The stage is set, the lights are bright, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. On May 20, 2025, the Georgia Bulldogs baseball team opens its SEC Tournament campaign in Hoover, Alabama, against an opponent new to the league—but one already steeped in postseason tradition: the Oklahoma Sooners.
With both programs carrying high expectations and postseason aspirations, this first-round clash is more than just a game—it’s a litmus test for Georgia’s growth under head coach Scott Stricklin and a chance for Oklahoma to validate its move into the SEC by making noise in its inaugural tournament appearance.
Georgia enters the SEC Tournament after a rollercoaster regular season that saw flashes of brilliance mixed with growing pains. With a conference record that hovered around .500, the Bulldogs secured a mid-seed spot in Hoover, avoiding the do-or-die play-in round but still facing one of the toughest early draws possible.
Their regular season ended with a strong series win over South Carolina, giving the team momentum and confidence heading into tournament play. Junior slugger Charlie Condon has been the undisputed heart of the Bulldogs’ offense, posting All-American numbers while providing veteran leadership in a young lineup.
Pitching has been a mixed bag—ace Leighton Finley has shown flashes of dominance, but consistency across the rotation and bullpen remains a concern as they prepare for Oklahoma’s potent bats.
This marks the first time the Sooners will compete in the SEC Tournament after joining the league officially in July 2024. Coming from the Big 12, Oklahoma brought with them a proud tradition and national championship pedigree, but the SEC has proven to be a gauntlet. Even so, they’ve more than held their own.
Head coach Skip Johnson’s squad comes to Hoover with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove. Led by standout sophomore shortstop Jaxon Willits and Friday night ace Braden Davis, the Sooners boast a balanced attack and one of the deepest pitching staffs in the league.
Their win over Arkansas to close the regular season cemented their place in the top half of the bracket and sent a message to the rest of the SEC: Oklahoma isn’t just here to compete—they’re here to win.
The Matchup: Strengths, Weaknesses, and X-Factors
Pitching Duel to Watch: The projected starters for Tuesday’s showdown are Georgia’s Leighton Finley and Oklahoma’s Braden Davis. Finley, a hard-throwing right-hander with swing-and-miss stuff, will need to work the edges and keep his pitch count low. Davis, meanwhile, thrives on command and movement—his changeup has baffled hitters all season.
Offensive Firepower: Georgia’s offensive success hinges on Condon, but freshman outfielder Ty Adams has emerged as a sneaky threat near the top of the lineup. Oklahoma counters with a more balanced lineup, with four hitters boasting batting averages over .300 and the ability to hit the long ball.
X-Factor: Defense and bullpen management could tip the scales. Georgia has been average defensively, while Oklahoma ranks among the best in fielding percentage. If it comes down to a close game late, Oklahoma’s deep bullpen might give them the edge.
Keys to Victory for Georgia
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Early Offense: Scoring first will be critical. Georgia has struggled to play from behind, and giving Finley a lead could allow him to settle in and pitch aggressively.
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Minimize Walks: Oklahoma thrives on exploiting mistakes. Georgia’s staff must avoid free passes and limit baserunners.
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Bullpen Stability: If the game is close late, the Bulldogs need reliable innings from the bullpen. Look for relievers like Max DeJong and Chandler Marsh to play crucial roles.
Keys to Victory for Oklahoma
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Play Loose: As the newcomers, the pressure is technically on Georgia. If Oklahoma embraces the underdog mentality, they could play more freely.
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Manufacture Runs: They don’t always need the long ball—bunting, base stealing, and situational hitting could wear down Georgia’s pitching.
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Strong Start from Davis: Getting six quality innings from their ace would set them up nicely for a win.
Beyond tournament advancement, this game carries implications for NCAA seeding. Georgia, projected as a potential 2-seed, needs a win to strengthen its hosting chances in a regional. A quick exit could mean hitting the road. Oklahoma, on the fringe of a top-16 national seed, would benefit massively from a win over an established SEC foe like Georgia.
This is also a moment of pride and validation for Oklahoma. Winning their first SEC Tournament game would be a symbolic and strategic victory in their transition to the conference.
A Golden Spikes Award finalist, Condon is among the best hitters in college baseball. With a batting average north of .390, 20+ home runs, and a mature plate approach, he’s the centerpiece of Georgia’s offense. If he gets hot, Georgia can go on a deep run. If Oklahoma finds a way to neutralize him, they take away Georgia’s biggest weapon.
The Sooners’ do-it-all shortstop brings energy, elite defense, and timely hitting. His leadership is critical, especially in tight moments. A multi-hit game and a few highlight-reel plays could swing momentum toward the Sooners.
Scott Stricklin and Skip Johnson are both seasoned leaders. Stricklin is under pressure to make a run after years of building this Georgia program, while Johnson has the freedom of low expectations but a burning desire to win. How each coach manages his pitching staff and responds to in-game adversity will be key.
Baseball America analyst Teddy Cahill noted, “This is a sneaky-good matchup. Both teams have the arms and the bats to make a serious SEC Tournament run. Whoever wins this one could be this year’s surprise team in Hoover.”
D1Baseball’s Kendall Rogers added, “Don’t sleep on Oklahoma—they’ve adjusted faster to the SEC than many thought. If Georgia underestimates them, they’ll pay.”
The SEC Tournament has long been one of the premier showcases in college baseball, and this year’s Georgia-Oklahoma opening round tilt is a prime example of why. Two capable, hungry teams with something to prove meet in a game that could shape their postseason futures.
Whether it’s the power of Charlie Condon or the all-around savvy of Jaxon Willits, fans can expect fireworks, grit, and no shortage of drama. And in a tournament where legacies are written and dreams are either realized or shattered, this showdown might be just the beginning of something special.
