Overview
- Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. CT on Jan. 1, 2026 at the Rose Bowl, with the game televised on ESPN.
- DeBoer reported nose tackle Tim Keenan is only “a little bit sore” and expected to play, with LT Overton and Red Morgan being monitored but not ruled out.
- Indiana enters undefeated as Big Ten champion and features Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza at quarterback.
- Alabama’s season‑long rushing struggles face a stiff test against Indiana’s top-tier run and pass defenses, likely increasing the burden on quarterback Ty Simpson.
- Oddsmakers have Alabama as an underdog, and multiple analysts rank or pick Indiana to advance, even after the Tide’s 17‑0 comeback win at Oklahoma.