On the heels of a 17-point comeback against Oklahoma, the Alabama Crimson Tide head to Pasadena to face the Indiana Hoosiers. The unbeaten Hoosiers, led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, would like to keep their unblemished season rolling.
Under pressure from fans and media alike, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer’s team survived a season-opening loss to Florida State. Furthermore, the standout wide receiver did not have the kind of season many predicted. Can the Crimson Tide keep the upsets coming, facing the top-ranked team in FBS?
Alabama vs. Indiana Details
- Date: Jan. 1, 2026
- Game time: 4 p.m. ET
- Location: Rose Bowl | Pasadena, Calif.
- Predicted weather at kick: Temperatures in the 60s
- How to watch: ABC, ESPN App, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Fubo TV
Alabama vs. Indiana Head-to-Head Record
The second round of the College Football Playoff marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Historically, they sit at opposite ends of the spectrum. The Crimson Tide has claimed 18 national championships, while the Hoosiers still seek their first.
Alabama vs. Indiana Grades
- Alabama (83.7, B)
- Indiana (93.0, A)
- Alabama (87.3, B+)
- Indiana (97.2, A+)
- Alabama (82.0, B-)
- Indiana (81.4, B-)
- Ty Simpson, Alabama (85.3, B)
- Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (93.2, A)
- Jam Miller, Alabama (71.5, C-)
- Khobie Martin, Indiana (79.7, C+)
- Germie Bernard, Alabama: 77.4 (C+)
- Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana: 82.9 (B-)
- Josh Cuevas, Alabama: 79.6 (C+)
- Riley Nowakowski, Indiana: 80.5 (B-)
- Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama: 77.9 (C+)
- Stephen Daley, Indiana: 81.8 (B-)
- James Smith, Alabama: 77.2 (C+)
- Tyrique Tucker, Indiana: 81.0 (B-)
- Justin Jefferson, Alabama: 74.9 (C)
- Rolijah Hardy, Indiana: 83.4 (B)
- Dijon Lee Jr., Alabama: 84.2 (B)
- D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana: 87.6 (B+)
- Bray Hubbard, Alabama: 87.2 (B+)
- Louis Moore, Indiana: 90.1 (A-)
Alabama vs. Indiana Prediction
After waiting three years for his opportunity, Simpson, a redshirt junior, sees the game differently than most college quarterbacks. With quick processing skills, he scans the field rapidly, regardless of defensive pressure. He does have athletic wide receivers, but he still needs to make completions. While not flawless, Simpson consistently makes clutch throws, as shown in wins against Auburn and Georgia.
MORE: Alabama Star Ty Simpson Projected To Get Selected by Super Bowl Contender in 2026 NFL Draft
Unlike in previous seasons and throughout the Nick Saban era, the emphasis is now on the passing game. With the trio of Bernard, Williams, and Isaiah Horton, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb aims to force defenses into playing their weakest schemes. The offensive line, headed by left tackle Kadyn Proctor, is ranked among the best in FBS.
Defensively, there is not just one or two elite players; rather, the team’s depth should concern Indiana. The Crimson Tide wants to speed the Hoosiers up by blitzing from multiple angles and using several players to shoot gaps.
Middle linebacker Deontae Lawson and strong safety Bray Hubbard will try to control the game within ten yards of the line of scrimmage. They focus on small details such as redirecting crossing receivers and playing downhill against the run, forcing Indiana to account for both players.
To discuss IU, start with what Fernando Mendoza brings to the table. While he showed many of these traits at California, he now displays a smoother release as well as improved setup and footwork. More importantly, Mendoza will keep the ball on RPOs more often than expected. Though athletic, his mobility should not be mistaken for sheer speed.
Despite Mendoza’s recent accolades, head coach Curt Cignetti prioritizes the running game and aims to establish dominance at the line of scrimmage. This philosophy explains the offense running the ball 14 more times per game. Running backs Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby combined for 1,717 yards and 13 touchdowns.
This game will come down to which team can assert its will for longer. Alabama likes to take deep shots down the middle, particularly with the post route. If Indiana can neutralize the middle of the field, Simpson may face a difficult day. The Crimson Tide’s rushing attack is unlikely to be an issue, but if Alabama is unable to establish the ground game, it will likely abandon it quickly.
A key matchup to watch is Indiana receivers Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt lining up against the Alabama secondary. Alabama’s cornerbacks are taller with significant arm length, which helps them stay in every play.
While offensive-minded coach Cignetti aims to score quickly, a steady run game will wear down Alabama. Meanwhile, Ty Simpson’s occasional poor throws could cost dearly. This time, a 17-point comeback will not happen. Indiana’s methodical style and toughness will send the Crimson Tide back to Tuscaloosa.
Prediction: Indiana 33, Alabama 24
