Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer has nothing but respect for Curt Cignetti before Rose Bowl

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer has spent the past several weeks navigating outside noise, speculation, and scrutiny, but his focus is now locked squarely on what lies ahead — a College Football Playoff quarterfinal showdown against undefeated No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl.

Following Alabama’s dramatic first-round playoff victory over the Oklahoma Sooners, DeBoer made it clear that his future is rooted in Tuscaloosa. Despite persistent rumors linking him to the Michigan Wolverines’ head coaching vacancy, the Crimson Tide leader reinforced that his attention is on building momentum with his current program and preparing for a massive New Year’s Day test in Pasadena.

During a pre-quarterfinal media session before the holiday break, DeBoer not only praised his own team’s resilience but also took time to acknowledge the remarkable work of Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti. DeBoer emphasized both the significance of the Rose Bowl stage and the challenge presented by the Hoosiers.

“Excited about this opportunity to be in the Rose Bowl special event and big time game,” said DeBoer. “We got 15 California football players on our team that excited to go play closer to home and even more from the West Coast. But obviously the game itself and what it means and, our opportunity to continue to to take the next step. But, we understand we got a great football team with Indiana. Coach Cignetti, just what he’s done is amazing here these last two years. Just building the program as quickly as he’s done to the level it’s at, and just really looking forward to us diving back into our process here the next 10 days or so just getting back to work.”

The Tide earned their Rose Bowl berth after a turbulent end to the regular season, entering the playoff at 11-3 and facing plenty of doubt. That skepticism only grew when Alabama fell behind early on the road in Norman.

However, the Tide responded with authority, rattling off 27 consecutive points to flip the game and secure a 34-24 win over the Sooners. The comeback served as both a statement and a confidence boost heading into the next round.

Indiana enters the matchup at 13-0, ranked No. 1, and standing as the only unbeaten team remaining in major college football. Under Cignetti, the Hoosiers have undergone a stunning transformation from a long-struggling program into a national powerhouse.

For Alabama, the Rose Bowl represents both a measuring stick and an opportunity. With preparation set to intensify over the coming days, DeBoer’s message is clear — respect the opponent, and trust the process.

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