Heisman winner among 5 Hoosiers to know vs Indiana in CFP quarterfinal

Following a CFP first round win at Oklahoma, an even larger task awaits for the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Indiana Hoosiers.

The No. 1 overall seed in the CFP, Indiana enters this matchup undefeated at 13-0 overall, and are the 2025 Big Ten champions. Led by head coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers are also loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, and rank top five nationally in both points scored and allowed per game at 41.9 and 10.8, respectively.

Because of this, the Hoosiers are certain to be one of Alabama's toughest tests of the season, and will provide many challenges for Alabama on both sides of the ball.

Here are five Indiana Hoosiers to know ahead of the CFP quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl, as well as a look at how each has performed against Alabama during their collegiate careers.

Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Redshirt Junior

The biggest name to know for Indiana is redshirt junior quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner who will be facing Alabama for the first time in his collegiate career. Mendoza, the nation's leader in passing touchdowns who was also the recipient of the Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards, has completed 71.5% of passes for 2,980 yards and a 33:6 TD:INT ratio this season, while also having rushed for 240 yards and six scores on 69 attempts.

Rolijah Hardy, Linebacker, Sophomore

Rolijah Hardy is among the many leaders of Indiana's defense, and the sophomore linebacker will be facing Alabama for the first time in his collegiate career. Hardy is currently Indiana's leading tackler with 86 total tackles, 41 of which are solo, and the sophomore also has 13 TFL, a team-high eight sacks, and four pass defenses this season.

Omar Cooper Jr., Wide Receiver, Redshirt Junior

Indiana has one of college football's top wide receivers duos in Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt, both of which will be facing the Crimson Tide for the first time. As for Cooper in particular, the redshirt junior leads Indiana with a total of 58 receptions for 804 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also rushing for 74 yards and a score on three attempts.

Louis Moore, Defensive Back, Redshirt Senior

Louis Moore, a redshirt senior defensive back, is a player with SEC ties due to his time at Ole Miss, but has not faced Alabama during his collegiate career. Moore currently has 74 total tackles, 38 of which are solo, this season, as well as 2.5 TFL, two pass defenses, and a Big Ten leading six interceptions.

Roman Hemby, Running Back, Redshirt Senior

Rounding out these five names to know for Indiana is running back Roman Hemby, a redshirt senior who has never faced Alabama before. Hemby has rushed for 918 yards and six touchdowns on 176 attempts this season alongside 14 receptions for 160 yards, and is also Indiana's primary kick returner with 203 yards on nine returns.

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football vs. Indiana: Fernando Mendoza among top Hoosiers