Oklahoma Sooners football, let’s be honest, is a powerhouse in college sports. Over the years, they haven’t just won , they’ve dominated. With 7 national championships tucked neatly under their belts and 5 Heisman Trophy winners (yeah, the Heisman, the biggest individual award out there), OU has consistently proven one thing: they breed greatness.
But what really makes this program stand out are the players. The legends. The guys who made fans scream, jump, and sometimes even question whether physics truly applies to football.
Here’s a look at the best OU football players of all time, the ones who had fans cheering their hearts out.
| Player | Position | Heisman Year | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billy Sims | Running Back | 1978 | 4,118 yards, 53 touchdowns |
| Lee Roy Selmon | Defensive End | N/A | 2x National Champion |
| Billy Vessels | Running Back | 1952 | 1,072 yards, 17 touchdowns |
| Steve Owens | Running Back | 1969 | 1,500 yards, 23 touchdowns |
| Adrian Peterson | Running Back | N/A (Finalist) | 1,925 yards (freshman year) |
| Baker Mayfield | Quarterback | 2017 | 2x College Football Playoff |
| Greg Pruitt | Running Back/Receiver | N/A | 3,122 yards, 41 touchdowns |
#1. Billy Sims – OU’s First Heisman Winner
Billy Sims wasn’t just a running back; he was a lightning bolt in shoulder pads. In 1978, he became the first player from Oklahoma to win the Heisman Trophy, and let me tell you, it wasn’t because he tiptoed through defenses. Nope—he bulldozed them. He ran through defenders like they were trying to chase him on a slip-and-slide.
Sims finished his career with 4,118 rushing yards and a whopping 53 touchdowns. His name still echoes in OU’s history, and for good reason.
Funny fact: When Billy won the Heisman, he couldn’t contain his excitement. He just kept shouting “Boomer!” like it was a reflex. Can you blame him?
#2. Lee Roy Selmon – The Defensive Monster
Next up is Lee Roy Selmon. If you played against him, you probably had nightmares afterward. He wasn’t just a good defensive end—he was a wrecking ball on legs. Selmon played in the 1970s, a time when defense was all about being tough. And tough? Selmon redefined the word. He helped OU win two national titles in 1974 and 1975, and his skill set left offenses shaking in their cleats.
Oh, and did I mention? He was the first pick in the 1976 NFL Draft. Yeah, the pros knew they had to grab him quick.
Funny fact: After going up against Lee Roy, many offensive linemen probably considered switching careers to something less painful—like knitting.
#3. Billy Vessels – 1952 Heisman Trophy Winner
Before Sims, there was Billy Vessels. Vessels became OU’s first Heisman winner in 1952, back when football was a bit more…well, rugged. He was the guy who made defenses look like they were playing in slow motion while he zipped by, scoring touchdowns left and right. He racked up over 1,072 yards and scored 17 touchdowns during his Heisman season.
He set the gold standard for future Sooners to follow, showing them how to mix speed with smarts and deliver when the pressure’s on.
Funny fact: After football, Vessels jumped into business. I guess after winning a Heisman, you’re allowed to try your hand at anything!
#4. Steve Owens – 1969 Heisman Winner and a True Workhorse
Steve Owens didn’t just play football—he worked the field like it was his 9-to-5. In 1969, he won the Heisman after racking up 1,500 yards and 23 touchdowns. His style? Pure determination. Owens holds the OU record for the most rushing attempts. Basically, if you needed someone to run the ball over and over (and over), Steve was your guy.
Defenses knew what was coming…they just couldn’t stop him. Owens was the definition of grit, powering through opponents like they were nothing but obstacles on his way to the end zone.
Funny fact: Owens ran so much, his legs probably needed a vacation after every game. Seriously, ice baths for days.
#5. Adrian Peterson – 2004 Heisman Finalist and a Beast on the Field
Adrian Peterson didn’t just arrive at OU—he exploded onto the scene. In his freshman year (yeah, freshman!), Peterson rushed for 1,925 yards and came in second for the Heisman Trophy. Let’s be clear: he was 18 years old. By the time defenders figured out what was happening, Peterson had already blown past them.
He was big, he was strong, and he was fast—basically a human freight train with a football in his hands. And though he didn’t win the Heisman, he went on to have an absolutely insane NFL career.
Funny fact: Adrian was so unstoppable that defenders probably needed therapy after trying to tackle him. Good luck with that.
#6. Baker Mayfield – The Energized Quarterback and 2017 Heisman Winner
If you needed a quarterback who could pump up an entire stadium and throw a perfect deep ball, you called Baker Mayfield. Mayfield had that magical combination of skill and confidence, which led him to win the Heisman in 2017. He took Oklahoma to the College Football Playoff twice and broke records with ease.
With a cannon for an arm and a knack for making huge plays, Baker was the life of the team. His energy? Off the charts. His leadership? Even higher.
Funny fact: Baker started as a walk-on, meaning nobody gave him a scholarship at first. So, naturally, he ended up winning the Heisman. Talk about proving the doubters wrong!
#7. Greg Pruitt – Fast and Slippery, a Defender’s Worst Nightmare
Greg Pruitt was the ultimate “Swiss Army knife” on the field. He could do just about anything—run, catch, dodge, and make defenders look foolish. Pruitt scored 41 touchdowns and had over 3,122 yards during his time at OU.
His quick moves and unpredictable playstyle made it nearly impossible for defenders to figure out what he was going to do next. One second he’d be there, the next—gone.
Funny fact: If you blinked when Greg Pruitt was on the field, you probably missed him running right past you. Blink once? Too late.
Conclusion
These players weren’t just great , they were iconic. Each of them left an undeniable mark on OU football, from running backs who couldn’t be tackled to quarterbacks who could light up the scoreboard. No matter their position, they gave fans something to celebrate with every game. Whether it was scoring touchdowns or crushing offenses, these Sooners are truly the best of the best. Hope you enjoyed this fun and wild ride through the best OU football players ever!
