Olaus Alinen in the Alabama Rose Bowl game tonight

Olaus Alinen will become the first Finnish player to appear in the legendary Rose Bowl game when he steps onto the field tonight. Alinen’s Alabama Crimson Tide (11-3) will face the undefeated top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers (13–0) in the quarterfinals of the NCAA college football playoffs in Pasadena, California.

The Rose Bowl is the oldest and most prestigious college football bowl game in the United States, nicknamed ”The Granddaddy of Them All.” This year, it serves as one of the quarterfinals in the college football playoffs.

Alabama (11–3) comes into the game energized by a dramatic comeback victory over Oklahoma (34–24) in the first round of the playoffs in December. The Crimson Tide rallied from a 0–17 deficit, scoring 27 consecutive points to secure a historic win – one of the biggest comebacks in NCAA playoff history. Olaus Alinen saw the field for one offensive snap in the game and was a regular player on Alabama’s special teams.

The undefeated Indiana Hoosiers are the clear favorites for the Rose Bowl, and the betting odds strongly favor them as well. For Alabama to win, they will need a flawless performance against the Indiana offense led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza and a tough Hoosiers defense. Alabama’s chances are considered to hinge on a strong running game and clock management.

Alinen on the field in all of Crimson Tide’s games this season

Alinen was part of Alabama’s roster back in January 2024 when the team last played in the Rose Bowl (January 1, 2024, against Michigan). At that time, as a redshirt freshman, he did not make it to the game day roster. Now fully fit, Alinen has played in all of Crimson Tide’s games in the 2025 season and serves as an important backup on the offensive line and in the special teams regular lineup.

If he gets playing time today, he will become the first Finnish player to appear on the field in the over 120-year history of the Rose Bowl.

The game will be played between Thursday and Friday night, with a kick-off at 11:00 PM Finnish time. The Rose Bowl will be streamed live on DAZN streaming service.

More about the Rose Bowl: Rose Bowl website

Photo:   Crimson Tide Photos / UA Athletics