The Oklahoma Sooners and Alabama Crimson Tide are set to face off in the College World Series opener on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska. The Sooners, led by Coach Skip Johnson, advanced to the CWS by sweeping Kansas in the NCAA Super Regional, while the Crimson Tide, ranked seventh, swept St. John's in the Tuscaloosa Super Regional. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+.
The Sooners' starting lineup includes Cord Rager on the mound, with a 5-3 record and a 5.20 ERA. Rager has been impressive, striking out four batters in his first start. The lineup features Jason Walk, Camden Johnson, Deiten Lachance, Jaxon Willits, Trey Gambill, Brendan Brock, Dasan Harris, Dayton Tockey, and Kyle Branch. On the other hand, Alabama's starting pitcher is Tyler Fay, with an 11-4 record and a 4.37 ERA.
The game promises an exciting showdown between two talented teams. The Sooners' strong performance in the regional and super regional rounds has carried over to Omaha, while the Crimson Tide aims to make a strong showing in their first CWS appearance. The match-up raises intriguing questions about the teams' strategies and individual player performances.
This game is a significant moment in the sport, with the winner advancing to the next round of the College World Series. The outcome will have a lasting impact on the teams' seasons and the players' careers. The excitement and anticipation are palpable, as fans eagerly await the showdown between these two powerhouse programs.
