What time does the national championship actually start? When to expect kickoff on ESPN

While the official schedule for the 2026 College Football Playoff national championship might say 7:30 p.m. ET, anyone who has ever tuned in for a title game knows the clock hitting zero is just the beginning of the spectacle. Between dramatic team entrances, flyovers, the national anthem and final hype videos, the actual start of the game is always a moving target.

For the matchup at Hard Rock Stadium between the Miami Hurricanes and Indiana Hoosiers, fans can expect a full slate of pregame festivities, with “American Idol” winner Jamal Roberts performing the national anthem — all of which will push the real action back a bit. If you’re planning your snacks around the opening drive, just remember the “scheduled” time is more of an invitation to start watching the ceremonies than a promise of kickoff.

Here is when the national championship will actually kick off.

MORE: Follow along for live updates from Indiana vs. Miami

What time does the national championship start?

• Date: Monday, Jan. 19
• Start time (approx.): 7:55 p.m. ET
• Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Fla.

While the official broadcast is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET, veteran fans know that the opening drive is still a long way off when the clock hits thirty. Between the high-energy team entrances, the presentation of the colors, and the final hype videos, the actual start time is more of a moving target than a fixed appointment.

Tonight’s festivities at Hard Rock Stadium feature a deep lineup of performances, including American Idol winner Jamal Roberts and local favorite Pitbull, which are sure to push the game action into the later window. If you are timing your watch party, expect the "official" schedule to give way to the pageantry of a national title game.

Here is a rough estimate of the schedule for the National Championship:

• 7:30 Official broadcast begins on ESPN
• 7:35 Introduction of the Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes
• 7:40 Performance of "America the Beautiful"
• 7:45 National Anthem by Jamal Roberts and Joint Armed Forces Color Guard
• 7:50 Coin Toss and Captains meeting
• 7:55 Flyover and final team huddles

For those looking to catch only the opening kickoff, it is recommended to tune in around 7:50 p.m. ET. The game will be called by ESPN’s lead duo of Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit, with Holly Rowe and Molly McGrath reporting from the sidelines.

MORE: Indiana Hoosiers a CFP Championship win away from greatest of sports stories

How to watch the 2026 National Championship

• TV Channel: ESPN
• Streaming: ESPN App, Fubo

ESPN holds the exclusive rights to the College Football Playoff through 2026, meaning they will carry the national broadcast of tonight's championship game on their primary network. Chris Fowler (play-by-play) and Kirk Herbstreit (analyst) return for their 12th consecutive national championship together with Holly Rowe and Molly McGrath on the sidelines.

For the 2026 National Championship, ESPN is pulling out all the stops with its signature MegaCast presentation, including Field Pass with Pat McAfee (ESPN2) and Coaches Film Room (ESPNU).

MORE: How Mario Cristobal, Miami reversed late-game reputation with clutch CFP run