No.1 Seed Indiana Hoosier Blossom in the Rose Bowl

Indiana Hoosiers #15 Fernando Mendoza (QB) threw three touchdown passes against the Alabama Crimson Tide’s defense in the 112th Rose Bowl Game. Photo by Jerry Kelly/TGSportstv1 January 1, 2026.

PASADENA, CA - In the 112th Rose Bowl Game, top-seeded No.1 Indiana delivered a historic performance at Pasadena’s iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, routing the #9 Alabama Crimson Tide 38–3. With this dominant victory, the Hoosiers clinched a spot in the next round of the College Football Playoff, continuing their remarkable postseason run.

Heisman Trophy winner and potential #1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza put his elite dual-threat ability on full display in the Rose Bowl rout. Mendoza finished the day with an incredibly efficient 14 completions on 16 attempts for 192 yards and three touchdowns, while also navigating the pocket with poise to contribute to a Hoosier ground attack that out gained the Crimson Tide 215–193.

Reflecting on the historic victory and his journey to this moment, Mendoza shared:
"To be able to play in this atmosphere in the Rose Bowl, it's a special moment for myself, for my family... I want to inspire young Latino kids and always represent my culture to the highest standard. The Heisman was a team award, and now we've got to get the ultimate team award."

In the opening drive of the game, Indiana struggled to move the ball against Alabama's dominant defense. Despite a solid 8-yard run by Roman Hemby, the drive was derailed by two significant sacks. After starting with good field position, Alabama moved the ball into Indiana territory but ultimately stalled out due to a negative play and a key defensive stop.

Alabama Crimson Tide #10 Austin Mack (QB) is being tackle by Indiana Hoosiers #8 Mikail Kamara (DL) in the 112th Rose Bowl Game. Photo by Jerry Kelly/TGSportstv1 January 1, 2026.

In the second quarter, Indiana asserted total dominance, outscoring Alabama 17-0 to take a commanding lead into halftime. The Hoosiers controlled the clock and the line of scrimmage. Alabama’s offense was plagued by a failed fourth-down conversion in Indiana territory, trailing 3–0 early in the period.

Alabama Head Coach Kalen DeBoer addressed the pivotal second-quarter decision, "Just felt like it was going to be one of those games where you’ve got to take advantage of possessions. Obviously, when you fall short, it’s the wrong decision, right? ... It’s a belief in the guys on offense, a belief in the guys on defense, with the worst-case scenario, we can hold them to a field goal. It obviously didn't work out that way. But I try not to be reckless, but try to be aggressive."

In addition to the failed fourth-and-one attempt, late in the half, Alabama finally found some rhythm and moved into Indiana territory. However, linebacker D’Angelo Ponds delivered a massive hit on a scrambling Ty Simpson, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Isaiah Jones and knocking Simpson out for the remainder of the game.

Indiana Hoosiers #8 Kaelon Black (RB) broke free for a 25 yard touchdown run against the Alabama Crimson Tide’s defense in the 112th Rose Bowl Game. Photo by Jerry Kelly/TGSportstv1 January 1, 2026.

In the 3rd quarter, Indiana continued to smother Alabama, extending their lead and effectively putting the game out of reach. Indiana opened the half by asserting their dominance. Fernando Mendoza led a 10-play, 79-yard drive that culminated in a perfectly placed 24-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt. Redshirt sophomore Austin Mack entered the game at the 7:46 mark and provided Alabama's only sustained offensive momentum.

He completed 4 of 5 passes for 46 yards and scrambled for 17 yards to lead the Tide into the red zone. Despite Mack’s effort, the Indiana defense held firm inside the 10-yard line and forced Alabama to settle for a field goal.  As the quarter ended, Indiana responded to the Alabama field goal with a 31-yard dagger completion from Mendoza to tight end Riley Nowakowski.

In the 4th quarter, Indiana turned a comfortable lead into a historic blowout. The Hoosiers’ physical dominance was on full display as they abandoned the air game to punish Alabama on the ground, scoring two rushing touchdowns to seal the program's first-ever Rose Bowl victory.