Alabama will be facing top seeded and Big Ten champions, the Indiana Hoosiers, in the College Football Playoff this week. Ahead of the CFP quarterfinals, Kalen DeBoer’s team has received a big boost with their star defensive lineman returning.
According to college football insider Matt Zenitz, Alabama’s defensive lineman LT Overton, who has missed the Crimson Tide’s last two games, including the opening round playoff battle against Oklahoma, is set to play against the Hoosiers on Jan. 1. He missed the last two games due to an undisclosed health issue.
Alabama star defensive lineman LT Overton, who has missed Bama’s last two games with an undisclosed health issue, has been cleared to return and is set to play when the team faces No. 1 Indiana in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals Jan. 1, sources tell @CBSSports pic.twitter.com/dtJh65uvW6
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 24, 2025
Overton has been one of the team’s most impactful defenders this season. The senior lineman had recorded 35 tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks (second on the team). He was listed as doubtful for Alabama’s first CFP game and ultimately sat out of the game against Oklahoma, just like he did in the SEC championship game against Georgia.
Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer had previously indicated that Overton’s status would be monitored closely in the lead-up to the Rose Bowl. But now his return confirmation will boost the chances of Alabama as they take on the best team in college football.
Alabama vs. Indiana: College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
The No. 9 Alabama will take on the No. 1 Indiana in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal (2026 Rose Bowl) on January 1, 2026, with kickoff scheduled at 4 p.m. ET. The matchup will take place at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.
This will be Indiana’s first Rose Bowl appearance since 1968 and its first playoff quarterfinal meeting with Alabama.
Apart from LT Overton, Alabama’s Tim Keenan III (DL) and Red Morgan (DB), both left the Oklahoma game banged up but are expected to be available, according to Kalen DeBoer. Running back Kevin Riley (questionable), wide receivers Derek Meadows and Jalen Hale (out), and tight ends Danny Lewis Jr. & Jack Sammarco (out) are also part of the injury report of Alabama.
Meanwhile, on Indiana’s side, Omar Cooper Jr. (WR) is questionable with a leg injury; Brendan Franke (PK) is questionable with an undisclosed issue; Amari Kamara (LB) is questionable with a shoulder issue; and Lee Beebe Jr. (RB) is out for the season with a leg injury.
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