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Indiana Meets Alabama in Historic 2025 Rose Bowl Showdown

12/30/2025

Summary

Story summary

Indiana will play Alabama in the 2025 Rose Bowl on January 1, 2026, marking their first-ever matchup.
Indiana, the No. 1 seed with a 13-0 record, recently won the Big Ten Championship.
Alabama, ranked No. 9 with an 11-3 record, is coming off a victory against Oklahoma in the CFP first round.
The game will air on ESPN at 4 p.m. ET in Pasadena, California, with rain forecasted that may affect gameplay.
Indiana's Heisman-winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, will face Alabama's Ty Simpson.

History

Historical Context

The 1947 Rose Bowl marked a pivotal moment in college football, showcasing the University of Michigan's 49-0 victory over USC. This game highlighted the sport's rising popularity post-World War II, as returning servicemen fueled college attendance through the G.I. Bill. The Big Nine Conference's exclusive agreement with the Rose Bowl began in 1946, solidifying its role in shaping modern college football traditions.

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Story summary

Indiana will play Alabama in the 2025 Rose Bowl on January 1, 2026, marking their first-ever matchup.
Indiana, the No. 1 seed with a 13-0 record, recently won the Big Ten Championship.
Alabama, ranked No. 9 with an 11-3 record, is coming off a victory against Oklahoma in the CFP first round.
The game will air on ESPN at 4 p.m. ET in Pasadena, California, with rain forecasted that may affect gameplay.
Indiana's Heisman-winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, will face Alabama's Ty Simpson.

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