Alabama vs. Indiana: What to Know Ahead of a High-Stakes Rose Bowl Clash
When Alabama steps onto the field at the Rose Bowl on January 1, it won't just be another College Football Playoff semifinal-it’ll be a homecoming for some, a historic first for others, and a collision with a red-hot Indiana squad that’s rewriting its own football legacy.
For Crimson Tide cornerback Zabien Brown, the game carries extra meaning. The Santa Ana native grew up just 40 miles south of Pasadena, and now he’s heading back to the iconic stadium-only this time, not as a fan, but as a key piece of Alabama’s title hopes.
“I’m extremely excited,” Brown said after Alabama’s 34-24 win over Oklahoma in the CFP quarterfinals. “Trying to eat up as much tickets as I can.”
A Familiar Venue, an Unfamiliar Opponent
This won’t be Alabama’s first rodeo at the Rose Bowl. The Tide has made eight previous appearances, most recently in a heartbreaker-an overtime loss to Michigan in last season’s CFP semifinal.
But despite the rich Rose Bowl history, Alabama has never shared the field with Indiana. That changes now.
Indiana becomes the 13th Big Ten opponent Alabama has faced, but the Hoosiers are a complete unknown in terms of direct competition. The Tide has never played Indiana, nor has it faced Iowa, Northwestern, Oregon, or Purdue.
Indiana’s Coach Has Crimson Ties
While the matchup is new, the man leading Indiana is no stranger to Tuscaloosa.
Curt Cignetti, now in his second season at the helm in Bloomington, once roamed the Alabama sidelines as a key part of Nick Saban’s early staff. From 2007 to 2011, Cignetti served as Alabama’s wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator, helping lay the foundation for the dynasty that followed. During his time in Tuscaloosa, Alabama went 55-12 and won two BCS national titles, including the undefeated 2009 season.
Since then, Cignetti has climbed the coaching ladder with stops at IUP, Elon, and James Madison before landing at Indiana in 2024. Fast forward to now, and he’s engineered a 24-2 record in his first two seasons-an eye-popping turnaround for a program long overshadowed in the Big Ten.
Heisman Alert: Fernando Mendoza Leads Indiana’s Charge
When Alabama lines up against Indiana, they’ll be staring down the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza transferred from Cal and didn’t just adjust to Big Ten football-he dominated it. Mendoza threw for 2,980 yards, completed 71.5% of his passes, and tossed 33 touchdowns. Under his leadership, Indiana went undefeated and captured its first conference title since 1967.
This marks the first time Alabama will face a Heisman winner since LSU’s Jayden Daniels in 2023. Historically, the Tide has held its own in these matchups. Alabama is 5-8 all-time against Heisman winners in the same season they won the award, with wins over Daniels, Kyler Murray, Vinny Testaverde, Bo Jackson, and Pat Sullivan.
Indiana’s Defense Is No Joke
Let’s talk about the other side of the ball-because Indiana’s defense is as legit as they come.
The Hoosiers boast the second-best scoring defense in the nation, allowing just 10.8 points per game. Even without standout defensive lineman Stephen Daley, who’s out for the season with a leg injury, this unit is stacked. Linebacker Rolijah Hardy and defensive back Louis Moore headline a group that’s been lights-out all year.
Indiana’s run defense has been particularly stingy-just 77.6 rushing yards allowed per game and only five rushing touchdowns surrendered in 13 games. That’s the kind of front that forces offenses to get creative.
And while their pass defense ranks 19th nationally, giving up 257.2 yards per game, it’s not a glaring weakness. Alabama, with the sixth-best pass defense in the country, will look to test Indiana through the air-but it won’t be easy.
What’s at Stake
This is more than just a semifinal-it’s a clash of narratives.
For Alabama, it’s another shot at redemption in Pasadena and a chance to reassert its place atop the college football mountain. For Indiana, it’s a program-defining moment, led by a former Saban disciple and a Heisman quarterback who’s taken the Big Ten by storm.
Two teams. One historic stadium. And a whole lot on the line.
Buckle up. The Rose Bowl is about to deliver another classic.