The Oklahoma Sooners have a rich and storied history in college football, one that spans more than a century and is filled with triumphs, setbacks, and countless legendary figures. From humble beginnings in the late 19th century to becoming one of the most successful and recognizable programs in college football history, the Sooners’ journey has been marked by perseverance, championship seasons, and a commitment to excellence.
The Early Years: Beginnings and Building Foundations (1895-1940s)
The University of Oklahoma football program began in 1895, with the Sooners playing their first game on Thanksgiving Day against a team from Oklahoma City. The early years were a struggle for Oklahoma, as the team had little success and operated with minimal resources. During this period, the Sooners were essentially a regional team, with the program still developing its identity and competitive edge.
The team’s early years were filled with growth, but it wasn’t until the 1920s that Oklahoma began to build a foundation for future success. Under coach Bennie Owen, who took over in 1905, the Sooners began to experience their first taste of success. Owen led the Sooners to their first conference championship in 1920, and by the mid-1920s, Oklahoma had become a steady contender in the Southwest Conference. The Sooners were no longer the underdogs, and they were starting to be recognized as a solid football program.
The 1930s marked a shift toward more consistent success, though the Sooners were still not the dominant force they would later become. Coach Josh Hiltner led the team for a brief period in the 1930s, guiding them to competitive seasons. However, the team was still trying to find its footing on a national scale. Nevertheless, the groundwork was being laid for the Sooners to develop into a powerhouse program.
The Post-War Golden Age (1940s-1960s)
The 1940s brought further growth to the program, especially with the arrival of coach Bud Wilkinson in 1947. Wilkinson’s tenure marked a major turning point in Oklahoma football history. Under his leadership, the Sooners would enter a golden era that would elevate them to national prominence.
Wilkinson’s first major accomplishment came in 1949 when he led Oklahoma to its first national championship. The Sooners finished the season with a perfect 11-0 record, earning recognition as the best team in the country. It was the first of many successful seasons under Wilkinson, who would go on to lead Oklahoma to a second national title in 1955.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Oklahoma football would reach new heights. During this period, the Sooners won an astounding 47 consecutive games from 1953 to 1957, which remains an NCAA record. This streak not only solidified Oklahoma’s place among the elite programs in college football but also set the tone for the future of the team.
Wilkinson’s leadership helped establish Oklahoma’s identity as a dominant force in college football, with a strong emphasis on a fast-paced, high-scoring offense. Wilkinson’s teams were known for their toughness, discipline, and consistency, and he would go on to win three national championships (1950, 1955, and 1956) during his tenure, becoming a Hall of Fame coach and solidifying the foundation for what would become one of college football’s most storied programs.
Barry Switzer and the Emergence of a Dynasty (1973-1989)
One of the most significant figures in Oklahoma football history is Barry Switzer, who took over as head coach in 1973. Switzer inherited a program that had a rich tradition of success, and he would go on to build upon that legacy in ways that would elevate the Sooners to even greater heights.
Switzer’s first major achievement came in 1974 when the Sooners won the Big Eight Conference and finished with a 10-2 record. But it was the 1975 season that really put Oklahoma on the map, as the Sooners went on an undefeated run, capturing their first national championship under Switzer’s leadership. The Sooners finished the season ranked No. 1 in the country and were propelled by a dynamic offense led by future NFL Hall of Famer Billy Sims.
Switzer would go on to lead Oklahoma to three national championships in a span of eight years (1974, 1975, and 1985). Under his leadership, the Sooners became known for their wishbone offense, a fast, run-heavy attack that relied on a powerful offensive line and a quick, elusive backfield. Switzer’s teams were fast, physical, and nearly impossible to stop once they hit their stride.
The 1980s saw Oklahoma’s dominance continue, with the Sooners regularly competing for national titles. The program produced several notable players, including future NFL stars like Thurman Thomas, Keith Jackson, and Wayne Morris. Switzer’s ability to recruit elite talent and develop that talent into championship-caliber teams cemented his place as one of college football’s greatest coaches.
However, despite all the success, Switzer’s tenure was also marked by off-field controversies. NCAA violations and disciplinary issues would eventually lead to Switzer’s departure from Oklahoma in 1989. Nevertheless, his legacy at Oklahoma remains undeniable, and he is remembered as one of the greatest coaches in college football history.
The 1990s: Transition and Struggles (1990-1998)
Following Switzer’s departure, Oklahoma went through a period of transition, marked by inconsistent performance and coaching changes. The 1990s were a difficult decade for the Sooners, as the program experienced a series of down years. Gary Gibbs, who took over as head coach in 1989, struggled to maintain the high standards set by his predecessor, and the team’s performance declined.
During the early part of the decade, Oklahoma was rarely competitive on a national level, and it became clear that the program was in need of a significant overhaul. The Sooners did have occasional strong seasons, but these were often overshadowed by disappointing finishes.
The 1990s were marked by a series of coaching changes, with coaches like Howard Schnellenberger (1995-1996) and John Blake (1996-1998) taking the helm, but neither was able to restore the program to its former glory. The Sooners were left searching for answers as the decade wound down.
The Bob Stoops Era (1999-2016): A New Era of Dominance
The dawn of the 21st century brought with it the return of Oklahoma’s football dominance, thanks to the hiring of Bob Stoops as head coach in 1999. Stoops, who had previously served as the defensive coordinator at the University of Florida, was tasked with rebuilding the Sooners into a championship program, and he wasted no time getting started.
Stoops’s impact was immediate, as he led Oklahoma to a national championship game in just his second season as head coach. The 2000 season saw the Sooners go undefeated and claim their seventh national championship under Stoops’ leadership. With a 13-0 record, Oklahoma was ranked No. 1 in the country, and Stoops’s strong defensive schemes and efficient offense led the team to victory.
The success of the 2000 season laid the foundation for a new era of dominance for the Sooners. Stoops led the Sooners to numerous Big 12 titles, established Oklahoma as a fixture in the College Football Playoff conversation, and became a constant contender for national championships. During Stoops’s tenure, Oklahoma produced several Heisman Trophy winners, including Jason White (2003) and Sam Bradford (2008), and the program remained among the elite in college football.
Stoops’s tenure was marked by success but also heartbreak, as the Sooners fell short in several high-profile games. However, his legacy is undeniable, as he brought Oklahoma back to the pinnacle of college football. Stoops retired after the 2016 season, but his impact on the program is still felt today.
Lincoln Riley and the Future (2017-Present)
After Stoops’s retirement, Lincoln Riley took over as head coach in 2017. Riley, a young and innovative coach, quickly turned Oklahoma into an offensive juggernaut. Under Riley’s leadership, the Sooners continued their high-scoring offensive success, producing Heisman-winning quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield (2017) and Kyler Murray (2018).
While Riley’s teams have remained among the top contenders in the Big 12, Oklahoma has faced challenges on the national stage, particularly in the College Football Playoff, where they’ve struggled to advance past the semifinals. Despite this, Riley’s ability to develop elite quarterbacks and maintain a high-powered offense has kept the Sooners competitive on a national level.
Looking ahead, the Sooners are poised to continue their tradition of excellence, especially with their move to the SEC in the near future. The program has consistently recruited top talent and has positioned itself for continued success in the evolving landscape of college football.
Conclusion
From humble beginnings to national prominence, the Oklahoma Sooners have established themselves as one of the most successful programs in college football history. With seven national championships, numerous conference titles, and a tradition of producing legendary players and coaches, the Sooners’ legacy is etched in the annals of college football. As the program continues to evolve, the Oklahoma Sooners will undoubtedly remain a dominant force in the sport for years to come.