Well now, if ya’ll ever been watchin’ college football, you surely know about that Heisman Trophy. It’s a big deal, ya see, a prize that’s been handed out every year since 1935 to the best player in the whole dang nation. And lemme tell ya, Oklahoma University, or OU as we folks call it, sure has a fine history when it comes to this here Heisman thing.
OU’s been mighty good at producing some top-notch players, and over the years, seven of them have got themselves that Heisman Trophy. Ain’t that somethin’? Now, let’s go ahead and take a look at them Sooners who managed to take home that shiny trophy.
1. Billy Vessels (1952)
Way back in 1952, the first Sooner to win the Heisman was Billy Vessels. This fella was a running back, and he was somethin’ else on that field. He led the Sooners to an undefeated season, and folks just couldn’t stop talkin’ about him. That year, he racked up 1,072 yards and scored 12 touchdowns, which was pretty dang good for them times. Sure enough, he made history and became OU’s first Heisman winner.
2. Steve Owens (1969)
Now, fast forward to 1969, and you got Steve Owens, another Sooner runnin’ back. He was a powerhouse, folks. Steve ran for 1,523 yards that season, and he found the end zone 25 times. It wasn’t just his numbers that had folks impressed; it was his all-around playin’ style. Steve Owens was a hard-hittin’, tough-as-nails type of player, and he earned that Heisman fair and square.
3. Billy Sims (1978)
Next up, we got Billy Sims, who took home the Heisman in 1978. Billy was one of the best to ever lace up a pair of cleats for the Sooners. He had that special blend of speed and power, and it showed on the field. That year, he ran for 1,762 yards and scored 22 touchdowns. No wonder he won the Heisman! Billy Sims helped put OU football on the map, and folks still talk about him to this very day.
4. Jason White (2003, 2004)
Then, we got Jason White, who won the Heisman in 2003. White was a quarterback, and he was as cool as a cucumber out there on the field. He had a great arm and a sharp mind for the game, which helped him lead the Sooners to some mighty fine seasons. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns in 2003, and that was enough to earn him that prestigious Heisman Trophy.
5. Sam Bradford (2008)
Sam Bradford was another quarterback who put the Sooners on the map in 2008. This fella was somethin’ special, with a quick release and an eye for the open man. Bradford passed for a staggering 4,720 yards and 50 touchdowns that season, which helped him take home the Heisman. He was young, but he sure knew how to lead his team, and folks were impressed by his poise under pressure.
6. Kyler Murray (2018)
Then in 2018, Kyler Murray made his mark. This fella was fast and agile, and he could throw the ball like nobody’s business. Kyler threw for 4,361 yards and 42 touchdowns that season, and he was just a joy to watch on the field. His quick feet and sharp mind made him one of the best to ever play for OU, and that Heisman trophy was well-deserved.
7. Baker Mayfield (2017)
Now we can’t forget about Baker Mayfield, who took home the Heisman in 2017. Baker was a fiery competitor, and boy, could he sling that ball! He threw for 4,627 yards and 43 touchdowns, leadin’ the Sooners to a successful season. Baker’s playin’ style was full of energy and passion, and he sure earned that Heisman trophy with his hard work and leadership.
The Legacy of OU and the Heisman
As ya can see, OU sure has a fine list of Heisman winners. But they ain’t the only ones. Ohio State, Notre Dame, and USC have had their fair share of Heisman winners too. But still, it’s somethin’ special when you look at the Sooners and see just how many fine players they’ve produced. OU’s football legacy is strong, and their connection to the Heisman is part of that. They’re tied with those other schools for the most Heisman winners, and that’s somethin’ to be proud of.
Since the Heisman’s creation in 1935, it’s been all about recognizing the best of the best in college football. And every year, we wait with bated breath to see who’s gonna be the next to join the ranks of Heisman winners. But if you ask me, there’s somethin’ special about OU’s contribution to that list. The Sooners have produced some of the best football players to ever grace the field, and they’ve done it with style, grit, and a whole lot of heart.
So, whether ya’ll are from Oklahoma or not, you can appreciate the rich history of the Heisman and the role the Sooners have played in it. They’ve earned their place in Heisman history, and that’s somethin’ that’ll never be forgotten.
Tags：[Heisman Trophy, Oklahoma University, OU football, Billy Vessels, Steve Owens, Billy Sims, Jason White, Sam Bradford, Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield, college football, Heisman winners, Sooners football]
