An Instagram post made by LT Overton on Tuesday night sparked intrigue among Alabama fans hopeful the star defensive end would be able to return for the Rose Bowl quarterfinal against No. 1 Indiana on New Year's Day.
Overton missed the SEC Championship Game against Georgia and the opening round of the College Football Playoff against Oklahoma with an undisclosed illness. While details have remained scarce, multiple reports came out Tuesday evening that Overton had been cleared and would return for the Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl.
247's Matt Zenitz had it first:
Alabama star defensive lineman LT Overton, who has missed Bama’s last two games with an undisclosed health issue, has been cleared to return and is set to play when the team faces No. 1 Indiana in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals Jan. 1, sources tell @CBSSports pic.twitter.com/dtJh65uvW6
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 24, 2025
LT Overton is set to return for Alabama in the Rose Bowl
Overton started all 12 regular-season games at the "Bandit" position in Kane Wommack's defense. He is second on the team in sacks with four, behind only Yhonzae Pierre.
Both Keon Keeley and Jordan Renaud filled in admirably against Oklahoma, and the Crimson Tide even got a contribution from Florida transfer Kelby Collins, who registered his second sack in as many games against Oklahoma this season.
But there's no substitute for experience, and Overton is among the most talented players on the Alabama defense. The senior defensive end is likely to hear his name called on the first day or two of the 2026 NFL Draft.
After missing two games, Overton is likely to play with his hair on fire in Pasadena. He'll be excited for the opportunity to end his college career on his own terms.
Against Indiana's balanced offensive attack, led by Heisman Trophy-winning QB Fernando Mendoza, Alabama will need as many disruptive forces up front as it can get. Overton is tough to block one-on-one and will help the Crimson Tide defense as both a pass rusher and against the run.
Overton getting clearance will be welcome news for Kalen DeBoer as Alabama begins its Indiana prep in earnest this week. With over a week to go until the showdown in Pasadena, Overton will be able to practice and gear up for his usual role.