2026 Rose Bowl: College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
Matchup: No. 1 Seed Indiana Hoosiers (13-0, Big Ten Champions) vs. No. 9 Seed Alabama Crimson Tide (11-3, advanced after first-round win)
This is the first-ever meeting between the two programs. It’s Indiana’s second Rose Bowl appearance (last in 1968, loss to USC) and Alabama’s ninth (5-2-1 record previously).
Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET (1:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 p.m. CT)
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California
TV/Streaming: ESPN (also available on platforms like Fubo with regional restrictions)
How They Got Here:
• Indiana earned a first-round bye as the top overall seed after a perfect regular season, highlighted by wins over Oregon and Ohio State, and capturing the Big Ten title. Led by head coach Curt Cignetti (two-time AP Coach of the Year) and Heisman Trophy-winning QB Fernando Mendoza, the Hoosiers boast a top-tier offense and a stout defense (allowing just ~11.8 points per game).
• Alabama advanced with a dramatic 34-24 comeback road win over No. 8 Oklahoma in the first round on Dec. 19, erasing a 17-0 deficit. Under second-year coach Kalen DeBoer, the Crimson Tide showed resilience despite three regular-season losses.
Key Storylines:
• Coaching Connections: DeBoer was Indiana’s OC in 2019. Alabama DC Kane Wommack and co-OC/QB coach Nick Sheridan also have prior IU ties.
• Cinderella vs. Blueblood: Undefeated Indiana looks to continue its historic run against a traditional powerhouse with nine CFP appearances.
• The winner advances to a CFP Semifinal (likely the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Jan. 9).
Betting Odds (as of late December 2025; subject to change):
• Spread: Indiana favored by 6.5 to 7 points
• Moneyline: Indiana ~ -250 to -254 | Alabama +205 to +206
• Over/Under: Around 48.5 to 49.5 points
This “Granddaddy of Them All” promises high stakes—mark your calendar for New Year’s Day drama in Pasadena! 🏈🌹
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