Scouting Spotlight: Oklahoma vs. Alabama in the Gasparilla Bowl Offers Plenty for Giants Fans to Watch
The College Football Playoff is officially underway, and Friday night’s Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl between No. 8 Oklahoma and No.
9 Alabama isn’t just a clash of two powerhouse programs-it’s also a goldmine for NFL scouts and front offices. And for the New York Giants, who are heading into a pivotal offseason, this one’s worth circling on the calendar.
Let’s start with the obvious: Alabama may have taken a tough loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship, but don’t let that game fool you. This Crimson Tide roster is still packed with future NFL talent.
Oklahoma, under Brent Venables, brings a well-coached, high-motor defense and a handful of intriguing prospects of their own. For teams like the Giants looking to reload-particularly at wide receiver and potentially quarterback-this matchup offers a lot to chew on.
Giants WR Depth in Question? Keep an Eye on Germie Bernard
One name that should be front and center for Giants fans is Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard. With Malik Nabers sidelined due to injury, we’ve seen just how thin the Giants’ receiver room really is. Wan’Dale Robinson has stepped up as a reliable route runner and separator, but beyond that, there’s a noticeable drop-off in consistency and explosiveness.
That lack of depth has put added pressure on quarterback Jaxson Dart, who’s often had to hold the ball or improvise when his targets failed to get separation. That’s not a sustainable formula, especially behind an offensive line that’s still finding its footing.
Enter Bernard. At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, he’s got the frame to handle physical coverage and the skill set to be a dependable possession receiver.
He’s not going to wow you with elite speed or jaw-dropping highlight reels, but what he brings is reliability-strong hands, sharp route-running, and a high football IQ. He understands leverage, sets up defenders well, and knows how to find soft spots in coverage.
Think of him less as a WR1 and more as a rock-solid WR2 who could complement a healthy Nabers nicely.
And here’s the kicker: Wan’Dale Robinson is set to hit free agency after the season. If the Giants don’t bring him back, they’ll need more than just one new face in the receiver room. Bernard could be a smart Day 2 or Day 3 target who brings stability and polish to a group that’s lacked both.
The Curious Case of John Mateer
On the other sideline, Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is a name that’s been on and off the radar this season. He came into the year looking like a potential first-round pick, building on a strong 2024 campaign with a fast start. But an injury to his throwing hand derailed that momentum, and his production took a noticeable dip.
Now, Mateer says he’s feeling the best he has since the injury. That’s encouraging, but the tape will tell the real story.
For the Giants-or any QB-needy team-Mateer’s performance in this bowl game could go a long way in determining where he lands in April’s draft. If he flashes the same poise, accuracy, and decision-making he showed early in the year, he could climb back into the Day 1 conversation.
And Then There’s Ty Simpson…
Of course, the quarterback matchup wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Ty Simpson, Alabama’s signal-caller. Depending on how things shake out between now and April, Simpson could be one of the first quarterbacks off the board-if he declares. He’s got the arm talent, athleticism, and leadership traits that NFL teams covet, and he’s shown flashes of being able to carry an offense.
For the Giants, who may or may not be in the quarterback market depending on how things unfold with Jaxson Dart and the front office’s evaluation of the current depth chart, Simpson is worth a close look. He’s the kind of player who could be a franchise cornerstone-or at the very least, a high-upside developmental pick with the tools to grow into a starter.
Other Names to Watch
This game is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, and here’s a quick rundown of key players worth tracking:
Oklahoma
- John Mateer (QB - 10) - Looking to bounce back from injury and reassert himself as a top QB prospect.
- Jaren Kanak (TE - 12) - Athletic tight end with good hands and blocking ability.
- Deion Burks (WR - 4) - Explosive playmaker who can stretch the field.
- Jayden Ott (RB - 0) - Versatile runner with good vision and burst.
- Damonic Williams (iDL - 52) - Disruptive interior lineman with a quick first step.
- Gracen Halton (iDL - 56) - High-motor defensive tackle who wins with leverage.
- **R.
Mason Thomas (EDGE - 32)** - Edge rusher with bend and a growing pass-rush arsenal.
- Sammy Omosigho (LB - 7) - Athletic linebacker who flies to the ball.
- Kendal Daniels (S/LB - 5) - Versatile defender who can play in the box or deep.
- Peyton Bowen (S - 22) - Physical safety with range and instincts.
Alabama
- Ty Simpson (QB - 15) - Potential top-tier QB prospect with dual-threat ability.
- Kadyn Proctor (OT - 74) - Massive left tackle with elite traits.
- Parker Brailsford (OC - 72) - Smart, steady center with good technique.
- Jaeden Roberts (OG - 77) - Road-grading guard who moves people in the run game.
- Josh Cuevas (TE - 80) - Reliable target with good hands and blocking chops.
- Germie Bernard (WR - 5) - Polished route runner with dependable hands.
- Tim Keenan III (iDL - 96) - Anchor in the middle with power and gap control.
- Deontae Lawson (LB - 0) - Sideline-to-sideline linebacker with leadership traits.
- Domani Jackson (CB - 1) - Sticky man-coverage corner with upside.
- Keon Sabb (S - 3) - Physical safety who can play downhill.
- Bray Hubbard (S - 18) - Solid tackler with good instincts in zone.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just another bowl game-it’s a showcase. For fans, it’s a chance to enjoy high-level college football.
For the Giants and other NFL teams, it’s a live audition. Whether you're watching for potential first-rounders or mid-round gems, Oklahoma vs.
Alabama offers a little bit of everything. And with the Giants facing key decisions at wide receiver, quarterback, and across the roster, this game could offer a glimpse into the franchise’s future.