The upcoming Rose Bowl will feature a thrilling matchup on New Year’s Day when Alabama faces off against top-ranked Indiana at 4:00 p.m. ET. This quarterfinal playoff game promises to showcase some of the finest collegiate talent, potentially impacting both teams’ prospects in the NFL draft.
The Cincinnati Bengals are intently focused on enhancing their offensive line, crucial for protecting quarterback Joe Burrow. Among the top prospects is Kadyn Proctor from Alabama, standing at an impressive 6’7″ and weighing 360 pounds. Proctor, a seasoned three-year starter, has established himself as a formidable presence in the run game and boasts an impressive 79.8 pass-blocking grade in 2025. While there are concerns regarding his foot speed as an offensive tackle, his size and physicality make him an exciting prospect for professional football.
Accompanying Proctor on the field is Indiana’s left tackle, Carter Smith. Though he lacks Proctor’s bulk, Smith has solidified his reputation by allowing just five pressures during the regular season. His excellent grip strength and ability to engage defenders stick out, suggesting he could excel in either tackle or guard positions at the next level.
Both teams feature standout safety prospects, with Alabama’s Keon Sabb and Bray Hubbard drawing attention. Sabb, a versatile athlete known for his remarkable coverage skills, recorded an 83.1 coverage grade in 2025 and is expected to draw interest from NFL teams. Indiana’s safeties, Louis Moore and Amare Ferrell, also have strong profiles, with Moore showcasing impressive ball production, registering six interceptions this season. Ferrell, meanwhile, has established himself as a well-rounded player with consistent performances, leading to speculation about his place in the upcoming draft.
The defensive backfields of both teams are rich with talent. D’Angelo Ponds from Indiana stands out as a competitive cornerback, exhibiting agile skills and technical prowess that make him valuable for the professional ranks. Alabama’s Domani Jackson complements this with his speed and versatility, potentially positioning him as a late-round draft steal.
On the defensive lines, both Alabama and Indiana boast players with great potential. Alabama’s LT Overton combines tenacity with athleticism, performing well in his second season after transferring from Texas A&M. In contrast, Mikail Kamara from Indiana has shown impressive pressure generation despite a lower sack count this season, emphasizing his relentless pursuit.
The linebacker position will also be worth watching, especially with Alabama’s Deontae Lawson, known for his leadership and sideline-to-sideline range, and extensive experience on the field.
This Rose Bowl matchup not only promises an exciting game but also serves as a showcase for a wealth of talent that could transition to the NFL. Fans and scouts alike will be closely watching how these athletes perform, as their careers may shift dramatically based on their performances in this pivotal game, highlighting the synergy of college football and its impending influence on professional drafts.