Tuscaloosa, AL – As the college baseball season heats up, the No. 9 Oklahoma Sooners (21-3, 4-2 SEC) are preparing for a competitive Southeastern Conference road series against the Alabama Crimson Tide this weekend at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. This three-game matchup, beginning on Friday, March 28, marks Oklahoma's second SEC road trip of the 2025 season and is expected to be a pivotal moment for both teams.
Oklahoma enters the series as one of the newest members of the SEC and is a team on the rise, boasting an impressive overall record of 21-3 and a 4-2 mark in league play. Under eighth-year head coach Skip Johnson, the Sooners have already secured series wins on the road against South Carolina and at home against Mississippi State. Currently ranked No. 9 in the latest D1 Baseball Rankings, Oklahoma has relied on a balanced offense and strong pitching to establish itself as a contender in its inaugural SEC campaign.
Leading the charge for the Sooners is right-hander Kyson Witherspoon, regarded as one of the top pitchers in college baseball. With a remarkable 1.80 ERA, Witherspoon brings a dominant 58:7 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 35 innings pitched into the weekend. Opponents are hitting just .175 against him, making him a significant asset for Oklahoma in the series opener. However, the depth of the Sooners' pitching staff beyond Witherspoon will be tested, as Alabama’s potent offense could lead to a high-scoring affair if Oklahoma’s bullpen struggles. Relievers Dylan Crooks, Jason Bodin, and James Hitt will be crucial in supporting the ace.
Offensively, Oklahoma has been steady, batting .300 as a team this season, although this figure drops to .261 in SEC play. Outfielder Trey Gambill (.371 average) and infielder Jaxon Willits, who leads the team with seven home runs, have been key contributors. Catcher Easton Carmichael has also warmed up in conference play, hitting .312 with 26 RBIs on the season (.353 with eight RBIs in SEC play). The Sooners will need their offense to come alive against an Alabama team that has shown both resilience and power early in the season with some impressive wins already on the 2025 campaign.
On the other hand, Alabama is coming off its first SEC series loss of the season, having dropped two of three games last weekend to Tennessee. Despite this setback, the Crimson Tide have had a strong start under second-year head coach Rob Vaughn, who led the team to a 33-24 record and an NCAA Regional appearance in 2024. With key returners like shortstop Justin Lebron, outfielder Will Hodo, and pitcher Zane Adams, Alabama remains a formidable opponent, especially at home in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama’s offensive strength has been notable, with Lebron emerging as a standout player in the SEC. His ability to hit for power and drive in runs will present a significant challenge for Oklahoma’s pitching staff. Last week, Alabama's lineup showcased its potential by competing closely with the defending national champion Tennessee Volunteers. This experience could serve them well as they look to bounce back against another ranked opponent.
On the mound, Alabama's pitching staff looks to effectively contain Oklahoma's disciplined hitters. The Crimson Tide have the advantage of playing at home, where the enthusiastic Sewell-Thomas Stadium crowd is sure to provide a boost. After a difficult series loss, Alabama is eager to make a statement and reassert itself as a force in the SEC.
This weekend's series marks a renewal of a relatively rare matchup between the two programs. Alabama and Oklahoma have met just seven times previously, with their most recent encounter being a three-game series in Norman in 2018. The unfamiliarity between the teams adds an extra layer of intrigue, as both coaching staffs will aim to exploit any early weaknesses.
For Oklahoma, winning the series in Tuscaloosa would strengthen its position as a legitimate SEC contender in its debut season and enhance its postseason prospects. For Alabama, defeating a top-10 opponent could provide the momentum needed to climb back into the national rankings and set a positive tone for the remainder of conference play.
The marquee matchup will likely occur on Friday night, with Witherspoon expected to take the mound for Oklahoma. His ability to neutralize Alabama’s hitters could set the tone for the weekend. Conversely, Alabama’s offensive response—particularly from Lebron and Hodo—will determine whether the Crimson Tide can keep pace in a potential pitching duel.
Beyond the opener, the series may depend on Oklahoma’s bullpen performance and Alabama’s ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Sooners will want to avoid a slugfest given Alabama’s offensive potential, while the Crimson Tide will aim to pressure Oklahoma’s secondary pitchers and force mistakes.
Game Schedule
As the Oklahoma Sooners roll into Tuscaloosa, they face a golden opportunity to prove they belong among the SEC’s elite. Alabama, meanwhile, has a chance to defend its home turf and regain its footing in conference play. With standout pitching, dynamic offenses, and plenty on the line, this series has all the makings of a classic. Buckle up, college baseball fans—this weekend promises to deliver.
Oklahoma enters the series as one of the newest members of the SEC and is a team on the rise, boasting an impressive overall record of 21-3 and a 4-2 mark in league play. Under eighth-year head coach Skip Johnson, the Sooners have already secured series wins on the road against South Carolina and at home against Mississippi State. Currently ranked No. 9 in the latest D1 Baseball Rankings, Oklahoma has relied on a balanced offense and strong pitching to establish itself as a contender in its inaugural SEC campaign.
Leading the charge for the Sooners is right-hander Kyson Witherspoon, regarded as one of the top pitchers in college baseball. With a remarkable 1.80 ERA, Witherspoon brings a dominant 58:7 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 35 innings pitched into the weekend. Opponents are hitting just .175 against him, making him a significant asset for Oklahoma in the series opener. However, the depth of the Sooners' pitching staff beyond Witherspoon will be tested, as Alabama’s potent offense could lead to a high-scoring affair if Oklahoma’s bullpen struggles. Relievers Dylan Crooks, Jason Bodin, and James Hitt will be crucial in supporting the ace.
Offensively, Oklahoma has been steady, batting .300 as a team this season, although this figure drops to .261 in SEC play. Outfielder Trey Gambill (.371 average) and infielder Jaxon Willits, who leads the team with seven home runs, have been key contributors. Catcher Easton Carmichael has also warmed up in conference play, hitting .312 with 26 RBIs on the season (.353 with eight RBIs in SEC play). The Sooners will need their offense to come alive against an Alabama team that has shown both resilience and power early in the season with some impressive wins already on the 2025 campaign.
On the other hand, Alabama is coming off its first SEC series loss of the season, having dropped two of three games last weekend to Tennessee. Despite this setback, the Crimson Tide have had a strong start under second-year head coach Rob Vaughn, who led the team to a 33-24 record and an NCAA Regional appearance in 2024. With key returners like shortstop Justin Lebron, outfielder Will Hodo, and pitcher Zane Adams, Alabama remains a formidable opponent, especially at home in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama’s offensive strength has been notable, with Lebron emerging as a standout player in the SEC. His ability to hit for power and drive in runs will present a significant challenge for Oklahoma’s pitching staff. Last week, Alabama's lineup showcased its potential by competing closely with the defending national champion Tennessee Volunteers. This experience could serve them well as they look to bounce back against another ranked opponent.
On the mound, Alabama's pitching staff looks to effectively contain Oklahoma's disciplined hitters. The Crimson Tide have the advantage of playing at home, where the enthusiastic Sewell-Thomas Stadium crowd is sure to provide a boost. After a difficult series loss, Alabama is eager to make a statement and reassert itself as a force in the SEC.
This weekend's series marks a renewal of a relatively rare matchup between the two programs. Alabama and Oklahoma have met just seven times previously, with their most recent encounter being a three-game series in Norman in 2018. The unfamiliarity between the teams adds an extra layer of intrigue, as both coaching staffs will aim to exploit any early weaknesses.
For Oklahoma, winning the series in Tuscaloosa would strengthen its position as a legitimate SEC contender in its debut season and enhance its postseason prospects. For Alabama, defeating a top-10 opponent could provide the momentum needed to climb back into the national rankings and set a positive tone for the remainder of conference play.
The marquee matchup will likely occur on Friday night, with Witherspoon expected to take the mound for Oklahoma. His ability to neutralize Alabama’s hitters could set the tone for the weekend. Conversely, Alabama’s offensive response—particularly from Lebron and Hodo—will determine whether the Crimson Tide can keep pace in a potential pitching duel.
Beyond the opener, the series may depend on Oklahoma’s bullpen performance and Alabama’s ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Sooners will want to avoid a slugfest given Alabama’s offensive potential, while the Crimson Tide will aim to pressure Oklahoma’s secondary pitchers and force mistakes.
Game Schedule
- Friday, March 28: 6:00 p.m. CT
- Saturday, March 29: 12:00 p.m. CT
- Sunday, March 30: 1:00 p.m. CT
As the Oklahoma Sooners roll into Tuscaloosa, they face a golden opportunity to prove they belong among the SEC’s elite. Alabama, meanwhile, has a chance to defend its home turf and regain its footing in conference play. With standout pitching, dynamic offenses, and plenty on the line, this series has all the makings of a classic. Buckle up, college baseball fans—this weekend promises to deliver.
