The College Football Playoff (CFP) has revealed an exciting entertainment lineup for the upcoming 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship. Scheduled for January 19, 2026, the championship will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
National Anthem Performances
Highlighting the pregame festivities, American Idol winner Jamal Roberts will perform the National Anthem. The Mississippi native gained fame after winning Season 23 with a record 26 million votes. His debut single, “Heal,” topped Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs and Digital Song charts.
Special Ceremonies
- The National Anthem Ceremony will feature a Joint Armed Forces Color Guard presentation.
- A flyover by the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Miami will add to the ceremony’s patriotism.
- Members of the Florida Memorial University Ambassador Chorale will perform “America the Beautiful.”
- Students from Miami-Dade County Public Schools will present both songs in American Sign Language (ASL).
Honoring Excellence
During the pregame celebration, the CFP Foundation will honor the 2025 Teacher of the Year from each U.S. state and territory. This recognition highlights the importance of dedicated educators in the community.
Cultural Contributions
The marching bands from both competing teams will perform during the pregame and halftime shows, maintaining a longstanding college football tradition. The event will also honor Medal of Honor Recipient Master Sergeant (Retired) Earl D. Plumlee for his brave actions during combat in Afghanistan.
Game Day Details
Pregame activities will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET, leading into the game starting at 7:50 p.m. ET. The match will feature No. 1 seed Indiana against No. 10 seed Miami. ESPN sideline reporter Stormy Buonantony will emcee the event for the fourth consecutive year.
DJ Performance
DJ Mal-Ski will energize the stadium alongside eight Latin percussionists from Hussein & The Fire Drummers, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
| Date | Event | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| January 19, 2026 | Pregame Festivities | 7:30 PM |
| January 19, 2026 | Game Kickoff | 7:50 PM |
For continued updates and information on the College Football Playoff, fans can visit El-Balad. Engage in the conversation online using the CFP’s official hashtag, #CFBPlayoff.
