Lots of adjectives have been used to describe this OU offense, but before Friday's CFP game vs Alabama, one word keeps coming to mind: fascinating.

John Mateer will play in the CFP without a hand wrap after injury, as Oklahoma preps to face Alabama on Friday.

Owen Heinecke's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, as he navigated a remarkable path from a high school dual-sport standout to an unlikely star for the Oklahoma Sooners football team.

Sooners running back Jovantae Barnes, who was listed as probable Tuesday, wasn't listed and will be officially available Friday against Alabama in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Offensive lineman Jake Maikkula is still listed as questionable.

OU football offensive lineman Jake Maikkula and defensive end R Mason Thomas will participate in practices this week, Brent Venables said Monday.

The Oklahoma Sooners are heading to the playoffs! After a 10-win season with one of the nation's most difficult schedules, OU will be hosting a home game and squaring off against the Alabama Crimson Tide for a second time this season.

Oklahoma running back Jovantae Barnes was upgraded on the second College Football Playoff availability report of the week. Barnes appeared on Tuesday’s report as probable, but he was left off Wednesday’s report, meaning he will be available for Friday’s contest against Alabama.

No, the Sooners do not play football on Dec. 13. The Sooners will face Alabama in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Friday, Dec. 19, at Owen Field in Norman. Kickoff for the quarterfinal is set for 7 p.m. CT Friday, Dec. 19.

And Venables went back to doing what he does best — hiring himself as defensive coordinator after his protege, Zac Alley, left for West Virginia. The 2025 Sooner defense rivals the best defenses Venables coordinated at Clemson in the 2010s and at OU in the early 2000s.

Golding and Co. add another impressive staffer for the 2026 season, continue assembling group for next season.