ESPN College GameDay Crew Split on Rose Bowl Predictions

The College GameDay panel made their picks for the three College Football Playoff games on New Year's Day.

Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban discusses the Texas Tech football game vs. BYU on College GameDay, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium. | Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

No. 9 Alabama takes on No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup. The Crimson Tide enter the game as a touchdown underdog as they face the reigning Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.

Rose Bowl Live Updates between No. 9 Alabama and No. 1 Indiana

ESPN's College GameDay kicked off New Year's Day from Pasadena as they battled heavy rain to broadcast their traditional pregame program. The panel predicted the outcomes of the upcoming games.

The crew only had one unanimous pick as all four analysts picked the Georgia Bulldogs to win the Sugar Bowl over Ole Miss.

Nick Saban Highlights Fernando Mendoza's Ability to Make Timely Plays

Oregon vs. Texas Tech

• Desmond Howard - Texas Tech
• Pat McAfee - Oregon
• Nick Saban - Oregon
• Kirk Herbstreit - Oregon

Ole Miss vs. Georgia

• Desmond Howard - Georgia
• Pat McAfee - Georgia
• Nick Saban - Georgia
• Kirk Herbstreit - Georgia

Alabama vs. Indiana

• Desmond Howard - Alabama
• Pat McAfee - Indiana
• Nick Saban - Alabama

Former Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban and former Michigan star Desmond Howard were united in choosing Alabama to upset Indiana, while former West Virginia player Pat McAfee chose the Hoosiers.

Alabama and Indiana kick off at 3 p.m. on ABC.

Alabama Using Unfamiliar Tactic to 'Fuel the Fire' Against Indiana in Rose Bowl

---