Oklahoma

Get ready to saddle up, football fans! We're embarking on a thrilling journey through the rich history of Oklahoma State Cowboys football. From the program's humble beginnings to its rise to national prominence, we'll explore the iconic players, legendary coaches, and unforgettable moments that have shaped this storied program.

Oklahoma State football boasts a rich tapestry of traditions that weave together the history, pride, and spirit of the university and its community. One of the most iconic traditions is the ringing of the "Old Central" bell, which dates back to the early 20th century. After each football victory, students and fans gather to ring the bell, celebrating the triumph and echoing the joy across campus.

Another cherished tradition is the "Paddle People," a group of dedicated fans who wield paddles adorned with players' names and numbers. They enthusiastically smack their paddles against the stadium walls to create a thunderous noise, amplifying the energy of the crowd and showing unwavering support for the team.

The university's mascot, Pistol Pete, is also an integral part of the football experience. Dressed in traditional cowboy attire, Pistol Pete embodies the frontier spirit of Oklahoma and rallies fans with his signature enthusiasm.

Game day at Oklahoma State is incomplete without the stirring rendition of the "OSU Chant" and the marching band's vibrant performances. These traditions, rooted in a deep sense of community and pride, create an electrifying atmosphere that envelops Boone Pickens Stadium.

Overall, Oklahoma State football traditions are more than rituals—they are a testament to the enduring passion and unity fostered by the Cowboys' football program, making each game day a memorable experience for players, alumni, and fans alike.

Join us as we delve into the heart of Cowboy Country, where passion for the game runs deep. We'll uncover the secrets behind the program's success, celebrate its greatest triumphs, and remember its most heartbreaking losses. Whether you're a lifelong OSU fan or just discovering the magic of Cowboy football, this series will take you on a wild ride through the annals of college football history.

In the heart of Oklahoma, where wheat fields sway under endless skies and crimson and cream reign supreme, lies a tale steeped in tradition and gridiron glory. This is the story of the Oklahoma Sooners, a football program woven from a century of thunderous victories, iconic figures, and an unshakeable spirit that roars like a Sooner Schooner across the plains.

It all began in 1895, a fledgling team carving its identity in the frontier spirit of the Territory. From the legendary Bennie Owen era, where Sooners like Adrian Peterson and Jim Thorpe etched their names in national consciousness, to the dynasty of Barry Switzer, where Oklahoma staked its claim to four national championships, the program has always craved the spotlight, embracing audacious offense and relentless pursuit of perfection.

But the Sooners weren't just about trophies. They were about swagger, about defying expectations with trick plays and no-look throws. They were about Bud Wilkinson's "Wishbone" attack, tearing through defenses like a prairie wind. They were about Barry Switzer's swagger, declaring "Sooner Schooner Sooners bring more fans than friends," and backing it up on the field.

More than just Xs and Os, the Sooners are a tapestry woven from unforgettable faces. Bob Stoops, the stoic leader who brought home another national title in 2000. Baker Mayfield, the gunslinger who defied doubters and ignited the Big 12 with his Heisman magic. Adrian Peterson, the "Purple People Eater," whose every run resonated through the Oklahoma faithful. These names whisper through the stands, echoing tales of audacious feats and championship dreams realized.

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In the heart of the Great Plains, where crimson bleeds into burnt orange and echoes of "Boomer Sooner" roll across the prairie, lies a football program as storied as it is fierce: the Oklahoma Sooners. Their history is a tapestry woven with legendary coaches, iconic plays, and an unwavering pursuit of national glory.

The saga begins in 1895, a fledgling program taking its first wobbly steps. But by the 1940s, under the legendary Bud Wilkinson, the Sooners found their stride. Wilkinson's "Split T" offense revolutionized the game, churning out future pros like Bob Stovall and Billy Vessels, the "Little General" who led Oklahoma to its first national championship in 1950.

The Sooners cemented their dynasty under Barry Switzer in the 1970s and 80s. The wishbone offense, orchestrated by players like the electrifying Steve Davis and the unstoppable Marcus Dupree, tore through defenses, culminating in three more national titles. Switzer's fiery spirit and larger-than-life persona solidified Oklahoma's reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

Oklahoma has continued to churn out talent under coaches like Bob Stoops's successor, Lincoln Riley. Baker Mayfield's Heisman Trophy campaign in 2017, Kyler Murray's dazzling dual-threat brilliance, and Jalen Hurts's leadership all remind us that the Sooner spirit burns bright.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys football program, representing Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. Established in 1895, the program initially emerged as a way to foster school spirit and community pride, mirroring the growth of college football across the United States.

In its early years, the Cowboys were part of the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference and gradually began to build a competitive reputation. The program saw significant growth in the 1920s and 1930s, with the construction of Lewis Field in 1920, which provided a home for the team and a venue for thousands of fans to rally behind their players. The team adopted its iconic orange and black colors, which have since become synonymous with Oklahoma State athletics.

The turning point for the Cowboys came in the 1940s under head coach Jim Lookabaugh, who led the team to its first conference championships. The success helped solidify Oklahoma State’s position in college football, and the team began to attract more attention both regionally and nationally.

In 1958, the program achieved a significant milestone by joining the Big Eight Conference, which further elevated its competitiveness. This period saw the emergence of notable players and coaches, including legendary coach Jimmy Johnson in the 1980s, who would later gain fame in the NFL. Under Johnson's leadership, the Cowboys achieved a national ranking and were invited to bowl games, enhancing the program's prestige.

The 1990s and early 2000s were marked by ups and downs, but the hiring of head coach Mike Gundy in 2005 ushered in a new era of success. Gundy revitalized the program, leading the Cowboys to multiple bowl appearances and significant victories over traditional rivals. The team's performance soared, highlighted by a Big 12 Championship in 2011 and consistent rankings in national polls.

Oklahoma State football is not just known for its competitive spirit; it also boasts a passionate fan base and a unique game-day atmosphere at Boone Pickens Stadium. The integration of tradition, community involvement, and academic commitment has solidified the Cowboys' identity both on and off the field.

Today, the Oklahoma State Cowboys football program continues to be a vital part of the university’s athletic landscape, contributing to the legacy of college football in the United States. With a commitment to excellence, the Cowboys aim to build on their storied past while aspiring for future successes in the ever-evolving world of college athletics.

Oklahoma's football story reads like an epic ballad, each chapter punctuated by the thrilling exploits of its gunslingers. From Bob Warmack's swagger to Baker Mayfield's swagger, passing greats have painted the crimson sky with touchdown rainbows.

Early heroes like Jack Mildren and Thomas Lott paved the way, carving their names in the records with aerial assaults. Then came the Barry Switzer era, where Jamelle Holieway and Danny Bradley launched bombs, rewriting offensive playbooks with their audacious throws.

The "Air Raid" revolution arrived with Steve Sarkisian, unleashing Josh Heupel and Jason White to Heisman glory. White's precision and Heupel's dual-threat magic mesmerized, culminating in a national championship.

Then came the dynasty whisperer, Lincoln Riley. Sam Bradford's laser passes and Landry Jones' record-breaking throws kept Oklahoma in the national spotlight. But it was Baker Mayfield who became the gunslinger king, his swagger and clutch throws leading the Sooners back to the promised land.

Kyler Murray's electrifying dual-threat prowess and Jalen Hurts' grit added new chapters, proving that Oklahoma's quarterback lineage wasn't bound by style. And who can forget Spencer Rattler's early Heisman buzz, setting the stage for the next act in this ever-evolving aerial epic?

Each quarterback left his mark, a unique brushstroke on the Sooners' canvas. Warmack's gunslinger grit, Holieway's bombastic showmanship, White's surgical accuracy, Mayfield's fiery leadership, Murray's lightning speed, Hurts' unwavering toughness – all woven into the Oklahoma fabric.

There is so much more to explore, so check out our other stories of Oklahoma Sooners football history.

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More than just a mascot, the Oklahoma Sooners' Sooner Schooner is a rolling emblem of history, spirit, and a dash of prairie whimsy. It's a relic of a bygone era, a horse-drawn wagon that thunders onto Owen Field, carrying both tradition and the hopes of thousands of crimson-clad fans.

Its origins lie in the early 20th century, when Oklahoma adopted the "Sooner" moniker, celebrating those who rushed into newly opened Oklahoma Territory. To embody this spirit, students in 1923 built a replica covered wagon, pulled by two spirited ponies. Thus, the Sooner Schooner was born.

It wasn't just a wagon; it was a spectacle. Fireworks erupting from its wooden frame, students dressed in pioneer garb, and the booming "Boomer Sooner" fight song resonating through the stadium: the Schooner's arrival became a pre-game ritual as exhilarating as any touchdown.

But the Schooner wasn't just for show. It symbolized resilience, weathering the ups and downs of Sooner football, from national championships to heartbreaking losses. It witnessed Barry Switzer's dynasty, watched Heisman winners like Billy Sims and Baker Mayfield shine, and rumbled through the mud and snow for countless victories.

The Schooner, however, isn't static. It evolves with the times. Its wheels roll on astroturf instead of grass, its ponies wear protective gear, and its pyrotechnics have grown even more elaborate. Yet, through the changes, the core remains: a tribute to the spirit of the Sooner, a beacon of unity for the crimson horde, and a reminder that in Oklahoma, history and tradition gallop hand-in-hand. There is so much more to explore, so check out our other stories of Oklahoma Sooners football history.