Everything You Need to Know About Rose Bowl Game 2026
“It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” — Vince Lombardi. That spirit fits a New Year clash with national-title implications.
The 112th edition on Jan. 1 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena is more than tradition. It is a College Football Playoff quarterfinal that pairs unbeaten Indiana with a playoff-tested Alabama.
Expect practical details first: confirmed date, kickoff window, location and TV/streaming info are prioritized so fans can plan their day around the kickoff and the Rose Parade.
This matchup feels unusual in modern college football. Indiana’s perfect run meets Alabama’s program pedigree, creating a contrast of momentum and brand power that defines the stakes.
We’ll preview quarterback play, big-play receivers and whether weather will shape the on-field style. Note: the traditional kickoff window shifts this year, so timing is a key talking point for fans.
This intro leads straight into logistics so readers can find when and where to watch, then move into deeper matchup context and bracket implications.
Key Takeaways
- Jan. 1 at Rose Bowl Stadium: a CFP quarterfinal with national-title impact.
- Indiana (undefeated) vs. Alabama (playoff-tested) creates a striking contrast.
- Practical info (when, where, how to watch) is presented up front.
- On-field themes: quarterbacks, big-play receivers, and weather effects.
- Kickoff timing shifts this year; plan New Year’s Day schedules accordingly.
Rose Bowl game 2026: date, time, location, and the CFP quarterfinal stakes
Plan now: this New Year’s Day matchup combines tradition with win-or-go-home playoff drama.
When the 112th Rose Bowl kicks off on New Year’s Day
The kickoff is Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The official start time is 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT, an afternoon window that moves the contest one hour earlier than usual.
Where it’s played: Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California
The venue is Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. Fans traveling to the field should expect afternoon arrival times and heavier parade traffic that morning.
Why it matters: College Football Playoff quarterfinal path to the semifinals
This is a CFP quarterfinal — a single-elimination quarterfinal game. The winner advances to the CFP semifinals and is slated to meet the Orange Bowl winner in the Peach Bowl.
Kickoff time change and what it means
Moving the start one hour earlier shifts the traditional viewing window. That can alter fan plans around the Rose Parade and New Year’s Day activities, so adjust travel and viewing schedules accordingly.
| Item | Detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 | New Year’s tradition anchors the postseason |
| Kickoff | 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT | Afternoon start; one hour earlier than usual |
| Venue | Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA | Iconic field with parade-day traffic |
| Stakes | CFP quarterfinal — winner to semifinals | Advance to face Orange Bowl winner in Peach Bowl |
Alabama vs. Indiana matchup overview
A stark contrast defines this matchup: a No. 1 seed riding an unbeaten run against a battle-tested Crimson Tide.
Seeds and records: No. 1 Indiana enters at 13-0, while No. 9 Alabama stands at 11-3. That clear seed gap frames this as top-seed vs. blueblood in a CFP quarterfinal.
How each team got here
Indiana earned the spot after an undefeated season and a Big Ten title win that secured a bye and direct entry to this quarterfinal.
Alabama advanced with a resilient first-round win over Oklahoma, rallying from a 17-point deficit to win 34-24 on the road.
First meeting and program contrast
This is the programs’ first-ever matchup. The historical split and different win profiles make the pairing notable for fans and analysts alike.
Coaching snapshot
Curt Cignetti’s system has guided Indiana’s breakthrough season with disciplined ball control and low turnovers.
Kalen DeBoer brings postseason experience and a track record of preparing Alabama for high-pressure games against ranked opponents.
Line and early expectations
The early betting line lists Indiana favored by 6.5. That number signals market expectations but not a certainty.
Performance framing: Alabama’s QB has shown strong season efficiency, while Indiana’s QB stands out for ball security and a favorable touchdown-to-interception ratio.
| Item | Indiana | Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Seed | No. 1 | No. 9 |
| Record | 13-0 | 11-3 |
| Path to quarterfinal | Undefeated season, Big Ten title | First-round win over Oklahoma (34-24) after trailing by 17 |
| Head coach | Curt Cignetti | Kalen DeBoer |
| Market line | Favored by 6.5 | Underdog |
Next: how to watch Alabama vs. Indiana live in the United States, with TV and streaming options for this CFP quarterfinal.
How to watch and stream the 2026 Rose Bowl in the United States
If you need quick viewing info, start here: national TV and streaming options for the matchup.
TV: The primary U.S. telecasts are on ESPN and ABC. Tune to those channels to catch full pregame coverage and the live broadcast.
Live streaming: Cord-cutters can watch on ESPN+ and fubo. Both services carry the national feed so you can stream on mobile devices, smart TVs, or web browsers.
Kickoff time across time zones
The scheduled start is 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT. Set reminders for both windows if you travel between zones or host a watch party.
Because the kickoff is earlier than in some years, plan pregame timing, travel, and parade viewing accordingly. Arrive early, start food prep sooner, and test streaming apps ahead of kickoff to avoid delays.
Broadcast note: ESPN handles game production and national commentary. Focus on access options above to ensure you’re ready in time.
Next up: once you know how to watch, the biggest question becomes which players could decide this CFP quarterfinal.
Key players to watch in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal
A handful of playmakers will define how the quarterfinal unfolds under Pasadena’s afternoon skies.
Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman season
Fernando Mendoza headlines as a Heisman winner who transformed Indiana’s attack. He finished the season with 2,980 passing yards, 33 TDs and just 6 interceptions.
His 71.5% completion rate forces defenses to cover every throw. That accuracy lets Indiana stay on schedule in third-down and red-zone situations.
Omar Cooper Jr.: status and impact
Omar Cooper Jr. is expected to play despite a lower-body issue from the conference title. He has 58 catches for 804 yards and 11 TDs.
Even limited, Cooper remains Indiana’s top big-play target and a matchup problem downfield.
Ty Simpson and Alabama’s ceiling
Ty Simpson is the Crimson Tide’s engine. He delivered 3,500 passing yards, 28 TDs and 5 interceptions this season and led a key comeback vs Oklahoma.
Consistency from Simpson will decide whether Alabama reaches its offensive ceiling in this cfp quarterfinal.
Volatility and trenches
Ryan Williams offers big-play upside despite inconsistent snaps late in the season. One explosive catch could flip momentum in a short field situation.
If rain arrives, elite left tackle Kaden Proctor becomes vital. A heavier run plan would hinge on Proctor winning the line and securing early downs.
Defensive difference-makers
Alabama’s Bray Hubbard pairs 66 tackles with 3 forced fumbles and 4 interceptions — a turnover threat on every snap.
Indiana’s Rolijah Hardy anchors a stingy front with 87 tackles and 8 sacks, shaping pressure packages and run defense.
| Player | Stat line (season) | Why he matters |
|---|---|---|
| Fernando Mendoza | 2,980 yards, 33 TD, 6 INT, 71.5% comp | Elite accuracy; controls pace and third-down success |
| Omar Cooper Jr. | 58 catches, 804 yards, 11 TD | Primary big-play target; expected to play with an injury concern |
| Ty Simpson | 3,500 yards, 28 TD, 5 INT | Offensive leader; consistency determines ceiling |
| Kaden Proctor | Top left tackle (season impact) | Key if rain prompts more rushing and trench play |
| Bray Hubbard / Rolijah Hardy | Hubbard: 66 tackles, 4 INT; Hardy: 87 tackles, 8 sacks | Turnover creation and pass-rush pressure swing possessions |
Matchup lens: The quarterfinal likely pivots on Mendoza keeping drives alive and Alabama creating explosive moments via turnovers or special plays.
Conclusion
Expect a high-stakes afternoon matchup that blends tradition with playoff urgency.
Key details, set your plans: Jan. 1 in Pasadena with a 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT kickoff. Indiana faces Alabama in a CFP quarterfinal; the winner advances to the semifinals. Indiana is favored by 6.5, so anticipate a competitive contest.
Watch on ESPN/ABC or stream via ESPN+ and fubo. Primary swing factors remain quarterback efficiency, big-play receiving and whether rain forces a trench-and-run approach.
This New Year’s Day bowl game pairs an unbeaten, Mendoza-led offense against Alabama’s postseason experience. The 112th rose bowl will be a national talking point if the matchup lives up to its billing and the parade-day backdrop adds to the drama.
FAQ
When does the 112th Rose Bowl kick off on New Year’s Day?
The kickoff is scheduled for New Year’s Day at 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT). This timing places the contest in an afternoon TV window that feeds directly into the College Football Playoff quarterfinal schedule for the 2026 season.
Where is the game played?
The matchup takes place at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, the historic venue that hosts the annual parade and this major postseason site.
Why does this quarterfinal matter for the College Football Playoff?
This contest is a CFP quarterfinal, so the winner advances to a national semifinal. That path determines who competes for the national championship, making every play and coaching decision crucial.
Have the teams met before and what makes this matchup notable?
This is a first-ever meeting between Indiana and Alabama. The pairing presents a contrast in program styles and recent trajectories, adding historical significance and narrative interest to the quarterfinal.
What are the seeds and season records for Indiana and Alabama?
Indiana enters as the No. 1 seed with an undefeated season. Alabama is listed as the No. 9 seed after advancing with a first-round win over Oklahoma.
How did each team reach this stage of the playoff?
Indiana reached the bracket by winning its conference and maintaining an unbeaten record. Alabama secured its spot and momentum with a key victory over Oklahoma in the opening playoff round.
Who are the head coaches and what are their styles?
Indiana is led by Curt Cignetti, whose balanced approach emphasizes efficient offense and disciplined defense. Alabama’s coach, Kalen DeBoer, is known for offensive scheming and maximizing skill-position talent.
What is the betting line and early expectations for the quarterfinal?
Early lines favor Indiana due to its top seed and undefeated record, but Alabama’s playoff pedigree and depth make this a game with live odds and potential swings. Expect line movement as injuries, weather, and matchup data emerge.
Which TV channels and broadcasts carry the quarterfinal in the United States?
The game will air on ESPN with possible simulcast windows on ABC depending on network scheduling. National broadcast options ensure wide availability for viewers.
How can fans stream the contest live?
Fans can stream via ESPN+ and eligible packages on streaming services such as fubo, which typically carry the ESPN linear feed for live viewing across devices.
How does the 4 p.m. ET start translate across U.S. time zones?
The official start time is 4 p.m. Eastern, which is 3 p.m. Central, 2 p.m. Mountain, and 1 p.m. Pacific. Local pregame shows and coverage windows may vary.
Who are the key offensive players to watch for Indiana?
Fernando Mendoza is the Heisman-caliber playmaker leading Indiana’s offense, supported by big-play threat Omar Cooper Jr., both central to the Hoosiers’ scoring ability.
Which Alabama players could swing the result?
Quarterback Ty Simpson provides efficient passing and decision-making, while receiver Ryan Williams can create explosive plays. Their production will heavily influence Alabama’s offensive ceiling.
Which skill-position and trench players matter if weather affects the matchup?
If rain alters the game plan, Kaden Proctor and the offensive line units become pivotal in run-pass balance. Strong trench play often decides control of possession and clock management in adverse conditions.
Who are the defensive difference-makers to monitor?
Bray Hubbard and Rolijah Hardy are among defenders capable of creating turnovers, stops, and momentum shifts. Their play could determine field position and scoring opportunities.
