The College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game brings a marquee New Year’s Day matchup as Alabama faces Indiana in Pasadena. Known as “The Granddaddy of Them All,” the Rose Bowl once again plays host to a high-stakes postseason showdown with a spot in the CFP semifinals on the line.
When Is Alabama vs. Indiana in the Rose Bowl?
- Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT
- Venue: Rose Bowl Stadium
- Event: College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
What Channel Is the Rose Bowl Game On?
The Alabama vs. Indiana CFP Quarterfinal will air nationally on ESPN.
TV Broadcast
- Primary Network: ESPN
- Alternate Feeds: ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS (Megacast presentations may include SkyCast, Command Center, and Film Room views)
- Spanish Broadcast: ESPN Deportes
How to Stream Alabama vs. Indiana Live
If you’re watching without cable, there are several ways to stream the Rose Bowl Game live:
Streaming Options
- ESPN App / WatchESPN (TV provider login required)
- Live TV Streaming Services with ESPN:
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- Fubo
- Sling TV (ESPN package)
Most services offer free trials, making them popular options for New Year’s Day college football games.
How to Listen to the Rose Bowl on Radio
- ESPN Radio: National play-by-play coverage
- SiriusXM: Available on satellite radio and the SiriusXM app
About the Rose Bowl Game
The Rose Bowl Game is the oldest bowl game in college football and one of the sport’s most iconic stages. When it hosts a CFP game, it becomes one of the most-watched sporting events of the year, combining tradition, pageantry, and championship-level competition.
Alabama vs. Indiana: What’s at Stake?
This quarterfinal matchup determines who advances to the College Football Playoff semifinals, bringing national championship dreams one step closer. With Alabama’s postseason pedigree and Indiana’s historic run to the CFP, this game is expected to draw massive national interest.
How to Watch the Rose Bowl Game FAQs
Is the Rose Bowl Game free to watch?
No, ESPN requires a cable or streaming subscription that includes ESPN.
Can I watch the Rose Bowl on ESPN+?
Typically, ESPN+ does not carry the live main broadcast. You’ll need ESPN through a TV provider or live TV streaming service.
What time does the Rose Bowl start locally in California?
The game kicks off at 1:00 p.m. PT.
Final Word
Whether you’re tuning in on cable, streaming on your phone, or listening on the radio, there are plenty of ways to watch Alabama vs. Indiana in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game. With New Year’s Day tradition and CFP stakes colliding, this is one matchup college football fans won’t want to miss.