Alabama rebounded from a 10-0 deficit to defeat Oklahoma 34-24 in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Their reward is a quarterfinal Rose Bowl matchup with the No. 1 seed Indiana Hoosiers on New Year's Day. There are various 2026 NFL Draft implications with double-digit intriguing prospects scheduled to participate.
We've identified and analyzed the 10 most notable draft-eligible prospects in Thursday’s Alabama-Indiana CFP quarterfinal showdown.
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza hasn't taken the field since helping the Hoosiers defeat Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship. Since then, he's won the Heisman Trophy while awaiting his first-ever CFP opponent. Mendoza is the consensus top quarterback in the class. He displays poise, high-level pocket presence, and the ability to throw receivers open. A stellar performance throughout the playoffs would confirm his standing for scouts.
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson played a quality game in the win over Oklahoma. The Crimson Tide signal-caller completed 18-of-29 passing attempts for 232 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Simpson is still weighing his options between declaring for the draft and returning to Alabama for another season of development. How he performs against Indiana could be the deciding factor.
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
Wide receiver Germie Bernard is Simpson's most trusted target. The former Michigan State and Washington transfer was limited to three receptions and 40 receiving yards versus Oklahoma. Bernard is a highly nuanced route-runner who identifies spacing in zone coverage to uncover and make himself a QB-friendly target. If Alabama upsets Indiana, it's because the Simpson-Bernard connection is working.
Omar Cooper, WR, Indiana
Countering the Simpson-Bernard connection will be the Hoosiers' Mendoza-Omar Cooper pairing. Cooper, who averaged an explosive 21.2 yards per catch last season, has developed into a more well-rounded receiver this campaign. His downfield skills are still evident when faced with one-on-one matchups. He's produced 58 receptions for 804 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.
LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
Crimson Tide defensive lineman LT Overton missed the SEC Championship Game and the first-round win over Oklahoma. Head coach Kalen DeBoer hasn’t ruled him out, leading to hope that he’ll return from his two-game absence. Alabama needs Overton’s presence, as he creates mismatches along the line of scrimmage with inside-outside versatility.
Carter Smith, OT, Indiana
This Alabama defensive line hasn't lived up to its past reputation, but scouts will still be watching Indiana left tackle Carter Smith closely. Smith has stonewalled pass rushers all campaign long, having allowed just one sack this season. With so many questions surrounding the strength of this offensive tackle class, he's a potential first-round pick.
Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
Indiana's No. 2 receiver, Elijah Sarratt, actually leads the program in touchdowns with 12. That's because the former James Madison transfer is a prototype X-receiver with boundary size at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds. Sarratt is an end-zone magnet with 41 career touchdowns.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor is catching a break as the Hoosiers will be without stud defensive lineman Stephen Daley. Keeping Simpson clean and protected in the pocket is a must-achieve if the Crimson Tide stands a chance. Balance and leverage are recurring issues for Proctor on tape, and scouts are still trying to determine his actual next-level potential.
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
What Indiana cornerback D'Angelo Ponds lacks in size (5-9, 170), he makes up for with instincts, heart, and playmaking ability. The energetic nickel has four interceptions and 16 pass breakups at Indiana in two seasons. Ponds will draw some tough matchups versus a gritty Crimson Tide receiving crew.
Isaiah Horton, WR, Alabama
The big-bodied Isaiah Horton was very productive for DeBoer's offense in the playoff win over Oklahoma. The Miami Hurricanes transfer registered five receptions for 65 receiving yards, matching his second-best receiving yardage total in any individual game this season. Horton has catch-point size at 6-foot-4 and 208 pounds and thrives on 50-50 balls.
