Oklahoma’s Jake Maikkula Still Questionable as Sooners, Crimson Tide Finalize Playoff Availability Reports
With just two days to go before Oklahoma and Alabama square off in the first round of the College Football Playoff, the Sooners are still awaiting final word on the status of one of their most important offensive pieces - starting center Jake Maikkula.
Maikkula remained listed as questionable on Wednesday’s official availability report, marking the second straight day he’s held that designation. The redshirt junior has been working his way back after missing the regular-season finale against LSU due to an infection that led to a brief hospitalization. According to head coach Brent Venables, Maikkula’s condition has improved significantly since that scare, but whether he’ll be ready to go on Friday remains uncertain.
The 6-foot-5, 299-pound Maikkula has been a rock in the middle of Oklahoma’s offensive line since transferring in from Stanford this past spring. He started 10 games at center this season - missing only the opener against Illinois State and the finale against LSU - and earned the team’s highest overall offensive line grade from Pro Football Focus. On 384 pass-blocking snaps, he surrendered just two sacks, underscoring his value in both protection and leadership up front.
In Maikkula’s absence against LSU, veteran lineman Febechi Nwaiwu slid from right guard to center and held his own. But make no mistake - getting Maikkula back would be a major boost for an Oklahoma offense preparing to face Alabama’s aggressive front seven.
Jovantae Barnes Cleared to Return
There was better news in the backfield. Running back Jovantae Barnes, who was listed as probable on Tuesday, was upgraded to available on Wednesday’s report. That clears the way for the senior to make his first appearance since the SEC opener against Auburn - his fourth game of the season.
Barnes had preserved his redshirt eligibility during the year, but Venables confirmed last month that the veteran back remained in good standing with the team. On Monday, the head coach noted that Barnes could “potentially” contribute against Alabama, and now it looks like he’ll be ready to go. His return comes at a crucial time, with Xavier Robinson (knee) and Tory Blaylock (shoulder) both gutting through injuries late in the season.
If Barnes does get touches, he could provide a steady, experienced presence for an Oklahoma offense that’s looking to stay balanced and keep Alabama’s defense guessing.
Sooners Without Four Key Contributors
Oklahoma has already ruled out four players for Friday’s matchup:
- Troy Everett (C): Out since suffering a season-ending knee injury in September.
- Gentry Williams (CB): Recently underwent shoulder surgery that ended his season.
- Jeremiah Newcombe (DB): Played only in the season opener and has been sidelined since.
- Kendel Dolby (DB): Announced Wednesday he’s entering the transfer portal and is no longer with the team.
While the Sooners have depth at several of these positions, the absence of Williams and Dolby leaves their secondary thinner than usual - not ideal against an Alabama offense that can stretch the field vertically.
Alabama Gets Boost at Tight End
On the other sideline, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed that tight ends Josh Cuevas and Danny Lewis Jr. - both listed as questionable on Tuesday - have been upgraded to probable for Friday’s game. Cuevas, in particular, could be a factor. He had six catches for 80 yards and a touchdown in Alabama’s earlier meeting with Oklahoma this season, showing his ability to find soft spots in coverage and make plays after the catch.
Their availability gives Alabama a more complete offensive arsenal heading into what’s expected to be a physical, high-stakes battle.
CFP Availability Reports Add Transparency
This year marks the first time the College Football Playoff has implemented mandatory availability reports for all participating teams. The reports are released three days before each game and are designed to enhance competitive integrity, ensure player wellbeing, and provide public transparency.
The designations follow a clear structure:
- Out: Player will not play
- Doubtful: 25% chance to play
- Questionable: 50% chance to play
- Probable: 75% chance to play
- Available: 100% chance to play
While teams aren’t required to disclose the nature of a player’s unavailability - whether it’s due to injury, illness, suspension, or personal matters - they are allowed to provide additional context through press conferences, social media, or official statements, as long as it aligns with the report.
A final availability update will be released Thursday evening, with one last pregame report due no later than 90 minutes before Friday’s 5:30 p.m. kickoff.
Wednesday Evening Availability Report
Here’s where both teams stand heading into the final stretch of preparation:
Oklahoma
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|
| Troy Everett | C | Out | | Kendel Dolby | DB | Out |
| Gentry Williams | DB | Out | | Jeremiah Newcombe | DB | Out |
| Jake Maikkula | C | Questionable | | Jovantae Barnes | RB | Available |
Alabama
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|
| Kameron Howard | DB | Out | | Jah-Marien Latham | LB | Out |
| Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. | DB | Out |
| LT Overton | DL | Out | | Kevin Riley | RB | Out |
| Jeremiah Beaman | DL | Out | | Josh Cuevas | TE | Probable |
| Danny Lewis Jr. | TE | Probable |
We’ll know more on Thursday, but for now, both teams are finalizing their lineups and making the final push toward one of the most anticipated matchups of the postseason. And if Jake Maikkula is able to suit up, it could be a game-changer for Oklahoma’s offensive rhythm.