Sports Roundup: Indiana Captures National Title, CBS Sports Posts Record NFL Numbers
USA, January 25, 2026 – The sports world continues to move at a rapid pace following a historic College Football Playoff National Championship. The Indiana Hoosiers secured their first-ever national title, while CBS Sports announced record-setting viewership for its NFL coverage during the 2025 season. Meanwhile, the MLB offseason remains active with blockbuster trades, and a full slate of action airs today on CBS Sports Network.
College Football: Hoosiers Reign Supreme
The 2025-26 college football season concluded on Monday, January 19, with the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers defeating the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes 27-21 at Hard Rock Stadium. The victory capped a perfect 16-0 season for Indiana and head coach Curt Cignetti, delivering the program its first national championship. The game was the culmination of a 12-team College Football Playoff format, which will remain in place for the 2026 season amid ongoing discussions about future expansion.
CBS Sports Sets the Standard in NFL Viewership
CBS Sports has released data confirming a dominant 2025 NFL regular season for its broadcasts. “NFL on CBS” delivered the most-watched package, program, and single game across all networks. The national Sunday afternoon game window (4:25 PM ET) averaged 25.827 million viewers, making it the number one program on television. Overall, CBS Sports averaged 21.252 million viewers for its NFL coverage, an 11% increase over the previous year.
The network also announced a notable broadcasting change for the upcoming season. Veteran lead college football analyst Gary Danielson will retire following the 2025 season, with Charles Davis set to succeed him in the booth beginning in 2026.
MLB Offseason: Trades Reshape Contenders
The Hot Stove league has been busy. The New York Mets made a significant move to bolster their rotation, acquiring ace right-hander Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers. In a separate deal, the Mets also added outfielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox. In free agency, the New York Yankees brought back slugger Cody Bellinger on a five-year deal.
These moves follow the conclusion of the 2025 season, which saw the Los Angeles Dodgers defeat the Toronto Blue Jays in a thrilling World Series. The Baseball Hall of Fame also recently welcomed its Class of 2026, electing center fielders Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones.
Key Facts & Figures
| Event | Key Detail |
|---|---|
| CFP National Championship | Indiana 27, Miami 21 (Jan. 19, 2026) |
| NFL on CBS Avg. Viewership (2025) | 21.252 Million Viewers (+11% year-over-year) |
| MLB Offseason Trade | Mets acquire SP Freddy Peralta from Brewers |
| NWSL Championship 2026 | Scheduled for Nov. 21, 2026, on CBS at 8 PM ET |
| CBS Sports Today (Jan. 25) | NCAA Women’s Basketball, PBR, Formula E, Serie A |
On the Air: CBS Sports Network Schedule
Today’s programming on CBS Sports Network features a mix of live sports, including NCAA Women’s Basketball (Rhode Island at Dayton), the APP Tour Championship of Pickleball, Serie A Women’s soccer, and a Formula E race. The network will also replay a recent PBR Monster Energy Team Challenge event from Madison Square Garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship?
The Indiana Hoosiers won their first national championship, defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 on January 19, 2026.
What were the NFL viewership numbers for CBS in 2025?
CBS Sports averaged 21.252 million viewers for its NFL broadcasts during the 2025 regular season, an 11% increase, with its national Sunday game being television’s top program.
What was a major MLB trade this offseason?
The New York Mets acquired star starting pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers in a trade that sent prospects to Milwaukee.