Thu Jan 01 20:50:00 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the information, focused on the key points:
Headline: Hoosiers Potentially Get Kickoff Boost for Rose Bowl: Key Specialist Franke Listed as “Probable”
Bloomington, IN – Indiana University football fans received a potential boost heading into the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Alabama, as star kickoff specialist Brendan Franke is listed as “probable” on the team’s first injury report. Franke, who has been sidelined since suffering an injury during a kickoff against UCLA in October, could provide a significant advantage in field position for the undefeated Hoosiers.
Franke has been one of the nation’s best kickoff specialists this season, launching 46 touchbacks on 51 attempts and averaging 71 yards per kick. His touchback rate and low return rate allowed against is significantly better than IU’s other kickers.
While the potential return of Franke is a positive sign, Indiana will be without defensive ends Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt, running back Lee Beebe, Jr., and safety Bryson Bonds, all listed as “out.” Wide receiver Omar Cooper, Jr., however, is fully recovered and not on the injury report.
Alabama’s injury report lists Jah-Marien Latham, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. and Jeremiah Beaman as out.
Daily injury updates will follow leading up to the game, with a final report issued 90 minutes before kickoff.
The No. 1 ranked Indiana Hoosiers will face the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide at 4 p.m. ET Thursday in Pasadena, Calif., in the Rose Bowl. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
First Piper 