Rose Bowl Preview: #9 Alabama vs. #1 Indiana in a Clash of Era and Cinderella

The stage is set for the "Granddaddy of Them All." On New Year's Day 2026, the #9 Alabama Crimson Tide (11-3) will face the undefeated #1 Indiana Hoosiers (13-0) in the Rose Bowl Game, battling for a spot in the College Football Playoff Semifinals.

The Matchup: Tradition vs. The New King of the North

This game presents a fascinating study in contrasts. On one sideline stands Alabama, the program that defined the modern era of college football, making its ninth Rose Bowl appearance (holding a 5-2-1 record in Pasadena). On the other is Indiana, the season's most incredible story, claiming its first Big Ten title since 1967 and entering the playoff as the tournament's overall No. 1 seed.

Alabama advanced to this stage with a gritty 34-24 road victory over Oklahoma in the first round, where the defense stifled the Sooners in the second half. Indiana, as a conference champion, enjoyed a first-round bye, resting and preparing while the rest of the field battled it out.

The Saban Connection

The storylines run deep in this matchup, primarily centered around the coaching staffs. Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti spent pivotal years in Tuscaloosa as Nick Saban's recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach (2007-2010), helping lay the foundation for the Tide's dynasty. Now, he faces the program he helped build.

Currently Cignetti has made no specific public comments regarding facing his former team, focusing instead on Indiana's historic preparation.

Conversely, Alabama Head Coach Kalen DeBoer has his own Bloomington ties, having served as Indiana's offensive coordinator in 2019, where he helped unlock the Hoosiers' offense before taking the Fresno State head coaching job.

Keys to the Game

1. Alabama's Offensive Consistency

Jalen Milroe and the Tide offense showed flashes of brilliance against Oklahoma but also stalled in the red zone twice. Against Indiana's disciplined defense—which led the Big Ten in scoring defense—Alabama cannot afford empty possessions. The return of a fully healthy Jam Miller provides a boost to the ground game.

2. The "Cig" Factor

Indiana brings a level of swagger and confidence rarely seen in the program's history. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke has been efficient and mistake-free all season. Alabama's secondary, led by Keon Sabb, must disrupt his rhythm early to prevent the Hoosiers from settling into their methodical passing attack.

3. The Rose Bowl Atmosphere

While Alabama fans travel well, the Indiana faithful have waited lifetimes for this moment. The "Crimson and Cream" takeover of Pasadena is expected to be massive. How Alabama handles what effectively could be a hostile environment in a neutral site will be critical.

Prediction

This is a battle between a team that knows how to win in January (Alabama) and a team that has forgotten how to lose (Indiana). While the Hoosiers are the rightful favorites, Alabama's battle-tested path through the SEC and a road playoff game gives them a slight edge in high-pressure situations. Expect a close game that comes down to the fourth quarter.