He is one of a handful of Alabama players who are confirmed to play in the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl in Mobile along with wide receiver Germie Bernard, tight end Josh Cuevas, running back Jam Miller, linebackers Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson, and defensive lineman Tim Keenan III.

"With Mendoza winning the Heisman, that doesn't happen by accident," Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said about Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

The Red Raiders are firmly in the Ohio State-Indiana tier of defense, and have been particularly elite at stopping opponents from running the ball effectively. Texas Tech's front seven is phenomenal, led by Butkus winner Jacob Rodriguez but featuring multiple All-Americans, and they're going to present an incredibly stiff test for Oregon's offense.

Alabama football held its last on-campus practice on Sunday before traveling to Pasadena, Calif., for a CFP Rose Bowl matchup against Indiana.

Alabama’s journey in the College Football Playoff reaches one of the sport’s most historic stages when the Crimson Tide faces top-seeded Indiana in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.

Lane Kiffin and Co. will be swinging for the fences in the Transfer Portal, already named along top landing spots for No. 1 prospect.

Semifinal voting is open now and will run through Sunday morning. Voting for the final begins Monday, Jan. 5. The winner receives the coveted AL.com Player of the Year trophy. Tuscaloosa Academy’s Preston Lancaster was the inaugural winner in 2024.