The stage is set for a historic showdown in Pasadena, California, as the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers prepare to face the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl. For Indiana, this isn’t just another bowl appearance—it’s the culmination of a fairytale season that has seen the Hoosiers capture their first-ever Big Ten championship, claim the No. 1 seed in the playoff, and celebrate quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman Trophy triumph. Meanwhile, Alabama, a team synonymous with college football glory, arrives with a chip on its shoulder after a rollercoaster season and a gritty playoff run.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 1, 2026, with ESPN broadcasting the action and streaming available on ESPN Unlimited. Fans everywhere are buzzing, and with good reason—this is the first time these two storied programs have met on the gridiron, and the stakes could not be higher. The winner will advance to face the victor of the Orange Bowl—either Texas Tech or Oregon—for a shot at the national title.
Indiana’s journey to Pasadena has been nothing short of remarkable. The Hoosiers finished the season a perfect 13-0, capping their run with a nail-biting 13-10 victory over Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game on December 6 in Indianapolis. That win not only secured the program’s first-ever Big Ten crown, but also solidified Indiana’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with in college football’s upper echelon.
At the heart of the Hoosiers’ success is quarterback Fernando Mendoza, whose dazzling play earned him the 2025 Heisman Trophy. Mendoza completed an impressive 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards, 33 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions. He also showcased his dual-threat abilities, rushing for 240 yards and 6 touchdowns. According to the US LBM Coaches Poll, Indiana’s meteoric rise has been the story of the season, and Mendoza’s leadership has been central to that narrative.
But Indiana is far from a one-man show. The Hoosiers’ ground game has been a three-headed monster, led by Roman Hemby (918 yards, 6 TDs), Kaelon Black (799 yards, 7 TDs), and Khobie Martin (452 yards, 6 TDs). Through the air, Mendoza has relied on a dynamic receiving corps featuring Omar Cooper Jr. (58 receptions, 804 yards, 11 TDs) and Elijah Sarratt (51 receptions, 687 yards, 12 TDs). This offensive arsenal has provided Indiana with the firepower to outpace opponents all season long.
Yet, it’s the Hoosiers’ defense that might be their true calling card. Indiana’s D ranks fourth nationally, surrendering just 257.2 total yards per game, including a stingy 77.6 rushing yards and 10.8 points per contest. In the Big Ten title game, the defense stifled Ohio State, limiting the Buckeyes to just 17 first downs, 322 total yards, and a mere 58 rushing yards on 26 attempts. That kind of performance has analysts wondering if Alabama’s offense will be able to break through.
Alabama, on the other hand, enters the Rose Bowl with an 11-3 record and plenty of motivation. The Crimson Tide’s season has been a wild ride, marked by a tough loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game and a dramatic playoff-clinching victory over Oklahoma. On December 19, Alabama marched into Norman and toppled the Sooners 34-24, with quarterback Ty Simpson throwing for 232 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks was a standout, hauling in five catches for 79 yards and a pair of scores.
Despite their success through the air, Alabama’s running game struggled in that contest, mustering just 28 yards on 11 attempts. The Tide was plus-one on turnovers, but head coach Nick Saban—always a stickler for balance—knows his team will need to be more effective on the ground if they hope to keep Indiana’s defense honest. The question on everyone’s mind: Can Alabama’s offense find its rhythm against one of the nation’s stingiest units?
BetMGM Sportsbook has set the odds with Indiana as a seven-point favorite (-7, -115), while Alabama enters as a +200 underdog. The over/under is pegged at 48.5 points, reflecting the expectation of a hard-fought, possibly low-scoring affair. Predictions are flying, but many experts see a tight contest. One widely circulated forecast has Indiana edging Alabama 23-20. As one analyst put it, “This Hoosiers team is legit, and coach Curt Cignetti has built Indiana into a national power in just two seasons. They’re the No. 1 team. They’re the Big Ten champs. They beat the defending national champs in the Big Ten title game. They have a Heisman Trophy winner. The Hoosiers aren’t just capable of winning this game, but they’re capable of winning ALL of the games.”
Still, there’s a certain mystique about Alabama, even in a year when the Crimson Tide has looked mortal at times. The program’s legacy—its “brand,” as some put it—looms large over college football, and Indiana knows that toppling Alabama would be a statement heard nationwide. “You’re not just playing the team on the field, but you’re playing the lore. You’re playing the brand. Indiana doesn’t have a brand yet, but this is its chance to lay that foundation,” observed one columnist.
For fans eager to catch every moment, ESPN will air the Rose Bowl live, with streaming options available through ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV, Fubo, and more. ESPN’s new streaming service, ESPN Unlimited, offers comprehensive coverage of college football and a host of other sports, making it easier than ever to follow the action—even for cord-cutters. The Rose Bowl is the second of three marquee New Year’s Day bowl games, sandwiched between the Orange Bowl at noon and the Sugar Bowl at 8:00 p.m. ET.
As the Hoosiers and Crimson Tide prepare to write the next chapter in college football history, the excitement is palpable. Will Indiana’s dream season continue, or will Alabama’s pedigree prevail in Pasadena? With so much on the line—the right to play for a national title, the chance to make history, and the pride of two passionate fan bases—this Rose Bowl promises to be a classic.
With kickoff fast approaching and anticipation reaching a fever pitch, all eyes are on Pasadena. The College Football Playoff quarterfinal between Indiana and Alabama is more than just a game—it’s a moment that could redefine the future for both programs. Stay tuned, because this one’s shaping up to be unforgettable.
