GIF recap: Reliving Lotzeir Brooks’ breakout game against Oklahoma

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks (17) attempts to make a catch in the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb predicted Lotzeir Brooks’ breakout game against Oklahoma over the weekend. Meanwhile, head coach Kalen DeBeor couldn’t believe it hadn’t happened sooner.

 

Brooks didn’t look like a true freshman receiver during Alabama’s 34-24 win over Oklahoma, pulling in his first two touchdowns while leading the Tide with five catches for 79 yards.

 

“Those were his first two total?” a surprised DeBoer questioned when asked about Brooks’ big night following the win. “The guy, he’s got twitch. He’s got the ability to separate. And then he’s really good with the ball in his hands. And so, I think you saw a little bit of all that happen.”

 

Brooks saved Alabama from suffering four straight three-and-outs to start the game by making a stumbling third-down catch in the second quarter. He then spun free to the end zone following a fourth-down reception later in the drive to give the Tide its first score. After Alabama rallied back to erase a 17-point deficit at the break, it was Brooks who put the Tide on top with a 30-yard touchdown grab in the third quarter.

 

Entering last week, Brooks had recorded just seven receptions for 40 yards over his previous four games. Now the former three-star recruit appears to be one of Alabama’s biggest weapons as it looks to make a run in the College Football Playoff.

 

Here’s a look back at all five of Brooks’ receptions during Alabama’s first-round win over Oklahoma.

 

Second-and-10 from the Alabama 25 | 10:45, 2Q

 

 

 

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson faced an onslaught of early pressure from Oklahoma’s front seven, as the Sooners were able to get into the backfield despite often rushing only four defenders.

 

After Simpson was forced into an incompletion on the first play of Alabama’s fourth possession, the Tide dialed up a short pass on second down. Lined up in the slot, Brooks ran a short curl route, allowing Simpson to hit him for a 5-yard gain to set up a manageable third down.

 

Third-and-5 from the Alabama 30 | 10:00, 2Q

 

 

This play was arguably more important than Brooks’ two scores on the night.

 

After going three-and-out on its first three possessions, Alabama nearly suffered the same fate on its fourth drive, as Simpson faced heavy pressure on third down.

 

Oklahoma blitzed six defenders, forcing the quarterback to deliver a back-footed throw seconds after snapping the ball. Simpson’s lofted pass was behind Brooks. However, the receiver did well to reposition his body to make the grab while falling to the ground for a 29-yard gain.

 

Simpson did a good job of spotting a mismatch between Brooks and Oklahoma sophomore safety Jaydan Hardy on the play. Brooks was given a nice cushion of space. From there, he made a nice cut around the 41-yard line to give him the separation he needed.

 

Fourth-and-2 from the Oklahoma 10 | 7:02, 2Q

Brooks showed off his clutch gene later in the drive with Alabama facing a crucial fourth down deep in Oklahoma territory.

 

Lined up at the end of a trips formation to the left, Brooks ran a curl route, catching a short pass from Simpson beyond the first-down marker. From there, the 5-foot-9, 191-pound receiver shook off one defender, juked out another and broke through a leg tackle before spinning into the end zone for a 10-yard score.

 

Alabama was able to find a hole in Oklahoma’s zone defense as linebacker Kendal Davis was spying on Simpson while safety Eli Bowen was monetarily drawn out by a corner route from tight end Josh Cuevas. That gave Simpson the time he needed to zip in a throw to Brooks, allowing the shifty receiver to do the rest.

 

“When I got in the end zone the first time I didn’t know what to do,” Brooks said. “I just started screaming.”

 

Second-and-10 from the Oklahoma 30 | 11:28, 3Q

 

 

Alabama once again found Brooks in a mismatch situation against a safety for his go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter.

 

Lined up against Bowen in the slot, the speedy receiver was able to cut past his defender around the 17-yard line. Bowen was unable to slow Brooks down, allowing the receiver to gain the step he needed. From there, Simpson delivered an accurate throw, while Brooks did well to adjust his body to make the catch while getting two feet down in the end zone.

 

Oklahoma blitzed just four defenders, and Alabama’s offensive line did a good job of giving Simpson ample time to deliver a catchable ball.

 

Second-and-10 from the Oklahoma 44 | 7:19, 3Q

 

 

For a third time on the night, Alabama used Brooks to pick up short yardage on a curl route. The Tide set up the play by sending running back Jam Miller in motion to the right. That drew Oklahoma defensive back Reggie Powers III out to the flats and away from Brooks in the slot. From there, Simpson was able to hit his open receiver for a 5-yard gain to set up a manageable third down.

 

Simpson went on to scramble for a 13-yard gain on the following play, ultimately setting up a field goal later in the drive.