Alabama players aiming to respond to disrespectful actions by Oklahoma players

Nov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Jaren Kanak (12) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Justin Jefferson (10) during the first half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Many Tide players still remember what it was like going into Oklahoma last season and being unable to score a touchdown, but now, Alabama players have even more motivation before they face the Sooners for the second time this season.

When Alabama and Oklahoma squared off in Tuscaloosa about a month ago, the Tide lost 23-21. After the game, Sooners players celebrated their victory by going to the middle of Saban Field, stomping on the logo and taking pictures.

It was a disrespectful gesture that Alabama players still remember, and one that they’re hoping to get revenge for when they take the field at Gaylord Stadium in Norman on Dec. 19. It will also be an attempt at get-back for the loss suffered there last year.

Wide receiver Ryan Williams spoke on Friday about how he took the disrespect from the Sooners.

“I mean, yeah, we’ve seen it,” Williams said. “I mean, we understand the disrespect, we just got to handle it with a grain of salt and get ready to go play on next Friday.”

Linebacker Justin Jefferson gave his input on what Alabama will need to do to address the disrespect.

“Man, I know if I was out there, that stuff wouldn’t be going on,’ Jefferson said. “That type of disrespect will be addressed on the field, and we just got to go give it to them. We got to go take the ball off of them and bring it home for Alabama.”

Wilkin Formby, who’s been a part of an offensive line that’s struggled at times, had a bit of a different perspective.

“I mean, me personally, it’s definitely disrespectful,” Formby said. “But that’s kind of what you expect if Alabama loses, like people are going to act that way. It’s something that just kind of happens every day.”

Alabama is now 0-2 against the Sooners under head coach Kalen DeBoer, so the team will do everything it can to ensure that it goes into Norman next week, secures revenge and ultimately walks out with an invitation to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl.