The Best Oklahoma Sooners of All Time
A list of the best Oklahoma Sooners of all time. Beginning in 1895, the University of Oklahoma began its illustrious football program. To many in the Heartland, Oklahoma football has maintained a standard of excellence since that time. The school has been long associated with winning football and has produced some of the best players in college football history.
Oklahoma has a history of winning national titles, with seven claimed and a whopping ten unclaimed championships. Oklahoma is known for having one of the most fearsome defensive lines in college football history. Led by pro football Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon, Oklahoma can boast having a number of powerhouses along its defensive front. That doesn't even include the school's five Heisman Trophy winners. Sam Bradford is the most recent Oklahoma Sooner to bring the Heisman back to Norman. During his time in school, Bradford set a number of records and was the first overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft when he was selected by the St. Louis Rams.
Other famous players who are considered some of the greatest Sooners ever are flamboyant linebacker Brian Bosworth and running back Adrian Peterson. All Day powered Oklahoma to the 2004 BCS Championship game where it succumbed to USC. In fact, Oklahoma Sooners running backs have been among the best in college football. Since Bob Stoops became head coach in 1998, Oklahoma has had some of its best players and has a prosperous run. The school is a fixture in both the AP and Coaches Poll.
This is the list of the best Oklahoma Sooners football players of all time. If you notice a player who deserves to be on this list, feel free to add him. Vote or rerank this list according to who you think should be considered the greatest Sooners player ever.- 1Running back
- Birthplace: Texas, USA, Palestine
- Age: 38
- Teams: Washington Redskins
With a staggering combination of speed, agility, and raw power, Adrian Peterson has solidified his position as one of the Oklahoma Sooners' greatest running backs of all time. His relentless pursuit of breaking tackles and outrunning his opponents consistently left spectators in awe, helping to redefine expectations for the running back position. A highly influential figure in college football, Peterson's illustrious career at Oklahoma laid the foundation for his eventual transition to NFL stardom.
- 2Defensive end
- Birthplace: Eufaula, Oklahoma
- Age: Dec. at 56 (1954-2011)
- Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oklahoma Sooners football
As an unyielding force on the defensive line, Lee Roy Selmon expertly terrorized opposing offenses and served as a cornerstone of the Sooners' defense during his tenure. With an almost supernatural ability to break through blocks and disrupt opponents, Selmon made his presence felt on every single play. His earth-shattering tackles and unmatched tenacity on the field contributed to Oklahoma's consistent defensive prowess and elevated the standard for future defensive linemen.
Billy Sims dazzled fans with his electrifying runs, uncanny vision on the field, and deceptive cutting ability. Boasting a unique combination of speed and power, Sims carved his way through defenses with the finesse of a maestro, exhibiting an unrivaled instinct for seeking out gaps in the opponent's line. As one of the most talented running backs in Oklahoma history, Sims' impact on the Sooners' offense established a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future athletes.
- 4Safety
- Birthplace: Redwood City, California, USA
- Age: 43
- Teams: Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys
Renowned for his devastating hits and incredible versatility, Roy Williams emerged as a key defensive stalwart and anchored the Sooners' secondary during his time in Norman. With an exceptional ability to analyze plays, Williams displayed an uncanny knack for being in the right place at the right time, shutting down offensive schemes seemingly at will. An embodiment of the Oklahoma spirit, his penchant for making game-changing plays energized both his team and fans alike.
5Baker Mayfield
An embodiment of sheer determination and resilience, Baker Mayfield's emergence as one of Oklahoma's all-time greatest quarterbacks is nothing short of inspiring. His fearless leadership, along with an uncanny ability to extend plays, allowed Mayfield to orchestrate the Sooners' offense with surgical precision. Cementing his reputation as a virtuoso passer and playmaker, Mayfield's time at Oklahoma set the stage for his continued success at the professional level.
- 6Quarterback
- Birthplace: Bedford, Texas
- Teams: Arizona Cardinals
Blessed with blistering speed, remarkable athleticism, and pinpoint accuracy, Kyler Murray revolutionized the quarterback position during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners. His unique ability to effortlessly transition between pocket passing and scrambling showcased his dual-threat capabilities, leaving defenses scrambling to contain him. Murray's dynamic style of play and undeniable skill catapulted him into the pantheon of great Oklahoma quarterbacks.
