What time does Alabama play today? The Crimson Tide kicks off against No. 1 Indiana at 1 p.m. PT (4 p.m. ET) from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. This College Football Playoff quarterfinal features an undefeated Hoosiers team facing an Alabama squad fresh off a historic 34-point comeback.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Kickoff: 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET on January 1, 2026
- Alabama is 11-3 after defeating Oklahoma with the largest deficit overcome in CFP history (34 points)
- Indiana remains undefeated at 13-0 as the No. 1 overall seed and championship favorite
- TV Channel: ESPN exclusive broadcast from Rose Bowl Stadium
Why Alabama Gets a Shot at History
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The Crimson Tide earned this College Football Playoff spot with an extraordinary fourth-quarter performance against Oklahoma. Alabama trailed by 34 points heading into the final quarter but fought back to claim one of the most improbable victories in playoff history.
Quarterback Ty Simpson leads the Crimson Tide offense, which showed resilience and determination in that comeback. Alabama’s defense also stepped up in critical moments, proving they belong in this playoff matchup despite their three losses.
Indiana’s Undefeated Dominance Faces Its Biggest Test
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The Hoosiers haven’t lost all season, posting a perfect 13-0 record as the tournament’s top seed. Indiana is a 7-point favorite heading into the Rose Bowl, with ESPN’s matchup predictor giving them a 71.4% chance to advance to the semifinal round.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza guides an Indiana offense that has looked unstoppable. The Hoosiers received a bye in the playoff format due to their top-four seeding, while Alabama earned its spot through the play-in rounds.
| Category | Alabama | Indiana |
| Record | 11-3 | 13-0 |
| Playoff Seeding | No. 9 | No. 1 |
| Key QB | Ty Simpson | Fernando Mendoza |
| Head Coach | Kalen DeBoer | Curt Cignetti |
A First-Time Matchup on College Football’s Grandest Stage
This marks the first-ever meeting between Alabama and Indiana in what many call “the Granddaddy of them all.” The 112th Rose Bowl takes on extra significance as a College Football Playoff quarterfinal rather than a traditional bowl game.
Indiana hasn’t played in the Rose Bowl since January 1, 1968, making this appearance a historic moment for the program. Alabama owns an impressive Rose Bowl history, having won five of its eight prior appearances in the iconic stadium.
“It’s a bucket list thing.” — Indiana fan describing the Rose Bowl return
— New York Times Athletic, reflecting on historic significance
Key Storylines to Watch Today
Alabama’s comeback momentum provides a David-versus-Goliath narrative against the undefeated No. 1 seed. Can the Crimson Tide’s resilience translate into another historic win, or does Indiana’s dominant season continue to its logical championship conclusion?
The winner faces either Oregon or Texas Tech in the College Football Playoff semifinal. For Indiana, victory puts them one step closer to an undefeated national championship. For Alabama, winning extends a remarkable tournament run.
How Can Alabama Pull Off Another Miracle Today?
ESPN’s matchup predictor gives Alabama just a 28.6% chance of winning, but the Tide proved they thrive in seemingly impossible situations. Defensive consistency and offensive execution in crucial moments will determine Alabama’s fate against an Indiana team that hasn’t found weaknesses all season.
The Hoosiers control their own destiny as the betting favorite. Staying focused and avoiding mistakes against a hungry Alabama squad represents Indiana’s biggest challenge today in Pasadena.
Watch: Rose Bowl Preview
Sources
- CBS Sports – College Football Playoff predictions and Alabama vs. Indiana odds
- ESPN – Live coverage, matchup data, and win probability modeling
- USA Today – Game schedule, kickoff times, and streaming information
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.