Kickoff: 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT)
Venue: Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma
Broadcast: ABC/ESPN (with streaming on ESPN app)
Capacity: ~80,000 (expected sellout with playoff atmosphere)
The College Football Playoff kicks off with an SEC rematch as No. 9 Alabama (10-3) travels to face No. 8 Oklahoma (10-2) in the first round. Oklahoma upset Alabama 23-21 in the regular season on Nov. 15, using three turnovers to secure the win in Tuscaloosa. Now, the Sooners host with home-field advantage in cold conditions, while the Crimson Tide seek revenge and a quarterfinal berth. This on-campus playoff game features two proud programs clashing for the second time in 2025.
Team Records
- Alabama Crimson Tide: 10-3 overall (7-1 SEC, ranked No. 9/11 in CFP)
- Oklahoma Sooners: 10-2 overall (6-2 SEC, ranked No. 8 in CFP)
Both teams earned at-large bids after strong SEC campaigns. Alabama finished strong despite losses, while Oklahoma’s win over the Tide boosted their resume.
Recent Team Forms
- Alabama (7-3 in last 10; resilient but turnover-prone earlier): Under Kalen DeBoer, the Tide rebounded from mid-season dips with key wins (e.g., over LSU 20-9). They protect the ball better lately but struggled in the regular-season loss to OU (3 turnovers). Defense ranks top-10 nationally; offense relies on balanced attack.
- Oklahoma (8-2 in last 10; peaking at right time): Brent Venables’ squad surged late, including the upset at Alabama. QB John Mateer (or similar) has elevated play, with strong rushing and opportunistic defense (forced turnovers key). Home form elite; defense improved dramatically in SEC play.
Conference vs. Conference (SEC intra-conference)
The SEC dominated 2025 with multiple playoff teams (record representation). This all-SEC matchup highlights the conference’s depth—both teams navigated brutal schedules. SEC went ~.624 overall, strongest Power conference. Rematch favors home team in playoff history.
Weather Forecast
Norman, OK (December 19, 2025): Partly cloudy to mostly clear, high around 58-64°F kickoff dropping to low 40s by end. Winds NNW 10-20 mph (gusts higher), low precipitation chance (~10-20%). Chilly for players/fans but playable—no major impacts expected, though wind could affect passing/kicking.
Injury Report (as of December 18 availability reports)
- Alabama Crimson Tide:
- Out: EDGE LT Overton, DB Kameron Howard, LB Jah-Marien Latham, DB Dre Kirkpatrick Jr.
- Probable/Available: RB Jam Miller (key return), TE Josh Cuevas, DB Keon Sabb.
- Impact: Defense misses pass-rush depth; offense bolstered by Miller’s return.
- Oklahoma Sooners:
- Out: DB Gentry Williams, DB Kendel Dolby, DB Jeremiah Newcombe, OL Troy Everett.
- Available/Returning: DE R Mason Thomas, RB Javontae Barnes.
- Impact: Secondary thinned but Thomas boosts edge rush; Barnes adds run depth.
Both teams relatively healthy entering postseason.
Key Player Matchups
- Alabama QB Ty Simpson vs. OU Secondary: Simpson efficient in recent wins; faces depleted but opportunistic OU DBs (forced picks key in first meeting).
- OU RB Jovantae Barnes/Jaydn Ott vs. Alabama Front Seven: Sooners’ rush attack strong at home; Tide defense stout against run but misses Overton.
- Alabama WR Ryan Williams vs. OU CBs: Explosive freshman threats downfield; OU secondary injuries could expose mismatches.
- OU DE R Mason Thomas (returning) vs. Alabama OL: Thomas disrupts if full-go; Tide line protects well but tested by wind/home crowd.
- Turnover Battle: OU won +3 in regular season; Alabama improved ball security late.
Series History
- All-time: Oklahoma leads 5-2-1 (or variations; recent OU dominance).
- Recent: OU won 23-21 on Nov. 15, 2025 (regular season); previous playoff meetings favor Alabama (e.g., 2018 Orange Bowl blowout).
- Playoff/Postseason: Mixed; this rematch adds intrigue—OU never lost to Bama at home in series.
Betting Trends & Historical Results
- Trends: Low totals hit in recent SEC playoff games; home teams strong in first round. Public leaning OU ML (rematch revenge narrative flipped); sharps on Under (windy, defensive focus).
- Regular Season Meeting: OU covered as underdog; Under hit easily.
- Historical ATS: Alabama strong as road dog historically; OU covers at home vs. ranked foes.
- Playoff analogs: Rematches often low-scoring, close.
Game Odds
Alabama Crimson Tide 40.5
Oklahoma Sooners – 1.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Thursday, December 18, 2025
