If you’re staring at your TV guide tonight, Monday, January 19, 2026, looking for a professional NFL game, you’re going to be a little confused.
The "Monday Night Football" slot we usually associate with the pros is actually occupied by the biggest game in amateur sports. Tonight isn't about the NFL divisional race—it's about the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship.
The NFL played its Divisional Round games over the weekend (Saturday and Sunday). Because the league doesn't want to compete with the National Championship, there is no NFL game tonight. Instead, we get a massive showdown at Hard Rock Stadium between the #1 Indiana Hoosiers and the #10 Miami Hurricanes.
What Time Is The Game Tonight Monday Night Football (January 19, 2026)?
The National Championship game kicks off officially at 7:50 p.m. ET.
However, if you tune in at 7:30 p.m. ET, that’s when the broadcast festivities actually start on ESPN. You’ll see the pregame pageantry, the national anthem by Jamal Roberts (the American Idol winner), and all the hype videos that make college football feel like a cinematic event.
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Here is the quick breakdown of the timing:
- 5:00 p.m. ET: College GameDay begins its final broadcast of the year from Miami.
- 7:30 p.m. ET: Official pregame show starts.
- 7:50 p.m. ET: Kickoff between Indiana and Miami.
- 9:00 p.m. ET (approx): Halftime show featuring the Mercedes-Benz presentation and analysis from Nick Saban and Rece Davis.
Honestly, if you're on the West Coast, you'll want to be in front of a screen by 4:30 p.m. PT. It moves fast.
Why the NFL Isn't Playing Tonight
Most people searching for what time is the game tonight monday night football are expecting a pro game because the NFL has used Mondays for Wild Card games in the past.
Not this year.
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The NFL wrapped up its Divisional Round yesterday, Sunday, January 18. The Houston Texans took on the New England Patriots in the afternoon, followed by the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears. The league intentionally leaves this Monday clear for the CFP. It’s a "gentleman’s agreement" of sorts—the NFL owns the weekend, and they let college football have this specific Monday night for their trophy presentation.
The next NFL games won't happen until next Sunday, January 25, for the AFC and NFC Championship games.
The Matchup: #1 Indiana vs. #10 Miami
This isn't your typical championship matchup.
Indiana is currently undefeated (15-0) and has been a steamroller under Curt Cignetti. They have a scoring margin of +28.6 points per game, which is just absurd at this level. On the other side, you have the "hometown" Miami Hurricanes. They’re the #10 seed, making them the lowest seed to ever reach the title game in this 12-team playoff format.
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It’s basically a road game for Indiana despite being the top seed, as Hard Rock Stadium is Miami’s actual home turf.
How to Watch and Stream
Since this is an ESPN property, you won't find it on local broadcast channels like NBC or FOX.
- TV Channel: ESPN (main broadcast).
- Streaming: ESPN App (requires cable login), Fubo, or YouTube TV.
- Radio: SiriusXM channels 80, 81, or 84.
If you’re a nerd for "Command Center" views or "Skycast," ESPN2 and ESPNU usually run those alternate "MegaCast" feeds so you can watch the game from different angles or with advanced stats.
Actionable Tips for Tonight's Viewers
If you're planning on watching, don't wait until 8:00 p.m. to find the channel.
- Check your ESPN login now: If you use the app, these high-traffic games often boot people out right before kickoff.
- Order food early: This is essentially the "Super Bowl" for college fans. Delivery times in major cities usually spike around 6:30 p.m. ET.
- Follow the "Field Pass": If you find the main announcers (Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit) too formal, flip to the ACC Network for the "Field Pass" feed—it’s much more casual and feels like watching with friends.
The NFL will be back next Sunday, but for tonight, all eyes are on the turf in Miami.