The 112th Rose Bowl, a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game set for New Year's Day in Pasadena, California, promises an extraordinary and captivating matchup. This year's game features a compelling clash between the No. 1 seed Indiana Hoosiers and the No. 9 seed Alabama Crimson Tide. Indiana, a team that remarkably transformed its historical record of losses to achieve an undefeated 13-0 season, is led by the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza. They are poised to challenge Alabama, a powerhouse program known for its storied history and the third-most wins ever, entering this game with an 11-3 record. This article provides all the essential details on how to watch this highly anticipated "Granddaddy of Them All" as both teams vie for a spot in the national championship.
112th Rose Bowl
The eagerly awaited 112th Rose Bowl is scheduled for New Year's Day, January 1, 2026. Kick-off is set for 4 p.m. Eastern Time, translating to 1 p.m. Pacific Time, allowing fans across the country to tune in. The iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, will once again serve as the picturesque venue for this collegiate football spectacle. For those looking to catch every moment of the action, the game will be broadcast live on ESPN. Additionally, viewers can stream the game online through ESPN+, providing flexible viewing options for a wide audience. This prestigious Bowl game not only marks a significant event in college football but also functions as a College Football Playoff quarterfinal, making its outcome critical for the teams' national championship aspirations.
Key players to watch
The 2026 Rose Bowl features several standout athletes whose performances are expected to heavily influence the game's outcome. For the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers, the spotlight shines brightly on quarterback Fernando Mendoza. As a transfer from Cal, Mendoza has had an absolutely phenomenal season, leading his team to an unbeaten 13-0 record and securing the top seed in the playoffs. His impressive statistics include throwing for 2,980 yards, tossing 33 touchdowns, and limiting interceptions to just six. Scouts are already projecting him as a potential first-round selection in the 2026 NFL draft, highlighting his exceptional talent and impact on the game. Complementing Mendoza's aerial attack is wide receiver Omar Cooper, a 6-foot playmaker renowned for spectacular catches, including a "catch of the year" against Penn State earlier in the season. Cooper leads the Hoosiers with 58 receptions, accumulating 804 yards and 11 touchdowns. Despite sustaining a lower-body injury in the Big Ten title game, he is expected to be fit and ready to play, which is a major boost for Indiana's offense. On the Alabama Crimson Tide side, quarterback Ty Simpson is another potential first-round NFL draft pick who has dazzled throughout the college football season. He passed for 3,500 yards, completing 28 touchdowns with only five interceptions. Consistency will be important: He struggled in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia but bounced back with a huge performance in a road win against Oklahoma last week. Adding to Alabama's offensive strength is left tackle Kaden Proctor, considered one of the nation's premier offensive linemen. With potential rain in the forecast, both teams may lean heavily on their running games. Proctor's role will be pivotal in creating significant running lanes and protecting Simpson, allowing Alabama's running backs to exploit the Hoosiers' formidable defensive line. These players represent the critical matchups and individual brilliance that fans will be eagerly watching in this playoff showdown.
