Oklahoma Seek SEC Redemption With Big Home Series vs. Ranked Alabama

Kimrey Family Stadium sets the stage for another ranked SEC showdown this weekend as the No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners host the No. 16 Alabama Crimson Tide. The two programs arrive in Norman from opposite ends of the momentum spectrum.

On one side, Alabama (23-7, 6-3) surged into the top 25 after sweeping its rival, fifth-ranked Auburn.

On the other, Oklahoma (20-8, 4-5) endured its annual clash with No. 2 Texas — a trip to Austin the Sooners would rather forget after being swept themselves. Two of those games ended in extra innings with a Longhorn walk-off spelling doom for the visitors.

Both OU and Alabama won their midweek games, although the Tide needed a late home run to best Jacksonville State, 4-3. The Sooners traveled up the Turner Turnpike where they defeated Oral Roberts 4-0 thanks to a Brenden Brock (.297) first inning homer — his seventh of the season (team high).

Camden Johnson, Brenden Brock, Oklahoma Sooners — Oklahoma's Camden Johnson celebrates with Brendan Brock | Carson Field, Sooners On SI

Alabama opened conference play getting swept by No. 24 Kentucky in Lexington. They bounced back sweeping both No. 18 Florida and No. 5 Auburn in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide have been nearly unbeatable at home (17-1), but have fallen down to earth on the road (3-5).

Right-hander ace Tyler Fay (5-2) was solid in Alabama's Friday night win over Auburn last week. He rung up five strike outs, only walked three batters and surrendered one hit and run. His play led to an 11-1 run rule victory for the Tide.

Closer Hagan Banks earned the win in a 3-2 victory on Saturday. He was followed up by Matthew Heiberger securing the sweep on Sunday.

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Short stop Justin Lebron, 2024 First Team All-SEC and 2025 Second Team All-American leads the team with 11 home runs and is third on the team with 27 RBIs. As a team, Alabama has hit 35 home runs, 10 more than the Sooners have in 2026.

Last week, Skip Johnson made the decision to move LJ Mercurius (5-2) to the game one starter following a great performance in a win over LSU. Cameron Johnson (5-2) struggled in a win against Texas A&M and collapsed when he returned to Baton Rouge in Oklahoma's first game with the Tigers.

How to Watch Alabama vs. Oklahoma

When: Thursday, 6:30 p.m. (Times subject to change due to severe weather)
Where: Kimrey Family Stadium, Norman, OK
How: SEC Network, KREF 99.3 FM, 1400 AM, KREF app

Cord Rager (5-2) has settled into his own as a freshman day three starter. After an early season stuggle against Gonzaga, Rager has established himself as another Sooner pitching star in the making.

Johnson was exceptional in the Sooners game two loss to Texas. In five innings, Johnson tossed eight strikeouts (second best outing of the season, had 11 in opening day win over Texas Tech). OU led 4-0 at that point, but could not outlast the behemoth Longhorns.

Oklahoma Sooners, Cameron Johnson — Oklahoma pitcher Cameron Johnson throws against Gonzaga. | Carson Field, Sooners On SI

OU has struggled from the plate over the last few weeks. While the team is not known for its hitting, wins over Oral Roberts and LSU — coupled with the overall performance against Texas — have begun to lay doubt at the feet of the Sooners considering their upcoming schedule.

Should the Sooners find victory against Alabama, it could be thanks to timely performances at the plate. Jaxon Willits (team-leading .318, 23 RBIs) had the day off in the win over Oral Roberts. He, along with Trey Gambill (.319) and Camden Johnson (.312) must establish themselves offensively if OU is to defend home field.

Opening pitch will be Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Oklahoma has already announced a schedule change for softball this weekend, so times are likely to change. Game two will be Friday at 6:30 p.m. with the third game taking place Saturday at 2 p.m.