It is Saturday, January 17, 2026, and if you are looking for the Hoosiers on your TV dial today, you’re going to find plenty of hype but no live kickoff. There is no game today.
Honestly, the schedule is a bit of a tease. While fans are frantically searching for what time does IU play football today, the reality is that the #1 ranked Indiana Hoosiers are currently in "calm before the storm" mode in Miami. They aren't playing a game this Saturday afternoon. Instead, the team is undergoing final walkthroughs and prep for the biggest game in the history of the program.
Indiana is slated to play for the College Football Playoff National Championship against the #10 Miami Hurricanes on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Kickoff for that historic matchup is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium. You can catch the broadcast on ESPN.
Why the Saturday Search is Trending
It makes sense why everyone is asking about the game time today. Usually, Saturdays are for college football. It’s ingrained in our DNA. But the National Championship is a Monday night affair, a tradition that feels a bit weird when your team is actually the one playing in it.
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Even though there’s no game today, the IU Alumni Association and Homefield Apparel are throwing a massive "Welcome to Miami" event at American Social this evening, January 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. If you're in South Florida, that's where the action is. The first 200 fans over 21 get drink specials, and they’re handing out freebies until they run out.
What Time Does IU Play Football Today and How Did We Get Here?
The 2025-2026 season has been nothing short of a fever dream for Bloomington. If you told a Hoosier fan three years ago that IU would be 15-0 and the #1 seed in a 12-team playoff, they would have asked what you were drinking.
The path to Monday night was paved with some absolute beatdowns. On New Year's Day, IU dismantled #9 Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl. Then came the Peach Bowl semifinal on January 9. Indiana faced #5 Oregon and hung 56 points on them. Fernando Mendoza threw five touchdowns. The defense forced three first-half turnovers. It wasn't even close.
- Rose Bowl (Quarterfinal): IU 38, Alabama 3
- Peach Bowl (Semifinal): IU 56, Oregon 22
- National Championship: IU vs. Miami (Monday, Jan 19)
Miami's road was a bit scrappier. They were the #10 seed and had to fight through a 10-3 grinder against Texas A&M before upsetting #2 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. They just coming off a 31-27 thriller against Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl. They’re battle-tested, but IU is the juggernaut this year.
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Breaking Down the National Championship Details
Since you won't find them on the field today, here is the essential info for Monday so you don't miss a second of the actual game.
Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
TV Channel: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN App, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV
The festivities leading up to the game are pretty extensive. Tomorrow, Sunday the 18th, the Marching Hundred is doing an open rehearsal at Moore Park at 11:00 a.m. Later that day, there's a performance at the CFP Fan Central in the Miami Beach Convention Center at 3:00 p.m.
What to Expect on Monday Night
Vegas has been shifting the lines, but most experts are leaning toward the Hoosiers. The synergy between Mendoza and receivers like Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. has been telepathic. Sarratt hauled in two touchdowns in the Peach Bowl and seems to find gaps in the zone that don't exist on film.
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Then there’s the defense. D'Angelo Ponds started the Peach Bowl with a pick-six just seconds into the game. That kind of explosive defensive scoring makes Indiana terrifying to play against. Miami’s quarterback situation is solid, but they haven't seen a pass rush this relentless all season.
One thing to watch is the "home field" advantage. The game is in Miami Gardens. Hard Rock Stadium is literally the Hurricanes' home turf. Even though IU is the #1 seed and the designated home team, the crowd noise might tell a different story.
Actionable Steps for Hoosier Fans
If you're looking for ways to engage since there is no game today, here is your checklist for the next 48 hours:
- Check the Gear: If you aren't in Miami, make sure your lucky jersey is clean. If you're looking for "National Championship" specific merch, the IU Varsity Shop and Homefield are the official spots.
- Plan the Watch Party: Monday at 7:30 p.m. is a tough time for a work night. Secure your snacks and invite the crew now. Most Bloomington bars like Nick's English Hut will be at capacity hours before kickoff.
- Tune into Fan Central: If you are in Miami today, head to the Miami Beach Convention Center. It’s open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It's free and features clinics, pep rallies, and autograph signings.
- Set the DVR: Even if you're watching live, this is a "keep forever" kind of game. Ensure you have enough space on your cloud DVR to record the ESPN broadcast and the post-game trophy presentation.
The wait is almost over. Saturday and Sunday are just the preamble. Monday night, the Hoosiers play for immortality.