Indiana will face off against Miami in the College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. This marks Miami’s second time hosting the championship since the CFP began in 2014.
In an exciting addition to the event, Jamal Roberts, the recent winner of Season 23 of ABC’s “American Idol,” is set to perform the national anthem. The 28-year-old singer, originally from Meridian, Mississippi, made waves with his record-breaking win, receiving an impressive 26 million votes. His debut single, “Heal,” a cover of Tom Odell’s song, has reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart.
The national championship will also feature performances by the Florida Memorial University Ambassador Chorale, who will sing “America the Beautiful,” and two Miami-area high school students performing the anthems in American Sign Language. Seventeen-year-old Brianna Therve from Barbara Goleman High School will sign “America the Beautiful,” while 18-year-old Maria Pernalete from Miami Palmetto High School will sign “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
With kickoff scheduled for around 7:50 p.m., the game promises to be an exciting event not just for fans of football but also for those looking forward to a vibrant entertainment lineup. The halftime show is expected to include a high-profile performer, continuing a tradition of notable musical acts, following Travis Scott’s performance in 2025.
Jamal Roberts’ journey to this prestigious stage began with his success on “American Idol,” as well as his previous tenure as a contestant on BET’s “Sunday Best.” Not only has he gained widespread recognition, but he has also been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song for his live rendition of “Still.”
As the stadium fills with fans tonight, this championship game is not only about determining the National Champion but also celebrating the talents of emerging artists like Roberts and the rich traditions of college football.