Indiana dominated the game en route to a 38-3 victory, advancing to the CFP semifinal against Oregon while handing Alabama its largest bowl loss in program history (35-point margin, tied for the sixth-largest in Rose Bowl history). This marked Indiana's first Rose Bowl win (improving to 1-1 all-time), their first bowl victory since 1991, and their first CFP appearance and win. The Hoosiers finished the season 14-0, setting a school record for wins and extending the longest active win streak in FBS to 14 games. Alabama ended at 11-4, marking back-to-back seasons with four or more losses for the first time since 2006-07.

The game was a defensive masterclass by Indiana, who held Alabama to just 193 total yards and no touchdowns, forcing one turnover (a fumble) and limiting the Tide to 1.4 yards per rush. Offensively, Indiana controlled the clock with long drives and efficient play, amassing 407 total yards while committing no turnovers. Key turning points included Alabama's failed fourth-and-1 at their own 34-yard line in the second quarter, which led to Indiana's first touchdown, and a forced fumble on Alabama QB Ty Simpson in the third quarter.

The Rose Bowl Offensive MVP was awarded to Indiana center Pat Coogan, recognizing the Hoosiers' dominant offensive line performance .

The O-line paved the way for 215 rushing yards, protected Mendoza for an 87.5% completion rate with no interceptions, and allowed just 3 sacks despite 50 rush attempts. Coogan, as the line's leader, accepted the award on behalf of the group a rare honor for an offensive lineman. Indiana corner back D’Angelo Russell was Defense MVP he have three tackles.

Passing Yards

Indiana:Fernando Mendoza: 14/16, 192 yards, 3 TD (Heisman winner; more TDs than incompletions; tied school record for most passing TDs in a bowl)

Alabama: Austin Mack: 11/16, 103 yards

Rushing Yards

Indiana: Kaelon Black: 15 carries, 99 yards , 1 TD (Roman Hemby: 18 carries, 89 yards, 1 TD

Daniel Hill: 5 carries, 13 yards,

Receiving Yards

Indiana: Charlie Becker: 2 rec, 51 yards,

1 TD Omar Cooper Jr.: 3 rec., 45 yards, 1 TD

Elijah Sarratt: 4 rec., 40 yards, 10.0 avg., 1 TD

Alabama: Germie Bernard: 4 rec., 60 yards,

Ryan Williams: 6 rec., 53 yards, 8.8 avg.

Josh Cuevas: 4 rec., 35 yards, 8.8 avg.

Tackle Leaders

Indiana: Devan Boykin: 7 (6 solo), 1 sack, 3 TFL;

Aiden Fisher: 7 (5 solo), 1 sack, 1 TFL; Rolijah Hardy: 6 (4 solo), 1 TFL (pre-game note: team-high 87 tackles, 8 sacks for season)

Alabama: Bray Hubbard: 8 (7 solo), 1 sack, 1.5

TFL; LT Overton: 7 (5 solo); Zabien Brown: 6 (6 solo)

Other Defense

Indiana: Mikail Kamara: 1 sack, 1 TFL; D'Angelo Ponds: 3 tackles, forced fumble

Alabama: Yhonzae Pierre: 1.5 sacks, 1.5 TFL;

Deontae Lawson: 0.5 sack, 0.5 TFL