Indiana vs. Miami: Everything You Need to Know for the 2026 CFP National Championship and How to Watch It
Monday night just hits different when it’s championship time-and this one’s got all the makings of a classic. Indiana and Miami are set to clash in the College Football Playoff National Championship, and it's not just a battle for the title-it’s a statement game for two programs that took very different paths to get here.
This is the second year of the expanded 12-team playoff format, and it’s already paying off in drama and storylines. No.
1 Indiana has looked every bit the powerhouse they were expected to be, steamrolling their way through the bracket. On the other side, No.
10 Miami has been the bracket-buster-the last team in, now the last one standing alongside the Hoosiers. And the cherry on top?
Miami gets to play for it all in their own backyard at Hard Rock Stadium.
But this game isn’t just about what happens between the lines-it’s also about how fans experience it. And thanks to ESPN’s MegaCast, there’s no shortage of ways to lock in.
📺 How to Watch the CFP National Championship: Indiana vs. Miami
Kickoff Time:
🕢 Monday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
ET
📍 Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
Main Broadcast:
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN app
But that’s just the beginning. ESPN is rolling out 14 different telecast options for this game, giving fans the chance to watch it from just about every angle imaginable.
🧠 CFP MegaCast: All the Ways to Watch
Here’s a breakdown of the full viewing experience:
| Telecast | Channel/Platform |
|---|
| Main Telecast | ESPN, ESPN app | | Field Pass with The Pat McAfee Show | ESPN2, ESPN app |
| Film Room | ESPNU, ESPN app | | SkyCast | ESPNews, ESPN app |
| Field Pass with ACC Huddle | ACCN, ESPN app | | Spanish Language Broadcast | ESPN Deportes, ESPN app |
| 4K Main Telecast | 4K, ESPN app | | High SkyCast | ESPN app |
| Command Center | ESPN app | | Miami Hometown Radio | ESPN app |
| Indiana Hometown Radio | ESPN app | | All-22 with ESPN Radio | ESPN app |
| Halftime Bands | ESPN+, ESPN app | | National Radio Broadcast | ESPN Radio, ESPN app |
🎙️ What to Expect from Each Telecast
- Main Telecast (ESPN): The traditional game broadcast-play-by-play, analysis, and everything you’d expect from the flagship coverage.
- Field Pass with The Pat McAfee Show (ESPN2): Pat McAfee and his crew-including AJ Hawk, Darius Butler, Connor Campbell, Ty Schmit, and Tone Digs-will bring their signature energy and sideline access to the broadcast. Expect plenty of laughs, live reactions, and a completely different feel from your standard booth call.
- Film Room (ESPNU): Back after a four-year break, this one’s for the Xs and Os crowd. Host Zubin Mehenti is joined by rules analyst Jerry McGinn and a panel of coaches-Steve Addazio, Dave Clawson, Gene Chizik, and Mike Gundy-breaking down the game in real time with deep-dive analysis.
- SkyCast (ESPNews): Aerial views from behind the offense give fans a coach’s-eye look at the formations and play development.
- Field Pass with ACC Huddle (ACCN): Taylor Tannebaum, Eric MacLain, Eddie Royal, and Jimbo Fisher will offer ACC-flavored commentary and on-field insights as they roam the sidelines.
- Spanish Language Broadcast (ESPN Deportes): Eduardo Varela, Pablo Viruega, Sebastian M. Christensen, and Carlos Nava will call the action en Español for fans who want to experience the game in their native language.
- Other Options (ESPN app): High SkyCast: Another aerial view, even higher up for a broader perspective. Command Center: Split-screen coverage with stats, replays, and multiple angles. Hometown Radio Feeds: Choose your allegiance-Indiana or Miami-and hear the game called by voices who know the programs inside and out. All-22 with ESPN Radio: The full-field view coaches use to evaluate tape, paired with ESPN Radio commentary. Halftime Bands: Marching band fans, this one’s for you-live performances from both schools during halftime.
🏈 Game Preview: Indiana vs. Miami
Let’s talk football. Indiana has been on a tear all season, and under head coach Curt Cignetti, they’ve taken things to another level in the postseason. Quarterback Brendan Mendoza has been locked in, and the Hoosiers' offense is humming with a balance that’s tough to defend.
Miami, meanwhile, has leaned into the underdog role. They survived a wild semifinal against Ole Miss, giving up a season-high 27 points but still managing to come out on top. For Mario Cristobal’s squad, the formula is clear: win the turnover battle, keep things close, and let quarterback Beck make plays when it matters most.
Playing at home could give Miami a boost-Hard Rock Stadium will be packed with Canes fans hoping to witness history. But Indiana has shown all year they’re built for big moments. If Mendoza keeps his poise and the defense continues to deliver, the Hoosiers could be lifting the trophy by night’s end.
🔮 Prediction: Indiana 31, Miami 19
Expect a tight first half, with Miami hanging around and feeding off the home crowd. But as the game wears on, Indiana’s depth and discipline should take over.
A late turnover could be the turning point, setting up a game-sealing touchdown run from Roman Hemby. If that happens, Indiana will be crowned the second-ever champion of the 12-team playoff era.
Whether you're a die-hard fan, a casual viewer, or just here for the spectacle, this championship game has something for everyone. And thanks to the MegaCast, you can experience it your way. So settle in-because Monday night football just got a whole lot bigger.