Oklahoma Heisman winners: Exploring the Sooners football stars who bagged CFB’s most prestigious individual trophy
With seven national titles and more than 900 wins, the Oklahoma Sooners have built a reputation for being one of the best programs in the country. As with any traditional powerhouse, team accomplishments often come hand in hand with individual player recognition, and Oklahoma has plenty of that as well.
The Sooners have produced seven Heisman Trophy winners, tying them for second all-time alongside Ohio State and Notre Dame. Oklahoma trails only USC, which has eight Heisman winners.
The Heisman Trophy, established in 1935 by the Downtown Athletic Club, is annually awarded to college football’s most outstanding player and remains the sport’s most prestigious individual honor.
Here is a list of Heisman Trophy winners from the Oklahoma Sooners.
Oklahoma Sooners Heisman Trophy winners
#1. Billy Vessels, RB (1952)
Billy Vessels became Oklahoma’s first Heisman Trophy winner after an incredible senior season in 1952. He rushed for 1,072 yards on 167 carries, scored 17 touchdowns and even threw for two scores. Despite a midseason loss to Notre Dame, Vessels’ dominance propelled the Sooners to an 8-1-1 record and a fourth-place national ranking.
After college, Vessels played professionally for the Edmonton Eskimos, winning the Schenley Award as Canada’s top player. He later served as a U.S. Army officer and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974.
#2. Steve Owens, RB (1969)
Steve Owens’ workhorse mentality earned him the 1969 Heisman Trophy. Owens carried the ball 358 times for 1,523 yards and scored 23 touchdowns, despite playing on a team that had lost significant talent to graduation. His standout performances included two 200-yard games, showcasing his ability to carry the Sooners’ offense.
After his college career, Owens became the Detroit Lions’ first 1,000-yard rusher. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991 and left a lasting legacy at Oklahoma with multiple school records.
#3. Billy Sims, RB (1978)
Billy Sims, known for his explosive style, won the 1978 Heisman Trophy after leading the nation in rushing with 1,762 yards and 20 touchdowns. Despite battling injuries earlier in his career, Sims set a Big Eight single-season rushing record and guided Oklahoma to an 11-1 record and an Orange Bowl victory.
Sims later enjoyed a successful professional career with the Detroit Lions.
#4. Jason White, QB (2003)
Jason White’s journey to the Heisman Trophy was one of perseverance. After overcoming multiple ACL injuries, White threw for 3,744 yards and 40 touchdowns in 2003, leading the Sooners to an undefeated regular season and a spot in the BCS National Championship Game.
White’s remarkable season earned him numerous accolades, including the Davey O’Brien Award. He returned for another season in 2004, finishing third in Heisman voting, marking one of the most inspiring careers in college football.
#5. Sam Bradford, QB (2008)
Sam Bradford’s 2008 season was a masterclass in quarterbacking. He threw for 4,720 yards and 50 touchdowns, leading the Sooners to the highest-scoring offense in NCAA history. His performance earned him the Heisman Trophy, along with the Davey O’Brien Award and the Sammy Baugh Trophy.
Although Oklahoma fell short in the BCS title game against Florida, Bradford’s season remains one of the most statistically impressive in Heisman history.
#6. Baker Mayfield, QB (2017)
Baker Mayfield’s Heisman-winning season in 2017 was the culmination of his rise from walk-on to college football superstar. Mayfield threw for 4,340 yards and 41 touchdowns with only five interceptions, leading Oklahoma to a 12-1 record and a College Football Playoff berth.
Mayfield’s efficiency and leadership cemented his legacy as one of the Sooners’ all-time greats. He became the first walk-on to win the Heisman Trophy in the modern era and joined an elite group of players who finished in the top four of Heisman voting three times.
#7. Kyler Murray, QB (2018)
Kyler Murray followed in Mayfield’s footsteps, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2018 with a dual-threat performance that redefined the quarterback position. Murray accumulated 4,946 total yards and 51 touchdowns, guiding the Sooners to another College Football Playoff appearance.
Murray’s victory marked the fourth time a school had consecutive Heisman winners, solidifying Oklahoma’s place among the elite programs in college football.