The Oklahoma Sooners have established themselves as one of college football’s most successful programs, boasting seven national championships and over 900 victories. As a perennial powerhouse, the Sooners not only excel as a team but have also produced numerous standout players who have earned individual accolades. Among these achievements, Oklahoma claims seven Heisman Trophy winners, placing them in a three-way tie for second-most in history with Ohio State and Notre Dame. The only school ahead of them is USC, with eight Heisman winners.
Ou Sooners Spring Football Game
The Heisman Trophy, introduced in 1935 by the Downtown Athletic Club, is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football and remains the sport’s most coveted individual honor. Below is a comprehensive look at Oklahoma’s Heisman Trophy winners and their accomplishments.
Oklahoma Sooners Heisman Trophy Winners
1. Billy Vessels (1952)
Billy Vessels became the Sooners’ first Heisman Trophy recipient after an exceptional senior campaign in 1952. During that season, he rushed for 1,072 yards on 167 carries, scored 17 touchdowns, and even added two passing touchdowns. Although Oklahoma suffered a midseason loss to Notre Dame, Vessels’ dominance on the field led the team to an 8-1-1 record and a fourth-place national ranking.
Following his collegiate career, Vessels played professionally for the Edmonton Eskimos in Canada, where he won the Schenley Award as the league’s top player. Later, he served as a U.S. Army officer and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974.
2. Steve Owens (1969)
Steve Owens won the Heisman Trophy in 1969 thanks to his relentless work ethic and durability. That season, Owens carried the ball 358 times, amassing 1,523 rushing yards and scoring 23 touchdowns. Despite significant losses of talent on the team due to graduation, Owens’ leadership and standout performances—including two 200-yard rushing games—helped Oklahoma remain competitive.
After college, Owens made history as the Detroit Lions’ first player to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991 and left an indelible mark on Oklahoma football with numerous school records.
3. Billy Sims (1978)
Billy Sims captured the 1978 Heisman Trophy with his electrifying performances, leading the nation in rushing with 1,762 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns. Overcoming injuries earlier in his career, Sims set a Big Eight single-season rushing record and helped Oklahoma achieve an 11-1 record, capped by an Orange Bowl victory.
Sims later transitioned to the NFL, where he had a successful career with the Detroit Lions.
4. Jason White (2003)
Jason White’s road to the Heisman Trophy in 2003 was marked by resilience. Overcoming multiple ACL injuries, White put together a phenomenal season, throwing for 3,744 yards and 40 touchdowns while leading Oklahoma to an undefeated regular season and a berth in the BCS National Championship Game.
In addition to the Heisman, White earned the Davey O’Brien Award and other honors. He returned for a final season in 2004, finishing third in the Heisman voting, solidifying his place as one of the most inspiring players in college football history.
5. Sam Bradford (2008)
Sam Bradford’s 2008 season is remembered as one of the most impressive for a quarterback in college football. Bradford passed for 4,720 yards and 50 touchdowns, leading Oklahoma to the highest-scoring offense in NCAA history. His remarkable season earned him the Heisman Trophy, as well as the Davey O’Brien Award and the Sammy Baugh Trophy.
Despite Oklahoma falling short in the BCS title game against Florida, Bradford’s statistical achievements cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats.
6. Baker Mayfield (2017)
Baker Mayfield made history in 2017 as the first walk-on player in the modern era to win the Heisman Trophy. Mayfield’s exceptional season included 4,340 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and only five interceptions, leading the Sooners to a 12-1 record and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Mayfield’s efficiency and leadership secured his place among Oklahoma legends, and he became one of the few players to finish in the top four of Heisman voting three times.
7. Kyler Murray (2018)
Kyler Murray followed Baker Mayfield’s Heisman-winning performance with his own in 2018, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities as a quarterback. Murray accumulated 4,946 total yards and 51 touchdowns, leading Oklahoma to another College Football Playoff appearance.
Murray’s back-to-back Heisman win for the Sooners marked only the fourth time in history that a school produced consecutive Heisman winners, further solidifying Oklahoma’s legacy in college football.
Oklahoma’s Heisman Legacy
These seven Heisman Trophy winners highlight Oklahoma’s consistent ability to produce outstanding talent and maintain its position as a powerhouse in college football. Their achievements reflect the program’s enduring excellence and its place among the elite institutions in the sport.