Oklahoma’s 50 Cent Moment Backfires in CFP Loss to Alabama

Nick Pedone|published: Sat 20th December, 12:22 2025

Nov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Javonnie Gibson (11) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) during the fourth quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Oklahoma blew a 17-0 lead against the Alabama Crimson Tide on Friday night.

More embarrassing?

The Sooners brought out 50 Cent to perform a censored, TV-friendly version of “Many Men” to start the fourth quarter.

The 2003 record has been the anthem for the Sooners all season long, so of course it made sense to bring out the legendary 50 Cent himself for the College Football Playoff in Norman, Oklahoma.

But TV cameras quickly captured Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson rapping along with the song – clearly a fan.

While the Sooners were able to use that song and momentum to score a fourth quarter touchdown, it did not matter. Alabama had sucked the momentum out of Oklahoma Memorial Stadium before 50 Cent even had an opportunity to come out and perform.

Alabama pulled off a narrow upset on a massive stage by defeating the Sooners in the first round of the expanded College Football Playoff. It’s a win that likely keeps their head coach Kalen DeBoer in Tuscaloosa and away from the vacant Michigan Wolverines job.

If you’re the Sooners, you just can’t lose a game like that. When Oklahoma was up 17-0, many fans started the speculation that DeBoer could be heading to Michigan. Others argued about Alabama’s legitimacy, pondering if Notre Dame would have been a better fit in the College Football Playoff.

But it also gives the Crimson Tide a matchup with the Big Ten Championship winning Indiana Hoosiers, who finished the season as the No. 1 ranked team in college football. Another upset for Alabama would give the Tide some serious momentum throughout the rest of the tournament.

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables had no response for Alabama’s comeback. The head coach stood puzzled, wearing an “Air Jordan” sweatshirt with a basketball logo on it to coach hit football team.

Using 50 Cent did not work.

Neither did quarterback John Mateer, who willed his way back from a hand injury to suit up for the Sooners in these games. The injured quarterback surpassed 300 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception in the loss.

Oklahoma is now 0-5 in College Football Playoff games. This one hurts especially bad because there was a moment where it felt like they were set up for victory in a game in which they were the betting favorite.