Did the Indiana defensive coordinator give Alabama bulletin board material?

© Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK

Indiana football’s defensive coordinator Bryant Haines is engaging with the banter going on between Alabama and Indiana fans ahead of the Rose Bowl.

Some believe one of the separating factors between the Crimson Tide and the Hoosiers is the level of talent the Tide has on its roster in comparison to Indiana’s roster. Haines played into this narrative with a post to X, where he appeared to take a jab at the narrative, posting, ‘it’s true… just can’t hold up against their magnificent size & strength.’

This post was in response to Indiana student reporter, Nick Rodecap, who previously pointed out  the size difference between Indiana and Oregon in the trenches.

“Ha! Sorry I cooked you last time Nick. Appreciate you & your work. However, this time… it’s true… just can’t hold up against their magnificent size & strength. Or. Or…. maybe, just maybe, we EAT. #Rosebowl,” Haines posted to X.

Ha! Sorry I cooked you last time Nick. Appreciate you & your work.
However, this time… it’s true… just can’t hold up against their magnificent size & strength. Or. Or…. maybe, just maybe, we EAT. #RoseBowl

— Bryant Haines (@Coach_BHaines) December 25, 2025

The Hoosiers will have their eyes on eating in the Rose Bowl against the Crimson Tide on New Year’s Day.