The 2026 College Football National Championship Game will be played later than is usual for the sports title game. The College Football Playoff has pushed the prestigious event back. Let’s find out when the 2026 National Championship Game is scheduled to be played.
What Date Is the 2026 College Football National Championship Game?
With the expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams, the National Championship Game is now played later than previous seasons. Over recent seasons, the title game has been played on the second Monday in January, but the game is now played later to accommodate more rounds.
The 2026 College Football National Championship Game will be held at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
This will mark the second time in recent years that the stadium hosts the sport’s pinnacle event, having previously done so in 2021. That year, the game was played under strict health protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the stadium operating at just 20% capacity.
Mac Jones led the Alabama Crimson Tide to a comprehensive 52-24 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2021, with the stadium limited to just under 15,000 spectators.
The college football landscape looks very different than it did in 2021. The 12-team College Football Playoff is drawing new audiences to the sport, and Miami hopes to capitalize on a sport that is continually expanding and tapping into new markets, broadening college football’s appeal.
After making the National Championship Game in 2025, the Ohio State Buckeyes are the favorite to win the 2026 title game on DraftKings. The Buckeyes are currently +450 with bookmakers to win another championship. Having reached the National Championship Game in 2025, Ohio State remains a powerhouse in the CFB landscape and is expected to be a formidable contender in the 2026 season.
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Ohio State’s national title opponent, is currently +1600 to win it all in 2026, making them the seventh favorite. Several other programs are also viewed as serious contenders for the 2026 title.
The Texas Longhorns are listed at +500, followed by the Georgia Bulldogs at +550. The Oregon Ducks (+750), Penn State Nittany Lions (+900), and Alabama Crimson Tide (+1200) round out the top teams.
The date of the 2027 College Football National Championship Game has also been announced and will be played on Jan. 18, 2027, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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