What to watch in the Rose Bowl: Indiana's Heisman Fernando Mendoza takes center stage against Alabama

No. 1 Indiana and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza square off against No. 9 Alabama in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, with a College Football Playoff berth and contrasting identities on display.

Indiana enters unbeaten after edging Ohio State 13-10 in the Big Ten Championship Game, securing its first conference title since 1967. Alabama arrives with momentum of its own, rallying from a 17-point deficit to defeat Oklahoma 34-24 on the road and keep its championship hopes alive.

This will be the first time seeing Indiana out on the field after Mendoza's historic win in New York City. 

Alabama offense faces its stiffest test

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns against Oklahoma, both to freshman Lotzier Brooks. Simpson now faces an Indiana defense that has not allowed a quarterback to throw multiple touchdown passes all season.

With Alabama struggling to establish the run, Simpson must play mistake-free football and reestablish rhythm with receivers Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams.

Playmakers Alabama must lean on

Bernard led the Tide with 60 receptions for 802 yards and seven touchdowns. Williams, once Simpson’s secondary target, has just seven catches for 108 yards over his last five games. A breakout could shift the game’s balance.

In the red zone, 6-foot-4 Isaiah Horton presents a key mismatch. He led Alabama with eight touchdown receptions, including three against Auburn, all inside the 20.

Alabama defense could decide the game

While questions remain on offense, Alabama’s defense ranks among the nation’s best, allowing 288.9 yards per game. The Tide have forced 20 turnovers, including three against Oklahoma.

Defensive back Bray Hubbard anchors the unit with four interceptions and three forced fumbles, earning first-team All-SEC honors.

Fernando Mendoza drives Indiana’s title push

Indiana’s perfect season rides with Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner and potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He finished with 2,980 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and six interceptions while completing 71.52 percent of his throws.

His top targets include Omar Cooper Jr. (804 yards, 11 TDs), Elijah Sarratt (687 yards, 12 TDs), and Charlie Becker, who delivered the game-sealing catch in the Big Ten title game.

Indiana’s run game and defense set the tone

Indiana ranks 10th nationally in rushing at 221.2 yards per game, led by Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black. The Hoosiers also boast the nation’s fourth-ranked defense, allowing just 257.2 yards per game and holding opponents to 28 percent on third down.

112th Rose Bowl

Date: Jan. 1, 2026

Time: 4 p.m. ET

Location: Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif.

How to watch: ESPN (Available on FuboTV) 

Alabama seeks its 17th national championship and a second straight win as an underdog. Indiana, meanwhile, is chasing the first national title in program history. On New Year’s Day in Pasadena, one tradition-rich power and one rising force collide with everything on the line.

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