Only two teams remain in the College Football Playoff.
The Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes will play for the national championship this season.
It’s the first time in program history that the Hoosiers will play for the national title. Under head coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana has amassed a record of 26-1 in his first two seasons in Bloomington. Prior to Cignetti’s arrival, Indiana posted a losing record in its last three seasons dating back to 2021.
The Hurricanes return to the national championship game for the first time since 2003. Miami lost to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl that year and struggled to make its way back to the championship game.
This year’s national championship game also could provide a historic moment. If Miami is able to defeat top-seeded Indiana, Miami would become the first team in the CFP or the Bowl Championship Series era to win a national championship in its home stadium.
Here’s more info on what you need to know about this year’s CFP national championship game.
When is the national championship game?
This year’s College Football National Championship Game will take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
It will be held on Jan. 19, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. CT.
Has a national championship game ever been played in Miami before?
Yes.
Miami Gardens has hosted several college football national championship games before.
In the BCS era, Miami hosted four national championship games. The last one held in Miami during the BCS era was in 2013 when Alabama defeated Notre Dame.
Miami has only hosted one national championship game in the College Football Playoff era. That happened in 2021 when Alabama defeated Ohio State.
Where to watch Indiana vs Miami in the national championship game
The 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship Game will be televised on ESPN.
You can also stream the big game on the ESPN app or by using a TV service provider like YouTube TV, Fubo or DirecTV.
Emery Glover is an audience engagement specialist for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at eglover@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: When is the national championship game? How to watch Indiana vs Miami
Reporting by Emery Glover, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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