In a dramatic rematch that kicked off the 2025-26 College Football Playoff, the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide rallied from a 17-0 deficit to defeat the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners in a hard-fought first-round battle at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The Crimson Tide's resilient second-half performance secured their advancement to the quarterfinals, where they will face top-seeded Indiana in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.
The game, broadcast on ABC/ESPN, lived up to the hype as an SEC intra-conference clash between two storied programs. Oklahoma, hosting a playoff game for the first time, jumped out to an early lead behind quarterback John Mateer's dual-threat ability. The Washington State transfer capped an impressive opening drive with an 8-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Sooners a 7-0 advantage late in the first quarter.Oklahoma extended its lead to 17-0 in the second quarter when Mateer connected with wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III for a 7-yard touchdown pass. At that point, the Sooners had outgained Alabama 181-12 in total yards, dominating on both sides of the ball in front of a raucous home crowd.
But Alabama, under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, refused to fold. The Crimson Tide got on the board with a field goal following a blocked punt, then exploded for 14 unanswered points. Quarterback Ty Simpson orchestrated a 75-yard drive ending in a 10-yard touchdown pass to Lotzeir Brooks. Moments later, a critical pick-six off Mateer tied the game at 17-17 heading into halftime — marking the first tied halftime score in 12-team CFP history.The second half saw Alabama seize momentum. Running back Daniel Hill's big gains helped set up scoring opportunities, and Simpson's poised playmaking gave the Tide their first lead on another touchdown pass. Despite late pushes from Oklahoma's defense and Mateer's scrambling, Alabama's adjustments on both lines proved decisive. The Crimson Tide's rushing attack, which had been negative early, finished strong, while their defense forced key stops.Simpson finished with over 300 passing yards, spreading the ball to receivers like Ryan Williams and Josh Cuevas (who returned from injury). For Oklahoma, Mateer accounted for multiple scores but was hampered by turnovers, including the costly interception returned for a touchdown.
This victory avenges Alabama's 23-21 regular-season loss to Oklahoma on November 15 in Tuscaloosa, where turnovers doomed the Tide despite outgaining the Sooners significantly. Tonight, roles reversed, as Alabama capitalized on mistakes while overcoming an early hole matching the largest comeback attempt in CFP history.Head coach Kalen DeBoer praised his team's resilience postgame: "This group never quit. We faced adversity early, but our leaders stepped up."
Oklahoma's season ends at 10-3, a remarkable turnaround from 2024 under Brent Venables, but falling short of their first CFP win (now 0-5 all-time in playoff games).Alabama (11-3) advances to face Indiana in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal on January 1, 2026. The Crimson Tide's playoff experience shines through as they continue their quest for another national title.Key Stats:
But Alabama, under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, refused to fold. The Crimson Tide got on the board with a field goal following a blocked punt, then exploded for 14 unanswered points. Quarterback Ty Simpson orchestrated a 75-yard drive ending in a 10-yard touchdown pass to Lotzeir Brooks. Moments later, a critical pick-six off Mateer tied the game at 17-17 heading into halftime — marking the first tied halftime score in 12-team CFP history.The second half saw Alabama seize momentum. Running back Daniel Hill's big gains helped set up scoring opportunities, and Simpson's poised playmaking gave the Tide their first lead on another touchdown pass. Despite late pushes from Oklahoma's defense and Mateer's scrambling, Alabama's adjustments on both lines proved decisive. The Crimson Tide's rushing attack, which had been negative early, finished strong, while their defense forced key stops.Simpson finished with over 300 passing yards, spreading the ball to receivers like Ryan Williams and Josh Cuevas (who returned from injury). For Oklahoma, Mateer accounted for multiple scores but was hampered by turnovers, including the costly interception returned for a touchdown.
This victory avenges Alabama's 23-21 regular-season loss to Oklahoma on November 15 in Tuscaloosa, where turnovers doomed the Tide despite outgaining the Sooners significantly. Tonight, roles reversed, as Alabama capitalized on mistakes while overcoming an early hole matching the largest comeback attempt in CFP history.Head coach Kalen DeBoer praised his team's resilience postgame: "This group never quit. We faced adversity early, but our leaders stepped up."
Oklahoma's season ends at 10-3, a remarkable turnaround from 2024 under Brent Venables, but falling short of their first CFP win (now 0-5 all-time in playoff games).Alabama (11-3) advances to face Indiana in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal on January 1, 2026. The Crimson Tide's playoff experience shines through as they continue their quest for another national title.Key Stats:
- Alabama: 378 total yards, 2 rushing TDs
- Oklahoma: 312 total yards, limited by 3 turnovers
- Attendance: Sold-out crowd in Norman