The first College Football Playoff semifinal is serving up a rematch with serious NFL Draft implications, as Alabama and Oklahoma prepare to square off again - this time on an even bigger stage. When these two met back in mid-November, the Sooners pulled off a statement win in Tuscaloosa. Now, with both rosters expected to be closer to full strength, scouts and fans alike are circling this one not just for the stakes, but for the star power.
Let’s break down the key draft matchups, prospects to watch, and under-the-radar names who could make a difference - both in this game and on NFL draft boards.
Must-Watch Matchup: Kadyn Proctor vs. R Mason Thomas
If you’re an NFL scout - or just a fan of trench warfare - this is the showdown you’ve been waiting for.
Alabama left tackle Kadyn Proctor is a mountain of a man at 6-foot-7, 360 pounds, with rare movement skills for someone that size. Think dancing bear meets bulldozer.
But despite not allowing a sack or committing a penalty since Week 1, Proctor’s tape has been a mixed bag. His raw power and athleticism are undeniable, but his timing and leverage have led to some shaky reps - the kind that raise questions about consistency at the next level.
Depending on who you ask, he’s either a top-10 lock or a Day 2 project.
Enter R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma’s 6-foot-1, 250-pound edge rusher who missed the first meeting due to injury. He’s back now, and his game is built on explosiveness and bend.
Thomas can win off the edge with speed, but he’s also got the strength to convert that speed into power and forklift tackles off their spot. He’s projected as a top-40 pick - and a strong performance here could solidify that.
This is the kind of matchup that can swing a game and a draft stock. Expect Thomas to test Proctor early with his upfield burst and then counter with inside moves as the game wears on.
Quarterbacks with Something to Prove
Both starting quarterbacks - Ty Simpson for Alabama and John Mateer for Oklahoma - are likely to return to school next season, but this game could influence that decision.
Simpson started the year strong, stacking quality performances early on, but things have gone sideways since Halloween. He’s had five turnovers in his last four games, and while not all of it falls on him, scouts want to see how he handles adversity.
Can he protect the football? Can he elevate a struggling offense in a high-pressure environment?
Mateer, meanwhile, had early buzz as a 2026 draft sleeper before a hand injury derailed his momentum. Since returning, he’s thrown more interceptions (seven) than touchdowns (six), and his decision-making has been erratic. The version of Mateer that lit up Michigan would give Oklahoma a real shot against Alabama’s defense - but he’ll need to be smarter with the ball and more selective with when he puts himself in harm’s way.
Playmakers Who Could Tilt the Field
Isaiah Sategna has been Oklahoma’s go-to guy when they need a chunk play. The Arkansas transfer leads all College Football Playoff participants with 18 receptions of 20-plus yards this season.
But Alabama held him in check last time - just four catches for 26 yards. He’ll likely draw Domani Jackson, a senior cornerback whose draft stock has slipped this year.
That one-on-one battle could be pivotal.
For Alabama, wide receiver Germie Bernard has been the offense’s most consistent weapon during a turbulent second half of the season. At 6'1", 209 pounds with nearly 10-inch hands, Bernard is a reliable, physical presence who can line up all over the field - even in the backfield.
He’s not elite in any one area, but he’s solid across the board and projects as a high-end WR2 at the next level. If Alabama is going to find rhythm on offense, Bernard will likely be at the center of it.
On the defensive side, keep an eye on Alabama nose tackle Tim Keenan. You may not hear his name called often - that’s life in the trenches - but he’s the kind of player who quietly controls the line of scrimmage.
Built low to the ground with strong hands and great instincts, Keenan can clog lanes and eat up double teams, freeing up the linebackers behind him. He’s not flashy, but he’s the kind of glue guy NFL teams love.
Day 3 Sleepers with Upside
Oklahoma’s defense was the SEC’s best in the regular season - yes, you read that right - and improved linebacker play is a big reason why.
Kendal Daniels, an Oklahoma State transfer, plays a hybrid linebacker-safety role and brings serious range at 240 pounds. He entered the year as a late-round projection, but he’s climbed into mid-round territory with a chance to sneak into the top 100 if he tests well in the pre-draft process.
Then there’s Owen Heinecke, a former lacrosse player who wasn’t even on most draft boards a few months ago. Now?
He’s drawing legit interest as a Day 3 pick. His story is still being written, but the rise has been real.
For Alabama, tight end Josh Cuevas was a breakout performer in the first meeting against Oklahoma - six catches, 80 yards, and a touchdown. He’s missed the last three games with injury, but the Tide are hopeful he’ll be back for the semifinal. Cuevas is viewed as an early Day 3 prospect, and his return could give Alabama’s offense a much-needed lift.
Oklahoma’s Jaren Kanak has also helped his draft stock this year. The former linebacker turned tight end has gone from fringe free agent to a solid Day 3 projection. At the very least, his athleticism and toughness should make him an immediate contributor on special teams in the NFL.
This game is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, and for a handful of these players, it’s more than just a shot at a national title - it’s an audition for the next level. Whether you’re watching for the fireworks on the scoreboard or the battles in the trenches, there’s plenty to keep an eye on when Alabama and Oklahoma run it back under the bright lights.