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

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.

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.