Alabama and Oklahoma will kick off the College Football Playoff on Friday evening. The No. 9 seed versus the No. 8 seed is an incredibly tight matchup. There are also 2026 NFL Draft implications with double-digit intriguing prospects participating.
We've identified and analyzed the 10 most notable draft-eligible prospects in Friday's Alabama-Oklahoma CFP showdown.
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is the top prospect to watch. A potential No. 1 overall selection just weeks ago, the junior quarterback has gone ice-cold over the past month, leading to questions about whether or not Simpson will bypass the draft and return to Alabama for continued development. The Crimson Tide signal-caller is poised beyond his years (one as a starter), but it might take a deep playoff run for him to declare.
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
Simpson's top target is wide receiver Germie Bernard. The former Michigan State and Washington transfer has grown tremendously since joining Alabama. Bernard is a top-tier route-runner who identifies spacing in zone coverage at an incredibly high level. He's produced 57 receptions for 762 yards and seven touchdowns this season, and projects as a day-two pick.
Isaiah Sategna III, WR, Oklahoma
Isaiah Sategna III has remaining eligibility, but may consider declaring for the draft after a breakout season. The 5-foot-10, 182-pounder leads Oklahoma in receptions with 65 while accumulating seven touchdowns. Sategna has showcased the short-area quickness and agility of a high-level slot receiver at the next level.
LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
Crimson Tide defensive lineman LT Overton is a big-bodied player with inside-outside versatility. The Milton, Georgia native is a handful, registering four sacks this season. An original Nick Saban recruit, Overton has the movement skills and athleticism of an edge rusher, while also possessing the size and strength of a defensive tackle.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor has been a tough evaluation for scouts. On one hand, he possesses the size (6-7, 360) of an NFL left tackle that was built in a lab. On the other hand, Proctor struggles with conditioning and leverage. His performance throughout the College Football Playoff may ultimately dictate whether he's a first-round or day-two guy.
John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is the true definition of a gamer. The dual-threat quarterback briefly entered the first-round conversation before a hand injury derailed his season. Mateer can start rehabilitating his pre-draft stock with a strong showing versus Alabama. His natural instincts and arm talent pop off the screen.
Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama
This upcoming draft is particularly weak at center. Alabama's Parker Brailsford could make a case to be the first prospect drafted at the position. Brailsford is undeniably undersized, but his athleticism projects nicely into the zone-blocking scheme re-popularized by Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan years ago.
Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma
Deion Burks is the Sooners' dynamic game-breaker at slot receiver. He's breathtaking with the football in his hands. Burks, who has produced 50 receptions for 513 yards and three touchdowns this season, is a big-play threat with dangerous speed and acceleration.
Bray Hubbard, SAF, Alabama
Bray Hubbard is another veteran holdover from the Saban regime. He has NFL safety size at 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds. A playmaker in the defensive backfield, Hubbard has accumulated eight pass breakups, four interceptions, and three forced fumbles this year.
Keon Sabb, SAF, Alabama
Hubbard's partner at safety is Keon Sabb. The former Michigan transfer possesses remaining eligibility, but could declare for the draft and take advantage of what scouts are describing as a weak safety class. Sabb has recorded five interceptions in three seasons.
