The college football world is buzzing. Indiana vs. Alabama is set to clash in one of the biggest games of the season. This Rose Bowl game isn’t just any bowl game. It’s a CFP Quarterfinal that will determine who moves forward in the College Football Playoff. If you need more interested info like that visit quick guider.
If you’re wondering how to watch the Rose Bowl, you’re in the right place. We’ll cover everything you need to know. Game time, TV channels, streaming options, and more. Let’s get started.
Indiana vs. Alabama Rose Bowl Game: Quick Details
When is the Rose Bowl Game?
The Rose Bowl game takes place on Thursday, January 1, 2026. This is New Year’s Day, one of the biggest days in college football.
The kickoff time is 4:00 p.m. ET. If you’re on the West Coast, that’s 1:00 p.m. PT.
The game is at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. This historic venue has hosted countless memorable games. This year’s Indiana vs. Alabama matchup will add another chapter to that history.
What Channel is the Rose Bowl On?
You can watch the Rose Bowl on ESPN. This is the main TV channel broadcasting the game.
Streaming options include ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV, Fubo, and Sling TV. We’ll cover each of these in detail below.
If you prefer radio, check your local sports stations. Many will carry the broadcast live.
How to Watch Indiana vs. Alabama Rose Bowl Game Without Cable
Most people don’t have cable anymore. The good news? You have plenty of options to watch the Rose Bowl without cable. If you want to read about Flea Eggs: How to Spot, Treat, and Prevent Infestations in Your Home visit this page.
Stream the Rose Bowl on ESPN Unlimited
ESPN Unlimited is ESPN’s newest streaming service. It launched to give fans access to all ESPN content in one place.
The price is $29.99 per month. This gets you access to a massive amount of sports content.
What’s included with ESPN Unlimited?
You get all of ESPN’s linear networks. That means ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN News, and ESPN Deportes. You also get programming from ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SEC Network+, and ACC Network Extra.
That’s access to more than 47,000 live events each year. You’ll never run out of sports to watch.
There’s a special bundle deal right now. For $29.99 per month for 12 months, you can get ESPN Unlimited, Disney+, and Hulu. That’s like getting Disney+ and Hulu free for a year.
Even if you already subscribe to Disney+ or Hulu, you can upgrade to this deal. It’s one of the best values in streaming right now.
Here’s how to sign up for ESPN Unlimited:
Go to ESPN.com. Click on the streaming options. Choose ESPN Unlimited. Enter your payment information. Start watching immediately.
“ESPN Unlimited gives you access to every major college football game you want to watch. It’s the most comprehensive college football coverage available.”
Watch Rose Bowl Game on DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is offering a great deal right now. Their Entertainment tier package costs just $49.99 for your first month. That’s a $40 savings over the regular price of $89.99.
You also get a 5-day free trial. This is perfect if you just want to watch the Rose Bowl game and aren’t ready to commit long-term.
What channels do you get with DirecTV?
The Entertainment tier includes ESPN, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, and CBS Sports Network. You also get local affiliates for ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. The exact channels depend on where you live.
DirecTV includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage. You can record as many games as you want. Never miss a play.
You also get access to ESPN Unlimited with your DirecTV subscription. That’s even more sports content at no extra cost.
Best for: People who want to try a live TV streaming service without committing. The 5-day free trial makes it risk-free.
Stream Rose Bowl on Fubo
Fubo is a sports-focused streaming service. It’s built for people who love live sports.
Fubo offers several package options. The base package starts around $79.99 per month. But they often run promotions for new subscribers.
Fubo typically offers a 7-day free trial. Check their website for current offers.
What makes Fubo great for college football?
Fubo carries ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. You get all the major networks that broadcast NCAA football games. They also carry conference networks like Big Ten Network and ACC Network.
Fubo includes Cloud DVR. You can record games and watch them later.
Best for: Die-hard sports fans who want comprehensive coverage across all sports.
Watch on Sling TV
Sling TV is one of the most affordable streaming options. They offer two base packages: Sling Orange and Sling Blue.
For the Rose Bowl, you need Sling Orange. This package includes ESPN. It costs $40 per month.
Sling often runs promotions for new subscribers. You might get your first month at a discount. Check their website for current deals.
What’s included with Sling Orange?
You get ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and several other channels. It’s a smaller channel lineup than some competitors, but it’s also cheaper.
Sling doesn’t include ABC in most markets. But you can watch ABC content on the ESPN app with your Sling login.
Best for: Budget-conscious viewers who mainly want ESPN sports coverage.
Other Streaming Options for the Rose Bowl
Hulu + Live TV includes ESPN, ABC, and all major sports networks. It costs $76.99 per month. You also get access to Hulu’s entire on-demand library.
YouTube TV carries ESPN and costs $72.99 per month. It includes unlimited Cloud DVR and six accounts per household.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Service | Price | Free Trial | ESPN | ABC | DVR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN Unlimited | $29.99/mo | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| DirecTV Stream | $49.99 first month | 5 days | Yes | Yes | Unlimited |
| Fubo | $79.99/mo | 7 days | Yes | Yes | Unlimited |
| Sling Orange | $40/mo | No | Yes | Limited | 50 hours |
| Hulu + Live TV | $76.99/mo | No | Yes | Yes | Unlimited |
| YouTube TV | $72.99/mo | 14 days | Yes | Yes | Unlimited |
Indiana vs. Alabama: What You Need to Know
Indiana Hoosiers Season Highlights
The Indiana Hoosiers are having a historic season. This is the kind of year that fans will talk about for decades.
Indiana won the Big Ten Championship. This was a huge accomplishment for a program that hasn’t always been in the national spotlight.
They earned the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. Being the top seed means everyone expects big things from this team.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy. This is college football’s most prestigious individual award. Mendoza had an incredible season with record-breaking performances.
Indiana’s path to the Rose Bowl has been impressive. They dominated opponents week after week. Their offense is explosive. Their defense is tough. This is a complete team.
Key players to watch for Indiana:
Fernando Mendoza is the obvious star. His arm strength and decision-making have been exceptional. Watch how he handles Alabama’s pressure.
The offensive line has been outstanding. They’ve given Mendoza time to throw all season.
Indiana’s defense has forced turnovers at crucial moments. They’ll need to do it again against Alabama.
Alabama Crimson Tide Season Overview
Alabama comes in as the No. 9 seed. Don’t let that fool you. This is still Alabama. They’re always dangerous.
The Crimson Tide had a solid SEC season. The SEC is the toughest conference in college football. Any team that survives that schedule is battle-tested.
Alabama has playoff experience. Many players and coaches have been in big games before. That experience matters in high-pressure situations.
Key players to watch for Alabama:
Alabama’s defense is always physical. They’ll try to disrupt Mendoza’s rhythm early.
The running game for Alabama has been effective all year. Watch for them to establish the run and control the clock.
Alabama’s coaching staff is elite. They’ll have a solid game plan ready.
Rose Bowl Game Stakes
This isn’t just a bowl game. It’s a CFP Quarterfinal. The winner moves on. The loser goes home.
The winner of Indiana vs. Alabama will face the winner of the Orange Bowl. That game features Texas Tech against Oregon. It kicks off at 12:00 p.m. ET on New Year’s Day.
The Rose Bowl has historical significance. It’s called “The Granddaddy of Them All” for a reason. This is one of college football’s most prestigious games.
This matchup is fascinating. You have Indiana, the Cinderella story with the No. 1 seed. And you have Alabama, the traditional powerhouse that’s always a threat.
“The Rose Bowl between Indiana and Alabama is more than just a game. It’s a clash of college football cultures. The new blood versus the blue blood.”
Complete College Football Playoff Schedule This Week
New Year’s Day Bowl Games Schedule
New Year’s Day is packed with college football action. There are three CFP Quarterfinal games happening.
Orange Bowl: Texas Tech vs. Oregon
- Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Location: Miami, Florida
- This game kicks off the quarterfinals
Rose Bowl: Indiana vs. Alabama
- Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Location: Pasadena, California
- The main event in the West
Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Ole Miss
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
- SEC rivalry in primetime
All three games are on ESPN. If you have ESPN Unlimited, you can watch all of them.
Other Bowl Games This Week
Wednesday, December 31 Schedule:
ReliaQuest Bowl: No. 14 Vanderbilt vs. No. 23 Iowa
- Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Location: Tampa, Florida
Sun Bowl: Duke vs. Arizona State
- Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: CBS
- Location: El Paso, Texas
Citrus Bowl: No. 13 Texas vs. No. 18 Michigan
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: ABC
- Location: Orlando, Florida
Las Vegas Bowl: No. 15 Utah vs. Nebraska
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Cotton Bowl: No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 10 Miami (Fla.)
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Location: Arlington, Texas
- CFP Quarterfinal
Friday, January 2 Schedule:
Armed Forces Bowl: Rice vs. Texas State
- Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Liberty Bowl: Navy vs. Cincinnati
- Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Holiday Bowl: SMU vs. Arizona
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: FOX
- Location: San Diego, California
How to Watch College Football Games in 2025
Best Streaming Services for NCAA Football
College football games air across multiple networks in 2025. You’ll find games on ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. Conference networks like SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and ACC Network also broadcast games.
If you don’t have cable, staying up-to-date with your favorite team can be challenging. But streaming services make it easier than ever.
ESPN Unlimited is the top choice for comprehensive college football coverage. For $29.99 per month, you get access to all ESPN networks. You also get ABC programming, which airs many big games.
ESPN Unlimited includes more than 47,000 live events per year. That’s not just football. You get basketball, baseball, soccer, and more.
Other good options include:
DirecTV Stream offers a wide channel lineup. It includes ESPN, ABC, and conference networks.
Fubo is sports-focused with excellent picture quality.
YouTube TV has unlimited DVR and carries all major sports networks.
Hulu + Live TV combines live sports with on-demand entertainment.
Free Ways to Watch College Football
You can watch some college football games for free. Here’s how:
Free trials are your friend. DirecTV offers a 5-day free trial. Fubo typically offers 7 days. YouTube TV offers 14 days. You can sign up, watch the Rose Bowl, and cancel before you’re charged.
Use an antenna for local games. ABC, FOX, CBS, and NBC broadcast games over the air. A basic antenna costs $20-30 and picks up these channels free.
Network apps sometimes stream games free. Download the ABC, FOX, CBS, or NBC app. Some content is available without a subscription.
Be smart about timing your free trials. If the Rose Bowl game is on Thursday, start your free trial on Tuesday or Wednesday. That gives you time to watch and cancel if needed.
Rose Bowl Viewing Tips and FAQs
What Time Should I Start Watching?
The Rose Bowl kicks off at 4:00 p.m. ET. But you’ll want to tune in earlier.
Pre-game coverage usually starts 30-60 minutes before kickoff. ESPN will have analysts breaking down the matchup. You’ll see player interviews and predictions.
Start watching around 3:30 p.m. ET to catch all the pre-game content. This gets you in the right mindset for the game.
Halftime typically lasts 20-25 minutes. ESPN will have halftime analysis and highlights from other games.
Post-game coverage runs about 30 minutes. You’ll see player interviews, trophy presentations, and analysis of what happened.
Plan for about 4 hours total if you want the full experience. College football games typically last 3-3.5 hours with commercials and breaks.
Can I Watch the Rose Bowl for Free?
Yes, you can watch the Rose Bowl for free using streaming service trials.
DirecTV Stream offers a 5-day free trial. This is perfect for the Rose Bowl game time on Thursday. Sign up on Wednesday. Watch the game Thursday. You have until Monday to decide if you want to keep the service.
Fubo typically offers a 7-day free trial. Check their website for current promotions.
YouTube TV offers a 14-day free trial. This gives you the most time to decide.
Here’s the catch with free trials: You need to provide payment information. If you don’t cancel before the trial ends, you’ll be charged. Set a reminder on your phone to cancel if you don’t want to keep the service.
You can also use an antenna. If ESPN is showing the game on ABC in your area, you can watch it free over the air. Check your local listings.
Will the Rose Bowl Be on ABC?
The Rose Bowl is on ESPN, not ABC. But there’s some overlap between the two.
ABC is owned by Disney, which also owns ESPN. Some ESPN content appears on ABC and vice versa.
ESPN Unlimited includes ABC programming. So if you subscribe to ESPN Unlimited to watch the Rose Bowl game, you’ll also have access to ABC content.
Some streaming services include both ESPN and ABC. DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV all carry both networks.
If you’re using an antenna, ABC will show other college football content. But the Rose Bowl game itself is an ESPN exclusive.
Can I Stream the Rose Bowl on My Phone?
Yes, you can stream the Rose Bowl on your phone. This is great if you’re traveling or away from a TV.
Download the ESPN app. It’s available for iPhone and Android. The app is free to download.
You’ll need a subscription to watch. Sign in with your ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV, Fubo, or other streaming service credentials.
Make sure you have a good internet connection. Streaming video uses a lot of data. If you’re on a cellular connection, you might use 1-2 GB per hour.
Connect to Wi-Fi if possible. This prevents you from burning through your data plan.
The ESPN app works on tablets too. If you have an iPad or Android tablet, you can watch there as well.
You can also cast to your TV. Most streaming services support Chromecast or Air Play. Cast from your phone to your TV for a bigger screen.
What If I Miss the Rose Bowl Live?
Don’t panic if you can’t watch the Rose Bowl live. You have several options to catch it later.
ESPN+ offers on-demand replays. The full game will be available shortly after it ends. You can watch it whenever you want.
ESPN Unlimited includes ESPN+ content. So your subscription covers the replay.
Most streaming services offer Cloud DVR. DirecTV, Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV all let you record games. Set it to record before the game starts. Watch it later at your convenience.
YouTube TV offers unlimited DVR storage. You can record as many games as you want.
Fubo and DirecTV also offer substantial DVR storage. Check your specific plan for details.
ESPN will air highlight packages. If you don’t want to watch the full game, catch the highlights on Sports Center or the ESPN app.
Social media will have clips. Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok will have key plays and moments shortly after they happen.
“Missing the Rose Bowl live isn’t the end of the world. With DVR and on-demand options, you can watch the full game on your own schedule.”
Best Deals to Watch the Indiana vs. Alabama Rose Bowl Game
Limited-Time Streaming Promotions
Streaming services run promotions regularly. Right now, there are some excellent deals.
ESPN Unlimited Bundle Deal:
- $29.99 per month for 12 months
- Includes ESPN Unlimited, Disney+, and Hulu
- This bundle normally costs much more
- Even current Disney+ or Hulu subscribers can upgrade
DirecTV Stream First Month Deal:
- $49.99 for your first month
- Regular price is $89.99
- That’s $40 in savings
- Plus a 5-day free trial
Look for seasonal promotions around major sporting events. Services often discount their rates during bowl season and the playoffs.
Sign up for email lists. Streaming services send promotional codes to subscribers. You might get an exclusive deal.
Check aggregator sites. Websites that compare streaming services often have special promotional links. You might find deals not advertised elsewhere.
Which Streaming Service Offers the Best Value?
It depends on what you want.
For just college football: ESPN Unlimited at $29.99 per month is unbeatable. You get every game on ESPN networks plus ABC content.
For sports in general: Fubo is excellent. It’s built for sports fans. The $79.99 price is higher, but you get comprehensive sports coverage.
For casual viewers: Sling Orange at $40 per month is budget-friendly. You get ESPN and enough content for occasional viewing.
For families: YouTube TV at $72.99 per month is great. Unlimited DVR and six accounts mean everyone can watch what they want.
For the best overall value right now: The ESPN Unlimited bundle with Disney+ and Hulu at $29.99 per month is incredible. You get sports, movies, TV shows, and documentaries all in one package.
Here’s how to choose:
Ask yourself how often you watch sports. If it’s just a few big games per year, use free trials.
Consider what else you watch. If you want entertainment content too, bundles make sense.
Check which service has your team’s games. If you follow a specific conference, make sure you get that conference network.
Think about DVR needs. If you can’t watch live, unlimited DVR is valuable.
Rose Bowl Game Day Experience
Rose Bowl Stadium Information
Rose Bowl Stadium is one of college football’s most iconic venues. It’s located in Pasadena, California, at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains.
The stadium holds 88,565 fans. When it’s full for a big game like Indiana vs. Alabama, the atmosphere is electric.
The Rose Bowl has hosted countless historic moments. This includes five Super Bowls, the 1994 FIFA World Cup Final, and over 100 Rose Bowl games.
The stadium opened in 1922. It’s been renovated several times but maintains its classic bowl design.
Game day weather in Pasadena is usually perfect. January temperatures typically range from 50-70°F. It’s sunny most of the time. This is why they call it the “Granddaddy of Them All.”
The Rose Bowl parade happens earlier in the day. This famous parade features elaborate floats and attracts thousands of spectators. It’s a Pasadena tradition that dates back to 1890.
If you’re watching from home, you’ll see great views of the San Gabriel Mountains. The backdrop makes for beautiful television.
What to Expect from Indiana vs. Alabama
This game has all the ingredients for a classic.
Indiana brings the No. 1 seed and a high-powered offense. Fernando Mendoza is the Heisman Trophy winner. He can beat you with his arm or his legs. Indiana’s offensive line has been dominant all season.
Alabama brings playoff experience and physicality. They’ve been in big games before. Their defense will look to pressure Mendoza early and often. Alabama’s running game can control the clock and keep Indiana’s offense on the sideline.
The key matchup is Indiana’s offensive line versus Alabama’s defensive front. If Indiana can protect Mendoza, they’ll score points. If Alabama gets pressure, they can disrupt the passing game.
Watch for Alabama to try to establish their running game early. They’ll want to control time of possession and keep the game close.
Indiana will likely try to score quickly and often. Their offense is explosive. They can put up points in a hurry.
Special teams could be a factor. Field position matters in close games. Watch for big returns or crucial field goals.
The coaching matchup is intriguing. Indiana’s staff has done an incredible job this season. Alabama’s coaching staff has playoff experience. Both will make adjustments throughout the game.
Most experts predict a close game. Alabama is never an underdog for long. But Indiana has earned the No. 1 seed for a reason.
Betting odds will be available as game day approaches. Check major sportsbooks if you’re interested in the spread and over/under.
“Indiana vs. Alabama in the Rose Bowl is the kind of game that defines seasons. One team will move on to the semifinals. The other goes home. Everything is on the line.”
Conclusion
The Rose Bowl game between Indiana and Alabama is must-watch television. This CFP Quarterfinal will determine who advances in the College Football Playoff.
To watch the Rose Bowl, tune in to ESPN at 4:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 1, 2026. You can also stream the Rose Bowl on ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV, Fubo, or other streaming services.
Our top recommendation is ESPN Unlimited. For $29.99 per month, you get comprehensive college football coverage. The bundle deal with Disney+ and Hulu is exceptional value. If you need info related What to Write in a Sympathy Card visit this page.
If you want to try before you buy, use DirecTV’s 5-day free trial. This lets you watch the Rose Bowl without cable and decide if you want to keep the service.
Don’t miss this historic matchup. Indiana’s magical season meets Alabama’s championship pedigree. The winner advances to face either Texas Tech or Oregon in the semifinals.
Set your reminder for 4:00 p.m. ET on New Year’s Day. Make sure your streaming service is set up and ready to go. Grab some snacks, settle in, and enjoy one of the best games of the college football season.