Alabama Expecting Key Starters Back for Rose Bowl

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - After Alabama's 34-24 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners in the first round of the College Football Playoff, two players for the Crimson Tide were not on the field for the final defensive snaps. Star defensive tackle Tim Keenan III and starting star Red Morgan were banged up, but ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe reported during the game that both could have returned if needed.

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On Monday, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer provided an update on both, stating that he expects both players to be available for the Tide's quarterfinal matchup with the Indiana Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl.

"Tim was a little bit sore after the game, but I'm expecting that he'll be good to go," DeBoer said. "Maybe still working through things here early in the week, but we got some time, and so I'm expecting to be good."

Morgan was walked off the field late in the game and visited the medical tent late in Alabama's win over Oklahoma.

"Lower extremity, really, kind of the same as TK," DeBoer said. "You know, I would expect him to be ready to go. But the last couple days and today still a bit sore."

DeBoer also did not rule out star defensive end LT Overton, who Alabama has been without since the SEC championship due to a medical condition.

"LT, just continue to monitor him," DeBoer said. "Definitely not ruling him out right now, but we'll continue to evaluate him and see how things go here in the days ahead."

Alabama will face Indiana in the Rose Bowl on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. CT.

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Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.