Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship is more than just a title game-it’s a collision of two programs chasing very different legacies. Top-ranked Indiana comes in undefeated at 15-0, on the brink of its first-ever national title.
Across the field, No. 10 Miami is no stranger to this stage, aiming to capture its sixth championship.
The setting? Hard Rock Stadium, giving the Hurricanes a rare home-field edge in a neutral-site showdown.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
This matchup has all the makings of a classic-underdog history versus championship pedigree, a perfect record on the line, and a broadcast production that’s pulling out all the stops.
ESPN’s A-Team Returns for the Big Stage
When it comes to calling the biggest games, ESPN is sticking with its most trusted voices. Chris Fowler handles play-by-play duties, teaming up once again with Kirk Herbstreit, who brings his sharp analysis and deep football IQ to the booth. This marks the 12th time this duo has called a national championship together-a level of continuity that speaks volumes about their chemistry and credibility on the mic.
Down on the sidelines, Molly McGrath and Holly Rowe will be reporting from both benches. They’re veterans of the championship atmosphere, now working their fifth straight title game together. Their insight and access often provide the kind of real-time context you just can’t get from the booth.
For those tuning in on the radio, Sean McDonough will be painting the picture with his play-by-play, while former quarterback Greg McElroy breaks down the X’s and O’s. Ian Fitzsimmons and Quint Kessenich round out the ESPN Radio crew, offering boots-on-the-ground perspective from the field level.
A MegaCast Built for Every Kind of Fan
If you’re the kind of viewer who likes options, ESPN’s MegaCast is once again delivering in a big way. Thirteen unique viewing experiences will be available across the ESPN family of networks and streaming platforms.
One of the most anticipated returns is the Film Room on ESPNU. Making its first appearance in four years, this version features a panel of former head coaches-now analysts-breaking down plays in real time. Among them is former Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy, who brings a mix of experience and candid commentary that should make for compelling viewing.
Over on ESPN2, Pat McAfee’s Field Pass will offer a looser, more fan-driven experience, while the ACC Network will have its own version of Field Pass, likely with a Miami-centric lens.
For fans who want a tactical view, SkyCast on ESPNEWS delivers an overhead angle that follows the offense from behind the quarterback-ideal for seeing plays develop as coaches do.
Streaming on ESPN Unlimited opens up even more doors. The Command Center splits the screen into four views: the main broadcast, SkyCam, and dedicated coach cams locked in on Indiana’s Curt Cignetti and Miami’s Mario Cristobal. If you're into the chess match between head coaches, this is where you’ll want to be.
Then there’s All-22, the holy grail for film junkies. This angle captures all 22 players on the field at once-just like coaches use for game prep-offering a full-field view that highlights route combinations, defensive alignments, and the kind of subtle movement that often goes unnoticed in standard broadcasts.
A Tech-Enhanced Viewing Experience
Beyond the alternate feeds, ESPN is rolling out several production upgrades. Wireless cameras embedded in the first-down pylons will offer fresh angles at the sticks, while multiple camera positions throughout the stadium promise to capture every big moment from every possible vantage point.
And yes, for those watching at home, the game will be available in 4K UHD through providers like Comcast, DIRECTV, Dish Network, Optimum, Sling TV, Verizon, and YouTube TV. So if you’ve got the setup, you’re in for a visually stunning experience.
Whether you’re a die-hard Indiana fan hoping to witness history, a Miami loyalist chasing ring number six, or just a college football fan looking for the best seat in the house-this national championship has something for everyone. From the on-field stakes to the off-field broadcast spectacle, Monday night is set to deliver a title game worthy of the spotlight.
