In games against quarterbacks who brought a Heisman Trophy into their meeting with the Crimson Tide, Alabama has ample success.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The Crimson Tide's starting safeties, one of whom played for Michigan in the 2024 Rose Bowl, have combined for five interceptions this season.