As the calendar turns to the back half of April and the SEC grind intensifies, No. 18 Oklahoma (26-10, 7-8 SEC) heads to Columbia for a critical weekend set against winless-in-league-play Missouri (13-23, 0-15 SEC). First pitch for the three-game series at Taylor Stadium is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT Thursday, with all three games streaming live on SECN+ and available on the radio through The REF and The Varsity app.
Coming off a raucous 11-1 midweek run-rule dismantling of rival Oklahoma State, the Sooners enter with confidence, momentum, and urgency. With the toughest portion of the SEC slate still ahead—including road trips to Georgia and home series against Ole Miss and No. 1 Texas—this weekend offers an opportunity for Oklahoma to bank wins against a reeling opponent and build momentum for the postseason push.
Tale of Two Teams
The disparity in conference records tells the story coming in. Missouri, still searching for its first SEC win of the season, has struggled in nearly every phase. The Tigers enter with the worst ERA in the league (8.70) and have allowed an SEC-high 63 home runs. Offensively, they’re slashing just .245 as a team in conference play.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma remains in the thick of the SEC race and has flashed its potential with series wins over Vanderbilt, South Carolina, and Mississippi State. Despite being swept by LSU and dropping a tight series to Alabama, Skip Johnson’s club has shown the makeup of a postseason threat. The win over Oklahoma State Tuesday—highlighted by Jason Walk’s eighth-inning grand slam—underscored the explosiveness and balance that has defined the Sooners’ 2025 season.
Pitching Matchups Favor the Sooners
On the mound, Oklahoma holds a clear edge, led by junior right-hander Kyson Witherspoon, who continues to pitch like one of the best arms in the country. The SEC Co-Pitcher of the Week dazzled again last Saturday with a complete-game shutout of No. 17 Vanderbilt. He brings a 6-2 record, a sparkling 2.08 ERA, and a 74-to-11 strikeout-to-walk ratio into his Friday matchup with Missouri’s Kaden Jacobi (2-5, 9.17 ERA). Witherspoon leads the SEC in ERA and ranks among the nation’s elite in WHIP (0.88) and K/9 (12.81).
Thursday’s opener features lefty Cade Crossland (2-2, 6.17 ERA) for OU, making his seventh start of the year. Crossland has shown swing-and-miss potential with 43 strikeouts across 35 innings. He’ll face Missouri’s Brady Kehlenbrink, who has struggled with command (11.12 ERA, 19 walks in 21.1 innings).
Saturday’s finale sees Malachi Witherspoon (2-4, 5.74 ERA) look to bounce back after two tough starts. Missouri has yet to name a starter, highlighting the uncertainty of a pitching staff that’s shuffled roles all season.
Offensive Surge Behind Walk, Carmichael, Willits
Oklahoma’s lineup continues to evolve into one of the SEC’s more dangerous units. The Sooners have homered in 25 of 36 games and lead the SEC with 89 stolen bases. In Tuesday’s rout of the Cowboys, the Sooners tallied 14 hits and saw seven different players reach base multiple times.
Jason Walk, the table-setter in the leadoff spot, continues his sophomore breakout. Tuesday’s grand slam gave him six home runs—already doubling his total from last year—and he’s reached base in 30 of 35 games.
Behind him, Easton Carmichael continues to do it all for the Sooners. The veteran catcher leads OU in RBIs (35) and extra-base hits (16), serving as both a vocal leader and a steadying force in the middle of the lineup.
Then there’s Jaxon Willits, who leads the club with nine home runs and has provided consistent power from the left side. His ability to change games with one swing has added a dynamic element to a lineup that also features impact newcomers like freshman second baseman Kyle Branch (.301 AVG) and junior transfer Trey Gambill (.337 AVG, .512 OBP).
Depth in the Bullpen Anchored by Crooks and Hitt
While the rotation has set the tone, Oklahoma’s bullpen has quietly become a strength. Senior Dylan Crooks has flourished in the closer role, ranking second in the SEC and third nationally with nine saves. His 1.31 ERA in 20.2 innings is paired with a calm, methodical approach that has helped him navigate high-leverage moments.
James Hitt has emerged as a key weapon in middle relief, posting a 2.42 ERA with a 26-to-7 K/BB ratio across 22.1 innings. The Sooners have used 11 different arms out of the pen this year, giving Skip Johnson options as he manages pitch counts through a rugged SEC schedule.
Historic Rivalry Renewed
While the conference affiliation is relatively new, the rivalry is anything but. Oklahoma and Missouri have played nearly 250 times dating back to their Big 8 and Big 12 days. OU leads the all-time series 148-101, including a 16-6 win in their most recent meeting at the 2021 Frisco Classic.
Now both SEC members, this series takes on added weight—not only for standings but for rekindling a historic Midwestern rivalry with new conference stakes.
What’s at Stake
At 7-8 in SEC play, Oklahoma sits squarely in the middle of the pack and is very much alive for a top-eight seed in the SEC Tournament and a potential hosting bid in the NCAA regionals. With Georgia, Ole Miss, and Texas looming on the schedule, the Sooners must capitalize on Missouri’s struggles and leave Columbia with a series win—if not a sweep.
For Missouri, the Tigers are simply searching for something to build on. Winless in league play and near the bottom in nearly every statistical category, this weekend might be one of their last realistic chances to play spoiler at home.
Final Word
As Oklahoma’s first season in the SEC continues, this weekend feels like a crossroads. The Sooners have proved they belong and can hang with the best. But with a brutal closing stretch awaiting, a stumble at Missouri would be a missed opportunity.
A strong showing in Columbia could provide the springboard OU needs for a postseason surge. And with Witherspoon on the mound, the lineup surging, and a bullpen rounding into form, the Sooners will arrive at Taylor Stadium ready to make a statement.
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