Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza gets back on the field, hopefully looking to lead the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers to a Rose Bowl victory over quarterback Ty Simpson and the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in Pasadena, California.
This is a highly-awaited College Football Playoff quarterfinal as both Hoosiers and Crimson Tide fans will be watching closely to see how these quarterbacks do on the field. It’s been an incredible season for Indiana coach Curt Cignetti and his Hoosiers, while Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer will have his team ready to go.
Alabama Crimson Tide Opt-Outs and Injury Report
For the 11-3 Crimson Tide, there do not appear to be any opt-outs. On the injury front, defensive lineman Jeremiah Beaman is out.
According to the PFSN CFB QB Impact metrics, Simpson has an impact score of 85.3 and grades out to a B. So far this season, Simpson has 3,500 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Wide receiver Germie Bernard has 802 receiving yards and six touchdowns, so look for Simpson to connect with him against the Hoosiers’ secondary. Running back Jam Miller has 504 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns this season.
Indiana Hoosiers Opt-Outs and Injury Report
As for the Hoosiers, who are a perfect 13-0 on the season, wide receiver Makai Johnson will not play, as he has entered the transfer portal.
On the injury front, running back Lee Beebe Jr., defensive lineman Stephen Daley, Kellen Wyatt, and kicker Brendan Franke are all out of the Rose Bowl.
According to the PFSN CFB QB Impact metrics, Mendoza has an impact score of 93.2 and grades out to an A. In this incredible season for Mendoza, he’s thrown for 2,980 yards, 33 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Running back Roman Hemby is close to having a 1,000-yard rushing season. He has 918 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns on the season. Wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. has 804 receiving yards and 11 touchdown catches for the Hoosiers. Look for Mendoza to try to connect with him as well.
How to Watch the Rose Bowl
ESPN will televise the Rose Bowl.
- Date: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
- Time: 4 p.m. ET
- Place: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.
- TV: ESPN
ESPN will send its top college football broadcasting team to the Rose Bowl. Chris Fowler will call the play-by-play from the booth. He’ll be joined by Kirk Herbstreit, who played college ball for Ohio State and also offers commentary on Amazon Prime’s “Thursday Night Football” alongside longtime NFL play-by-play announcer Al Michaels.
Holly Rowe usually is the sideline reporter for games called by Fowler and Herbstreit, so look for her to be reporting during the Rose Bowl, possibly.
Streaming options for the Rose Bowl include the ESPN app, Fubo, Hulu + Live, and Sling. Subscriptions may also be required for these streaming options.
