You’ve got the wings ready. The couch is basically calling your name. But if you're looking for an NFL game tonight, Monday, January 19, 2026, you might be a little confused. The NFL Wild Card round officially wrapped up last Monday when the Houston Texans absolutely dismantled the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6.
So, what team is playing Monday night football tonight?
The answer isn't in the pros—it's in the college ranks. Tonight is the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship. We are looking at a massive clash between the Miami Hurricanes and the Indiana Hoosiers. It’s happening at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, which basically gives the Canes a home-field advantage for the biggest game of their lives. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Why the NFL isn't on tonight
Usually, Monday Night Football is the crown jewel of the NFL week. But once the playoffs hit, the schedule shifts. Last week was the final NFL Monday night game of the season. The Divisional Round just finished up yesterday, Sunday, January 18. We saw the New England Patriots take down the Texans and the Chicago Bears edge out the Rams.
Because the NFL wants to avoid a viewership war with the College Football National Championship, they leave tonight wide open for the kids.
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It’s actually a pretty smart move. Most football fans want to see if Indiana can finish one of the most improbable runs in college sports history. On the other side, you’ve got a Miami program trying to reclaim its "The U" glory days on its own turf.
The Matchup: Miami vs. Indiana
If you haven't been following college ball this year, Indiana being here is a "pinch me" moment for their fans. They aren't just a basketball school anymore. Coach Curt Cignetti has turned that program into a juggernaut in record time. They play a disciplined, fast-paced style that has caught the entire Big Ten off guard.
Miami is... well, Miami. They are fast. They are loud. They have arguably the most athletic roster in the country this year. Playing at Hard Rock Stadium, the atmosphere is going to be electric.
- Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
- Broadcast: ESPN (with various "MegaCast" options on ESPN2 and ESPNU)
Honestly, if you were hoping for the NFL, don't turn the TV off. These two teams play a pro-style game that features at least a dozen future Sunday starters.
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What Team Is Playing Monday Night Football in the NFL Next?
Since tonight is strictly for the college stars, you might be wondering when the pros return to Monday night.
They don't.
That’s the hard truth of the postseason. The NFL schedule for the remainder of the 2026 playoffs sticks strictly to weekends. The Conference Championships are scheduled for Sunday, January 25.
- AFC Championship: 3:00 p.m. ET on CBS.
- NFC Championship: 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
After that, everything pauses for two weeks until Super Bowl LX on February 8 at Levi's Stadium. So, while the "Monday Night Football" brand technically takes a nap after the Wild Card round, the Monday night slot remains the biggest stage in football for one last night with the CFP title game.
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How to watch tonight’s game
If you’re a cord-cutter, you can catch the Miami-Indiana game on FuboTV, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV. ESPN usually goes all out for this. You'll probably see the "Film Room" broadcast on one of the secondary channels where coaches break down plays in real-time. It's way more interesting than the standard commentary if you’re a true X’s and O’s nerd.
Indiana's defense is the unit to watch. They’ve been elite at creating pressure without blitzing heavy. If they can get to Miami's quarterback early, the home crowd might get quiet fast. But if Miami's receivers find space in the secondary? It’s going to be a long night for the Hoosiers.
Final takeaway for your Monday night
Don't go looking for the NFL tonight—you'll just find reruns or talk shows. The real action is at Hard Rock Stadium.
Next Steps for Football Fans:
- Tune into ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET for the Indiana vs. Miami championship.
- Set your DVR for the NFL Conference Championships this coming Sunday, January 25.
- Check the injury reports for the Patriots and Bears tomorrow morning; both teams are nursing key starters after a brutal Divisional Round.
- Grab your Super Bowl gear now before the "official" matchup is set and prices spike next week.