Meet the Oklahoma Sooners Freshmen Poised to Shake Up the Alabama Crimson Tide Showdown

The Oklahoma Sooners are gearing up to shake off the dust from their final bye week of the 2025 season and dive headfirst into what’s shaping up to be a monumental showdown with the Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 12. Riding the momentum from a solid victory over Tennessee that boosted their record to 7-2 overall and 3-2 within the fiercely competitive SEC, the Sooners’ playoff dreams are far from over—and make no mistake, Saturday’s game against the Tide isn’t just another notch on the schedule. It’s a critical crossroads that could define their season. As the campaign unfolds, Oklahoma has leaned increasingly on fresh talent, with true freshmen stepping onto the field, ready to make their mark in the SEC’s unforgiving arena. These newcomers will be called upon to shoulder big responsibilities as the Sooners look to topple a powerhouse. Let’s take a closer look at three of these promising freshmen poised to play pivotal roles when Oklahoma takes on Alabama. LEARN MORE

The Oklahoma Sooners are exiting their second and final bye week of the 2025 season and entering a colossal matchup with the Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 12. After a win over Tennessee to start November put OU at 7-2 overall and 3-2 in the SEC, the Sooners still have College Football Playoff hopes. That sets up Saturday’s bout with the Tide as a must-win for Oklahoma.

As the year has progressed, the Sooners have been relying upon more and more true freshmen to help them win games in the SEC. In the biggest game yet this season, there will be no shortage of first-year players that Oklahoma will be counting on to play their roles and try to pull off the upset.

Here are three freshmen to watch when Sooner Nation battles ‘Bama.

1. Courtland Guillory, DB

Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II (17) and Oklahoma defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) reach for a pass during a college football game between Tennessee and Oklahoma in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville on Nov. 1, 2025.

Cornerback Courtland Guillory has hung tough in his first collegiate season, and he’s been counted upon to play one-on-one coverage against some of the best wide receivers in the country. While he’s given some ground against players like Auburn’s Cam Coleman and Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell II, he’s kept fighting and kept making plays to make up for it. Alabama has two excellent wideouts in Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard, and Guillory is going to be in single coverage against one of them all afternoon long.

2. Michael Fasusi, OL

Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Heath Ozaeta (77) and offensive lineman Michael Fasusi (56) line up during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Ole Miss won 34-26.

Left tackle Michael Fasusi has been a starter this season when healthy, and he’s continuing to grow into his role as a blindside protector. Fasusi adds most of his value as a run-blocker, and there’s room for development in pass protection, but as a true freshman starting in the SEC, it’s hard to be too tough on him. Oklahoma’s future along the offensive line is starting to make itself known in the second half of this season, and Fasusi is certainly part of that. The former five-star recruit was such a big get this past December for the Sooners.

3. Ryan Fodje, OL

Oct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Ryan Fodje (70) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (5) after a touchdown during the first half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Right tackle Ryan Fodje got the start due to injuries elsewhere, but he’s played so well that it doesn’t look like he’s going to be taken off the field anytime soon. Lost in the shuffle of the massive win in Knoxville was that OU went into Neyland Stadium with true freshmen starting at both tackles and came out with a win. Fodje is another member of Oklahoma’s core group of offensive linemen moving forward, and his play since being trusted with the starting job has been really good, especially for a freshman. Both of the young tackles will have to play excellent football on the road this week, as Alabama has one of the best defenses in the SEC.

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