The 2025-26 College Football Playoff quarterfinals are underway, highlighted by one of the most traditional matchups in college football, the Rose Bowl.
This year, the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers are set to clash with the Alabama Crimson Tide, the CFP’s premier team, in what they call “The Granddaddy of Them All” this afternoon.
The Hoosiers have made an unexpected journey this season and stand just three victories away from claiming their first national championship. After enjoying a first-round bye, they’ll be back in action today for the first time since early December. Notably, quarterback Fernando Mendoza secured the 2025 Heisman Trophy since their last game.
For Alabama, this marks their ninth appearance in the College Football Playoff, although it’s the first under head coach Karen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide will also be playing in their ninth Rose Bowl.
Key Details for the 2025 Rose Bowl
- Teams: No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers
- Date: January 1, Time: 4 PM ET
- Location: Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California)
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Streaming: DIRECTV (Try it for free)
The winner of this game will progress to the Peach Bowl on January 9 against the victor of the Orange Bowl happening today.
Rose Bowl Start Time
Today’s game featuring Alabama and Indiana is scheduled to start at 4 PM ET.
How to Watch the Rose Bowl for Free
If you lack cable access, there are options to stream the Alabama vs. Indiana quarterfinals free of charge. DIRECTV is recommended, offering a 5-day free trial that includes ESPN and other necessary channels for the College Football Playoff. After the trial, the monthly fee begins at $49.99 for access to over 90 live channels.
For those hesitant about a full subscription, Sling TV offers a $4.99 one-day pass providing 24-hour access to Sling Orange, which features ESPN. They also have weekend and weekly passes available for more flexibility.
Important College Football Playoff 2025-26 Schedule
- Quarterfinals (December 31 to January 1)
- Cotton Bowl: Dec. 31, 7:30 PM ET – No. 10 Miami vs. No. 2 Ohio State
- Orange Bowl: January 1, 12 PM – No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 4 Texas Tech
- Rose Bowl: January 1, 4 PM – No. 9 Alabama vs. No. 1 Indiana
- Sugar Bowl: January 1, 8 PM – No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 3 Georgia
- Semi-finals (January 8-9)
- Fiesta Bowl: January 8, 7:30 PM – Ole Miss/Georgia vs. Miami/Ohio State
- Peach Bowl: January 9, 7:30 PM – Oregon/Texas Tech vs. Alabama/Indiana
- National Championship (January 19, 7:30 PM)
