are for recovery. But because we’re right in the heart of the NFL Divisional round aftermath, tomorrow acts as the bridge to the Conference Championships next week. We just saw the Broncos lose Bo Nix to an injury on Saturday, and tonight's Rams/Bears game sets the final stage.
Tomorrow is the breather before the NFL storm returns, but it’s the only day that matters for college fans.
Honestly, the Indiana story is the one to track. No one—and I mean no one—had them in the title game back in August. They’ve outscored opponents by an average of 20 points. If they win tomorrow, it’ll be one of the most improbable runs in the history of the sport.
✨ Don't miss: Navy Notre Dame Football: Why This Rivalry Still Hits Different
How to Watch Everything
You’ve got options. If you’re a cord-cutter, you’re probably already familiar with the struggle.
- The National Championship: ESPN is the exclusive home. If you don't have cable, YouTube TV or Fubo are your best bets. Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit are on the call.
- Premier League: Look for Brighton vs. Bournemouth on USA Network or Peacock in the States.
- Serie A/La Liga: These usually live on Paramount+ and ESPN+ respectively.
If you’re planning to bet on the Miami/Indiana game, keep an eye on the weather in South Florida. It’s looking clear, but the humidity at Hard Rock can turn a game into a slog by the fourth quarter.
The smart move for tomorrow? Get your errands done early. The soccer slate will carry you through the afternoon, and the National Championship is going to be a late one. If Miami keeps it close, don't expect to be in bed before midnight.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your local listings for the exact channel numbers for ESPN and USA Network. If you are attending the game in Miami, the "Allstate Championship Tailgate" opens at 11:00 a.m. at Hard Rock Stadium—just make sure you have your digital ticket ready, as they aren't doing paper entries this year.