Thu Jan 01 20:50:00 UTC 2026: ## Indiana Faces Alabama in Rose Bowl Shorthanded

Pasadena, CA – The Indiana Hoosiers will take the field against the Alabama Crimson Tide in today’s Rose Bowl facing a notable disadvantage, missing five players due to injury. According to the team’s official availability report, starting kickoff specialist Brendan Franke is out, along with defensive ends Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt, running back Lee Beebe Jr., and safety Bryson Bonds, all sidelined with season-ending injuries.

Franke, initially listed as “probable,” saw his status downgraded throughout the week. His absence leaves a void in the kickoff game, where he previously excelled, having sent 46 of 51 kickoffs for touchbacks earlier in the season. Quinn Warren is expected to handle kickoff duties in Franke’s stead.

However, there’s good news for the Hoosiers’ offense. Leading receiver Omar Cooper Jr., who sustained a lower-leg injury in the Big Ten Championship Game against Ohio State, is not listed on the injury report and is expected to be fully available for the Rose Bowl.

The losses of Daley and Wyatt are significant blows to the Indiana defense. Daley suffered a season-ending knee injury during the celebration of the team’s win over Ohio State. The team will now be without their two most productive edge rushers.

Alabama will also be without three players: linebacker Jah-Marien Latham, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., and defensive lineman Jeremiah Beaman. These losses are considered less impactful as all three were backups or depth players. The status of Alabama starting tight end Josh Cuevas is a game-time decision. Cuevas has been a reliable target for quarterback Ty Simpson, with 33 catches for 376 yards and four touchdowns this season.

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