The Indiana Hoosiers (14-0) took on the Alabama Crimson Tide (11-4) on Thursday afternoon in the CFP Playoff Quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. After a scoreless first quarter, Indiana scored 17 points to lead 17-0 at halftime.
Alabama’s only points of the game came in the third quarter when kicker Conor Talty made a 28-yard field goal. The Hoosiers scored 21 more points and went on to rout the Crimson Tide 38-3. They become the first team with a bye to win a CFP Playoff Quarterfinals. It is the first Rose Bowl win in Indiana history. Indiana moves on to play Oregon in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 7:30 pm on ESPN.
Indiana’s offense had 407 yards (192 yards passing, 215 yards rushing), 22 first downs, and the team was penalized one time for 10 yards. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed 14 of 16 passes (87.5%) for 192 yards, three touchdowns, and eight carries for 16 yards.
Running back Kaelon Black had 15 carries for 99 yards, one rushing touchdown, and one catch for 11 yards, while Roman Hemby had 18 carries for 89 yards and one rushing touchdown. Wide receiver Charlie Becker made two catches for 51 yards and one touchdown, while Omar Cooper Jr. made three catches for 45 yards and one touchdown, and Elijah Sarratt made four catches for 40 yards and one touchdown.
Kicker Nico Radicic made one field goal for 31 yards and five extra points. The defense made 41 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, one fumble recovery, and three pass breakups.
Alabama’s offense had 193 yards (170 yards passing, 23 yards rushing), 11 first downs, and the team was penalized one time for five yards. Quarterback Austin Mack completed 11 of 16 passes (68.7%) for 103 yards, and five carries for -8 yards, while Ty Simpson completed 12 of 16 passes (75%) for 67 yards, and three carries for 17 yards.
Running back Daniel Hill had five carries for 13 yards, and wide receiver Germie Bernard made four catches for 60 yards. Kicker Connor Talty made one field goal for 28 yards. The defense made 66 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, and two pass breakups.
