Alabama is heading into Thursday’s Rose Bowl showdown against Indiana with something every coach dreams of this time of year: a clean bill of health - or at least as close to one as you can reasonably expect in late December.
The Crimson Tide’s availability report on Monday came with no surprises. Just three players are listed as out: Jah-Marien Latham and Jeremiah Beaman, both sidelined with season-ending injuries, and Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., who remains suspended.
That’s it. No last-minute scratches, no unexpected setbacks - a welcome development for a team that’s been banged up at times this season.
Perhaps the most important news? Defensive lineman LT Overton is back.
After missing the last two games due to what head coach Kalen DeBoer described as a medical condition, Overton returns to a unit that will absolutely need his presence against Indiana’s high-powered offense. When Overton’s healthy, he’s one of Alabama’s most disruptive forces up front - and against a quarterback like Fernando Mendoza, the reigning Heisman winner, every bit of pressure counts.
Mendoza has been nothing short of electric this season, and slowing him down will require a full-throttle effort from Alabama’s front seven. Overton’s return doesn’t guarantee success, but it gives the Tide a better shot at containing a quarterback who’s carved up defenses all year.
There’s also good news in the backfield. Running back Kevin Riley, who’s flashed potential all season despite Alabama’s inconsistent ground game, wasn’t listed on the availability report. His presence gives the offense another weapon, and with the Tide looking to establish balance against a stingy Indiana defense, Riley could be in line for a bigger role.
As for the absences, none are new. Latham has been out since suffering a serious neck injury earlier in the year - one that required hospitalization. Beaman’s season ended in practice with a leg injury, and Kirkpatrick remains suspended following an off-field incident.
On the other side, Indiana will be without four contributors of their own. Defensive linemen Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt are out, along with defensive back Bryson Bonds and running back Lee Beebe Jr.
That’s a hit to both their defensive depth and offensive versatility. Kicker Brendan Franke is listed as probable, which is worth monitoring given the potential for a tight, high-stakes game.
Alabama punched its ticket to the Rose Bowl by pulling off a dramatic comeback win over Oklahoma in the opening round of the College Football Playoff. Down 17-0 early, the Tide stormed back - a performance that showed the kind of resilience championship teams are built on.
Indiana, meanwhile, is entering uncharted territory. This will be the Hoosiers’ first-ever CFP appearance, and they’re doing it as the No. 1 team in the country.
They earned a first-round bye and followed it up with a statement win over Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship. Now, they’re undefeated, confident, and eyeing a deeper run.
Both teams will continue updating their availability reports daily until kickoff, with a final report expected Thursday morning.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. CT at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, with ESPN carrying the broadcast. The winner moves on to the Peach Bowl semifinal in Atlanta, where Oregon or Texas Tech awaits - and with that, a shot at the national title.