Top-seeded Indiana football should be well-rested after nearly a month between its Big Ten championship win and Thursday’s Rose Bowl.
The Hoosiers (13-0) look to remain unbeaten against a traditional power in No. 9 Alabama (11-3). There are plenty of coaching crossover connections on each sideline, and the recruiting comparison does not compare to one another. No matter.
The grass was tarped for much of the rain-soaked morning until the final hour of ESPN’s “College GameDay.” The skies lightened in that final hour as the crew settled in to preview the New Year’s Day games and make their picks.
Here is how they picked the Rose Bowl.
ESPN ‘College GameDay’ picks for Alabama vs Indiana football in Rose Bowl 2026
Note: There was no guest picker and Kirk Herbstreit is calling the game, so he did not make a pick.
Desmond Howard: Oh man, so we were in Norman, Oklahoma, for the Oklahoma game, and I thought Alabama was going to roll, but then I got caught up in the atmosphere and I picked Oklahoma. Huge mistake, not going to happen again, roll Tide.
Pat McAfee: Shout out to Kalen DeBoer. You’re a phenomenal coach, man. I’m excited for how you’ve been able to fill in the shoes for the GOAT (points to Nick Saban) and everything like that, but this one’s written in the stars, brother. Indiana Hoosiers are winning the Rose Bowl. Hoo-Hoo-Hoo-Hoosierrrrrs!
Nick Saban: So, is your team rested or rusty? Let me give you a little scouting report before I make my pick.
McAfee: We’re talking about Cignetti, what do you think? The boys are rested and they are ready, and it does scare the hell out of me.
Saban: I really do think Alabama got their mojo back a little bit in the Oklahoma game. They had been reeling for a while, got back in the game, I gotta go with Bama.
Who is favored to win the Rose Bowl today, Jan. 1, 2026? Who is favored to win Indiana vs. Alabama today, Jan. 1, 2026?
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: ESPN ‘College GameDay’ picks for Indiana football vs Alabama in Rose Bowl
Reporting by Aaron Ferguson, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
