when is kickoff for cfp championship

CFP National Championship Kickoff: January 19, 2026 The 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game, featuring No. 1 Indiana versus No. 10 Miami (Fla.), kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, January 19, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Game Details

This marquee matchup caps the expanded 12-team playoff format, with Indiana seeking its first title in program history and Miami aiming to end a 25-year drought since 2001. Broadcast live on ESPN (with alternate streams on ESPN2, ACC Network, and ESPNU), the primetime slot aligns with prime viewing hours amid growing playoff hype. As of January 20, 2026, the game occurred yesterday, drawing massive national attention.

Viewing and Context

Fans tuned in via ESPN app, Fubo, or radio broadcasts like Miami's ESPN lineup with Joe Zagacki. The 7:30 p.m. ET start (4:30 p.m. PT) followed semifinals like the Fiesta and Peach Bowls, building playoff momentum.

Quick Fan Facts

• Odds : Indiana favored by 7.5 points, over/under 46.5.

• Stadium : Hard Rock Stadium, known for high-energy atmospheres.

• Historical Note : Part of the 2025-26 CFP schedule announced last April.

TL;DR : Kickoff was 7:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 19, 2026—Indiana vs. Miami on ESPN.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.