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Indiana’s CFP victory over Miami averages 33.9 million viewers, most-watched game in 11 years
Indiana's undefeated 16-0 season culminated in their first football national title, with the game averaging 30.1 million viewers, a 36% increase from last year, ESPN said.
- On Jan. 19, 2026, Indiana Hoosiers' 27-21 national championship win over Miami Hurricanes averaged 30.1 million viewers, peaking at 33.9 million, Nielsen and ESPN reported.
- Top-Seeded Indiana completed a 16-0 season to win its first national title, with Fernando Mendoza's 12-yard touchdown and Jamari Sharpe's interception deciding the game late.
- ESPN reported that its megacast featured ESPN2 Field Pass, ESPNU Skycast and ESPN News Command Center, while ESPN PR said the telecast was up 36% year-over-year and the 11-game CFP slate averaged 16.3 million viewers, a 4% increase.
- Jimmy Pitaro told The Associated Press that Monday night’s record-setting National Championship game was the exclamation point on ESPN’s highly successful 2025-26 college football season.
- Ohio State's January 2015 title still holds the all-time record at 33.9 million, while Nielsen said Indiana Hoosiers averaged 8.44 million viewers across 16 games.
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Indiana’s D’Angelo Ponds reacts to Miami’s Mark Fletcher Jr throwing punch after championship loss: ‘Shocked’
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! As someone who grew up with Miami Hurricanes star running back Mark Fletcher Jr., Indiana cornerback D’Angelo Ponds was very surprised to see him get in an altercation with his Hoosiers teammate. The Hoosiers made history on Monday night, defeating the Hurricanes to complete the first-ever 16-0 season in college football since 1894. It was Jamari Sharpe, Ponds’ fellow cornerback teammate and another f…
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Indiana's CFP victory over Miami averages 33.9 million viewers, most-watched game in 11 years
Indiana's victory over Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game is the most-watched college football game in 11 years.
·United States
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Total News Sources37
Leaning Left7Leaning Right7Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Center
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
46% Center
L 27%
C 46%
R 27%
Factuality
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