The Rose Bowl sun was shining bright in Pasadena, but honestly, for Alabama fans, it felt like a total eclipse. If you're looking for what is the score on the Alabama football game, the final tally from the most recent outing was a stinging 38-3 in favor of the Indiana Hoosiers.
It wasn't just a loss. It was a physical beatdown that nobody saw coming, especially not from a program like Indiana that, historically speaking, hasn't exactly been a football juggernaut. But under Curt Cignetti, those Hoosiers looked like the vintage "Bama" we used to know. They moved the ball at will. They hit harder. Basically, they just wanted it more.
A Scoreline That Left Tuscaloosa in Shock
Let’s be real: Alabama doesn't usually get held to three points. In the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal on January 1, 2026, the Crimson Tide offense basically vanished into the California air. Conor Talty’s 28-yard field goal in the third quarter was the only thing that kept the scoreboard from showing a big fat zero for the Tide.
Indiana, led by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, was surgical. Mendoza threw for three touchdowns. The Hoosiers outgained Alabama 407 to 193. That’s a massive gap. You've gotta wonder how a Kalen DeBoer-led offense—usually so explosive—could only muster 170 passing yards and a measly 23 yards on the ground.
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Twenty-three yards. That’s not a typo.
Why the Score Was So Lopsided
If you missed the broadcast, you might think there were a dozen turnovers or some crazy fluke plays. Nope. Indiana just lined up and won.
Indiana’s defense, coached to perfection, stifled every single thing Alabama tried. They forced three sacks. They held Alabama to 3-of-11 on third downs. It was a masterclass in modern defensive football. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around and Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby were ripping off touchdown runs, the stadium was chanting "Hoosier Daddy?" to a shell-shocked Alabama sideline.
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It was the first time Indiana had won a Rose Bowl in the program's history. For Alabama, it marked a bitter end to a season that had its fair share of highs, including a gritty comeback against Oklahoma just to get to this point.
What Is the Score on the Alabama Football Game and What Happens Now?
The 2025-26 season is officially in the rearview mirror, and the focus has already shifted to the transfer portal and the 2026 roster. Losing in that fashion leaves a mark. You can bet the coaching staff is already dissecting the film of that 38-3 disaster to ensure it never happens again.
Roster changes are coming fast. We've already seen names like Kadyn Proctor and Parker Brailsford heading to the NFL. The offensive line is getting a massive facelift. Just this week, Cal Poly center Racin Delgatty committed to the Tide. He’s 305 pounds of reinforcements that Alabama desperately needs if they want to survive the SEC grind next year.
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The 2026 schedule is already out, and it’s a gauntlet.
- September 5: East Carolina (The opener in Tuscaloosa)
- September 19: Florida State (A massive non-conference showdown)
- October 10: Georgia (The game everyone circles in red)
- November 28: Auburn (The Iron Bowl, obviously)
Looking Ahead to 2026
Alabama is currently in "rebuild and reload" mode. While the memory of the Indiana game is still fresh, the program is focused on depth. They brought in Ty Haywood and Kaden Strayhorn from Michigan to bolster that line.
If you are tracking what is the score on the Alabama football game during the off-season, the real "score" is being kept in the recruiting rankings and the portal. Keeping Michael Carroll as a returning starter was a huge win for the staff.
The next time the scoreboard actually lights up will be for the A-Day game in April. Until then, fans are left debating whether the Indiana loss was a one-time fluke or a sign that the gap between the blue bloods and the rest of the country is finally closing.
Next Steps for Alabama Fans:
- Monitor the Transfer Portal: Watch for more defensive back depth additions before the spring window closes.
- Mark the A-Day Calendar: The spring game is set for the week of April 10-18, 2026.
- Review the 2026 Recruiting Class: Keep an eye on how the offensive line transitions under new leadership to avoid another 23-yard rushing performance.