Your Ultimate Guide to Watching the College Football Playoff Championship

Get ready for an epic showdown! This Monday, January 19, 2026, the college football season reaches its thrilling conclusion with the College Football Playoff National Championship Presented by AT&T

In a historic matchup, the undefeated No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers (15-0) face off against the hometown No. 10 Miami Hurricanes (13-2) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida — Miami’s own home field!

How To Watch Indiana Vs. Miami on Monday Night

This is a clash for the ages: Indiana, led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, chases the program’s first-ever national title and a perfect season under coach Curt Cignetti.

Meanwhile, Miami, coached by Mario Cristobal (a former Hurricanes national champion player), aims for their first crown since 2001 — and the chance to win it all right at home, a first in the modern playoff era.

College Football Championship Game Details

  • Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
  • Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m. ET (Pregame coverage, including ESPN’s College GameDay, starts at 5:00 p.m. ET)
  • Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
  • Teams: No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers vs. No. 10 Miami Hurricanes

How to WatchThe game airs nationally on ESPN, with ESPN’s signature MegaCast offering multiple viewing options across networks for every fan preference.TV Broadcast:

  • Main telecast: ESPN — Call by Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), and sideline reporters Holly Rowe and Molly McGrath.
  • Additional feeds include ESPN2 (Field Pass with The Pat McAfee Show), ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ACC Network, ESPN Deportes (Spanish-language), and more.

Streaming Options:

  • Stream live on the ESPN App or WatchESPN (requires TV provider login or compatible streaming subscription).
  • Available on services that carry ESPN. Want to stream for free? FuboTV offers a free trial. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and others.
  • The full game is presented in stunning 4K UHD on select providers like Comcast, DIRECTV, Dish Network, Optimum, Sling TV, Verizon, and YouTube TV.

Radio:

  • National broadcast on ESPN Radio.
  • Local “Hometown Radio” feeds available via the ESPN App for each team’s announcers.

Additional Viewing Tips:

  • Catch wall-to-wall pregame and postgame coverage on ESPN networks, including studio shows and highlights.
  • Halftime marching band performances from the Indiana University Marching Hundred and Miami’s Frost Band of the Hour stream on ESPN+ (All-22 view).

This is must-see TV for any college football fan — a Cinderella run for Indiana versus a home-field dream for Miami. Whether you’re rooting for the Hoosiers to make history or the Hurricanes to claim South Florida glory, don’t miss it!Tune in Monday night and enjoy the game. Who do you think will hoist the trophy? Let us know in the comments!

Local Watch Parties and Best Bars in Atlanta

Nothing beats the energy of watching with fellow fans, especially for the Georgia game. Atlanta’s sports bar scene is buzzing today, with many spots decked out in red and black.

Here are some top recommendations based on local vibes, screen setups, and game-day specials:

  • Park Tavern in Piedmont Park: Come for the massive indoor/outdoor screens, sound on for all games, bottomless mimosas, and a heated patio.
  • The Nook on Piedmont Park: A go-to for football games with multiple TVs, a covered patio, and game-day eats like totchos. It’s especially popular among out-of-town alumni groups.
  • Marlow’s Tavern (Multiple Locations, e.g., Vinings or Midtown): Upscale pub fare with plenty of screens. Their Cumberland location is a hotspot for NFL games, offering specials like $5 drafts during touchdowns.
  • Woofs Atlanta (Midtown): A lively sports bar with 30+ TVs, known for its inclusive atmosphere and strong drinks. Great for groups watching the entire day.
  • Wicked Wolf (Downtown): High-energy spot with giant projectors, wings, and beer towers. It’s a favorite for big games, with no cover charge today.
  • AMG Lounge (Buckhead): Newer venue with top ratings for NFL watch parties, but equally suited for CFP—think plush seating and craft cocktails.
  • College Football Hall of Fame (Downtown Atlanta): Not just a museum— they’re hosting a free viewing event in their atrium with big screens, interactive exhibits, and food trucks. A family-friendly option to catch the games while soaking in football history.

Want more local options? Check out our Best Atlanta Sports Bars Guide.

For Georgia-specific watch parties, check alumni groups like the Atlanta Dawg Club, which often gathers at spots like Hudson Grille in Midtown. Reservations are recommended, as spots fill up fast on playoff days.

If you’re hosting at home, local spots like Your 3rd Spot in West Midtown offer takeout packages with game-ready platters.

Radio and Audio Options

If you’re driving around Atlanta or prefer audio commentary, tune in via radio:

  • National Broadcast: ESPN Radio (available on SiriusXM Channel 80 or the ESPN app) with full coverage of all games.
  • Local for Georgia Game: The Bulldogs’ flagship station is 680 The Fan (WXIA-AM) in Atlanta, with Scott Howard, Eric Zeier, and D.J. Shockley on the call. Stream via the Georgia Bulldogs app or TuneIn.
  • Ole Miss Feed: For Rebels fans, check 97.3 FM in Atlanta affiliates or the Ole Miss Sports Network app.

Additional Tips for Atlanta Fans

  • Traffic and Parking: If heading to a bar near Piedmont Park or Downtown, use MARTA or rideshares—post-New Year’s traffic could be heavy, especially around evening rush for the Sugar Bowl.
  • Betting and Odds: Georgia is favored by 6.5 points with an over/under of 55.5—check apps like FanDuel or DraftKings for live lines (legal in Georgia via mobile).
  • Family-Friendly Viewing: The College Football Hall of Fame event is ideal for kids, or stream at home with ESPN’s multi-view feature to flip between games.
  • Post-Game Coverage: Stick with us here at AtlantaFi.com for recaps, highlights, and analysis—especially if Georgia advances to the semifinals at the Peach Bowl on January 9 right here in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Whether you’re a die-hard Dawg or just love the playoff drama, today’s games are must-see TV. Go Bulldogs, and happy New Year from all of us in Atlanta!

Tee Johnson: Tee Johnson is the co-founder of AtlantaFi.com and as an unofficial ambassador of the city, she's a lover of all things Atlanta. She writes about Travel News, Events, Business, Hair Care (Wigs!) and Money.

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