Oklahoma Gets Key Reinforcements Ahead of CFP Clash with Alabama
The Sooners are getting healthy at just the right time - and not a moment too soon.
With No. 8 Oklahoma set to host No.
9 Alabama in a high-stakes College Football Playoff rematch Friday night in Norman, one name on the availability report turned plenty of heads: R Mason Thomas. Or more specifically, the absence of his name.
That’s right - Thomas is expected to be back in the lineup after missing the last three games with a quad injury. And while Oklahoma already proved it can take down Alabama without him (see: Nov. 15 in Tuscaloosa), having their top pass rusher back on the field for the biggest game of the season is a massive boost.
Let’s be clear: Thomas is a game-changer. Even after sitting out the final stretch of the regular season, he still leads the team with 6.5 sacks.
His last appearance? A highlight-reel moment, returning a fumble for a touchdown against Tennessee - and injuring his quad in the process.
That play was vintage Thomas: explosive, instinctive, and always around the football. Now, he’s healthy and ready to rejoin a defense that’s already shown it can handle the spotlight.
And he’s not the only one trending in the right direction.
Injury Report Shrinks at the Right Time
Oklahoma’s latest availability report was one of its shortest of the season - a welcome sight for a team gearing up for a physical, playoff-caliber showdown. In fact, Alabama’s list of unavailable players was noticeably longer, a rare advantage in a matchup this tight.
Among the biggest question marks heading into the week was starting center Jake Maikkula. The Stanford transfer missed the regular-season finale against LSU after a hospital stay due to an infection. Before that, he’d started every game since missing the opener, anchoring the middle of an offensive line that’s been one of the Sooners’ most consistent units.
With Maikkula sidelined, Oklahoma turned to right guard Febechi Nwaiwu, who slid over to center and made his first career start at the position. And credit where it’s due - Nwaiwu held his own.
He was rock-solid in a tough spot, helping the Sooners close out the regular season strong. But make no mistake: getting Maikkula back would allow everyone to return to their natural roles, restoring the cohesion that’s been a hallmark of this offensive front all year.
Maikkula has been practicing this week and is officially listed as questionable - a true 50/50 call heading into Friday. He’s participated in individual drills, which is a promising sign, but the final decision could come down to how he responds in walkthroughs and pregame warmups.
Backfield Getting a Boost, Too
It’s not just the trenches where Oklahoma is getting healthier. Running back Jovantae Barnes is listed as probable and was spotted at practice this week - a strong indication he’s ready to go. The added rest also gave fellow backs Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock time to heal up after a grueling end to the regular season.
That trio has been key to Oklahoma’s ground game, and a fully loaded backfield gives the Sooners more flexibility to control tempo and keep Alabama’s defense guessing. Against a Crimson Tide front that thrives on disruption, having fresh legs and depth in the backfield could be the X-factor.
The Bottom Line
Oklahoma has already shown it can beat Alabama - and now, it’s getting reinforcements. R Mason Thomas returning to the defense is a major development, especially against an Alabama offense that’s improved since their last meeting. If Maikkula can go, it’ll be a full-strength offensive line protecting the Sooners’ playoff hopes.
This is what December football is all about: two powerhouse programs, a playoff berth on the line, and rosters rounding into form. The Sooners are healthier, rested, and ready. And with Thomas back terrorizing quarterbacks, Oklahoma’s defense just got a whole lot more dangerous.