Indiana Stomps Alabama in Rose Bowl, Ending Tide’s Season

PASADENA, Calif. - The Granddaddy of them all, the Rose Bowl, marks the first matchup for Alabama and Indiana in either program's history. The Hoosiers were ready to stake their claim by toppling the dynasty of college football, while Alabama was trying to reintroduce itself under head coach Kalen DeBoer as a national title contender. Who would come out on top on college football's biggest stage?

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Neither team scored in the first quarter, with Alabama's defense setting an early tone with two sacks on a three-and-out by the Hoosiers. The Tide's offense was able to move 18 yards after getting favorable field position, but could not capitalize on a drive starting at its down 41-yard line, giving the ball back to Heisman Trophy-winner Fernando Mendoza and the high-powered Hoosier offense. Indiana would then march down the first with a 16-play drive that chewed 8:55 off the clock, but it was capped with three points after a third-down gamble by Kane Wommack paid off with extra pressure.

Alabama tried to convert on a fourth down with a tried and true Ryan Grubb trick play, but the pop pass from Daniel Hill to Germie Bernard went for no gain, turning the ball over deep in Alabama territory. The Hoosiers continued to put pressure on Alabama with big plays offensively. An explosive 21-yard run from Roman Hemby negated a holding penalty the Hoosiers suffered on the play before, and a 21-yard pass from Mendoza to Charlie Becker gave the Hoosiers a 10-point lead over Alabama. The one-seed in the College Football Playoff looked just as powerful as it had all season.

Alabama began to show life on offense, taking easy plays and hitting in the run game when necessary, but disaster struck again for the Tide's offense, with Ty Simpson coughing up the ball after a nine-yard run by the Crimson Tide's signal caller. Alabama's best drive, a 43-yarder, came up empty as Indiana now had a chance to go up by three scores, similar to how the Oklahoma Sooners did to the Tide in the first round of the playoffs. The Hoosiers added one more before halftime, pouring it on Alabama, with a one-yard touchdown from Mendoza to Omar Cooper Jr.

To start the second half, Mendoza showcased why he was the Heisman Trophy winner yet again, hitting Elijah Surratt for a 24-yard score over Alabama cornerback Dijon Lee. It was all Hoosiers as Mendoza celebrated his third passing touchdown of the afternoon.

The bad news got worse during the third quarter, with Ty Simpson getting pulled from the game due to injury. Alabama, facing a 24-0 deficit, would turn to backup quarterback Austin Mack. Mack, a redshirt sophomore, led the Tide down the field on a nine-play, 65-yard drive. Unfortunately, his timing was off with Lotzeir Brooks, and the Tide had to settle for three points. Still, Alabama avoided a shutout with Conor Talty's 28-yard field goal.

The Hoosiers continued to pour it on, with Kaelon Black getting involved in the scoring with a 25-yard rushing touchdown, as a "pour it on" touchdown for the Hoosiers.

Indiana continued to add to the rushing totals, with Roman Hemby picking up a rushing touchdown on an 18-yard score for the Hoosiers. A complete ass-kicking in Pasadena by the Hoosiers.

Alabama's season yet again came to an end in Pasadena, California, in the Rose Bowl. This time, the Tide fell at the hands of the Indiana Hoosiers, 38-3. Alabama ends the 2025-26 season 11-4 overall.

Our coverage of the Rose Bowl between Alabama and Indiana is provided by Taco Casa. Under the biggest cactus in town, Taco Casa has provided quality taste and value since 1974.

Our coverage of the Rose Bowl between Alabama and Indiana is provided by Academy Sports and Outdoors. For all your team apparel or outdoor needs, visit Academy Sports and Outdoors.

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_.