The Rose Bowl will not be according to schedule on Thursday before kickoff.
Officials announced that all on-field pregame activities prior to the coin flip have been canceled because of continuing rain in Southern California. In a statement, the bowl said player safety and overall field conditions remain the top priority as wet weather lingers in Pasadena.
Top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers (13-0) will face No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide (11-3), with kickoff still scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (ESPN, available on FuboTV).
Rose Bowl flyover by the B-2 Stealth Bomber may be delayed to the start of 3rd quarter. Also, all on-field pre-game activities at College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at @rosebowlgame prior to the coin flip have been canceled due to continuing rain. Both university bands will…
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) January 1, 2026
Several traditional elements will be adjusted. There will be no on-field dignitary walk featuring the Tournament of Roses president and family, the Rose Parade Grand Marshal, or the Rose Queen and Court, who will instead be stationed along the southwest sideline.
Both university bands will perform their pregame shows from the stands, including Indiana’s Marching Hundred handling the national anthem. Additionally, the scheduled B-2 Stealth Bomber flyover could be delayed until the start of the third quarter, depending on conditions.
More college football news:
- Oregon's Dan Lanning rips College Football Playoff, calls for major changes
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Arch Manning's best performance pushes Texas to Citrus Bowl win over Michigan
- ESPN's grade for LSU hiring Lane Kiffin will make Ole Miss fans even more mad
- Dabo Swinney fires Clemson coaches immediately after loss to Penn State
- Ohio State's Ryan Day faces backlash after Cotton Bowl