Indianapolis, January 8, 2026
As college football heats up, the University of Miami Hurricanes prepare to face the University of Mississippi in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Scheduled for January 8, this pivotal game will be broadcast on ESPN. Entering the semifinals as the No. 10 seed, the Hurricanes have shown remarkable resilience, overcoming tough opponents like Texas A&M and Ohio State. This game could lead them to the National Championship on January 19, marking a significant milestone for the program as they aim for victory on a national stage.
Indianapolis, IN – As college football enthusiasts gear up for an exciting week, all eyes are on the University of Miami Hurricanes, who are set to clash with the University of Mississippi in the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals. This highly anticipated game is scheduled for Thursday night, January 8, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time, and will be broadcast on ESPN. A victory would not only propel the Hurricanes into the National Championship game on January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens but also mark a significant achievement for the program.
The Hurricanes, entering the semifinal as the No. 10 seed, have displayed a remarkable level of determination throughout the playoffs, notably overcoming formidable opponents like No. 7 Texas A&M and No. 2 Ohio State. This resilience highlights the thriving spirit of collegiate athletics, embodying the entrepreneurial mindset that many small businesses in Indianapolis also strive for. With dynamic players like Rueben Bain Jr., the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and Malachi Toney, the ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year, the team is poised to make a statement on the national stage.
Semifinal Matchups and Broadcast Information
The CFP semifinals include two pivotal matchups this week:
- Fiesta Bowl: No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 10 Miami (Florida) on Thursday, January 8, at 7:30 p.m. ET in Glendale, Arizona.
- Peach Bowl: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 5 Oregon on Friday, January 9, at 7:30 p.m. ET in Atlanta, Georgia.
Both games will be televised on ESPN, providing fans with the opportunity to witness the thrilling action unfold live.
Background on the College Football Playoff Structure
The 2025-26 season marks the second year of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff framework. This innovative structure has introduced a new level of competition, aiming to provide a more inclusive and engaging postseason experience. The semifinals, traditionally hosted at the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl, lead up to the highly coveted National Championship game, increasing excitement for fans and players alike.
National Championship Game Details
Scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, the National Championship game will take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. As the culmination of the CFP, this event will be televised nationally on ESPN, offering fans an unparalleled viewing experience.
Viewership Trends and Broadcast Rights
The popularity of the College Football Playoff continues to grow, with quarterfinals experiencing a noteworthy 14% rise in viewership compared to the previous year. On average, 19.3 million viewers tuned in across four games, with Indiana’s impressive Rose Bowl performance against Alabama amassing 24.9 million viewers, marking it as one of the most-watched games in CFP history. Looking ahead, this season marks the last for ESPN’s exclusive rights over all quarterfinals, as Warner Bros. Discovery is set to acquire rights for some upcoming games, promising changes in broadcasting dynamics.
How to Watch the Games
Fans eager to catch the action can view the CFP semifinals and the National Championship game on ESPN. For those without traditional cable subscriptions, streaming services such as Sling TV, FuboTV, and YouTube TV provide access to ESPN. Additionally, ESPN’s own streaming service ensures comprehensive coverage of all CFP games, making it easier for fans to stay engaged.
Looking Ahead
As the college football season draws closer to its climax, local communities and fans remain excited about the prospects brought by the expanded playoff format. This innovative system has invigorated the postseason, creating opportunities for teams like Miami and Ole Miss to shine. By engaging with these events, Indianapolis residents can further support local businesses that thrive on the energy of such gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the College Football Playoff semifinal between Miami and Ole Miss?
- The game is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast on ESPN.
- Where is the National Championship game being held?
- The National Championship game is set for Monday, January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
- How can I watch the College Football Playoff games?
- The games will be televised on ESPN. For viewers without traditional cable subscriptions, streaming services such as Sling TV, FuboTV, and YouTube TV offer access to ESPN.
- What is the new format of the College Football Playoff?
- The 2025-26 season marks the second year of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format, featuring first-round games, quarterfinals, semifinals, and culminating with the National Championship game.
- How has viewership changed for the College Football Playoff?
- The College Football Playoff quarterfinals have seen a 14% increase in viewership from the previous year, averaging 19.3 million viewers across four games.
| Event | Date | Teams | Location | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiesta Bowl (CFP Semifinal) | January 8, 2026 | No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 10 Miami (Florida) | Glendale, Arizona | ESPN |
| Peach Bowl (CFP Semifinal) | January 9, 2026 | No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 5 Oregon | Atlanta, Georgia | ESPN |
| National Championship Game | January 19, 2026 | To be determined | Miami Gardens, Florida | ESPN |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
