The Golden Hat Trophy: 80+ Years of Rivalry History
Since 1941, the winner of the Red River Rivalry has taken home one of college football’s most distinctive trophies: the Golden Hat.
What Makes It Special
The Golden Hat isn’t your typical trophy. It’s a bronze 10-gallon cowboy hat, plated in gold, sitting on a wooden base. It’s pure Texas swagger in trophy form.
Trophy Specifications
- Material: Bronze, gold-plated
- Style: Classic 10-gallon cowboy hat
- Weight: Approximately 40 pounds
- First Awarded: 1941
- Current Holder: Texas (as of 2024)
The Origin Story
The trophy was created in 1941 by the State Fair of Texas and the Associated Students of the University of Texas. The idea was simple: create a symbol worthy of this great rivalry.
Why a cowboy hat? Because this is Texas and Oklahoma we’re talking about. Nothing represents the region quite like a 10-gallon hat.
Famous Golden Hat Moments
Baker Mayfield’s Competitive Spirit (2017)
Baker Mayfield’s passionate playing style and bold celebrations during his 2017 Heisman-winning season defined Oklahoma’s program. While his controversial flag planting occurred after an Ohio State victory rather than against Texas, his competitive intensity became part of the Red River Rivalry narrative during his era.
Mayfield’s fierce competitiveness embodied what makes the Red River Rivalry special – the emotion, intensity, and willingness to do whatever it takes to win.
Colt McCoy’s 2008 Celebration
When Texas upset #1 Oklahoma in 2008, Colt McCoy’s celebration with the Golden Hat became legendary. His post-game interview—“We just beat the No. 1 team in the country!”—is still replayed today.
The 2022 Shutout
After Texas’s historic 49-0 shutout in 2022, the entire Longhorns team took turns wearing the hat on the field. It was the first shutout in the rivalry since 2004.
By the Numbers
Current Trophy Count (1941-2024):
- Texas: 46 times
- Oklahoma: 33 times
- Ties: 4 times
Longest Consecutive Possession
Oklahoma’s 8-game winning streak (2000-2007) remains the longest continuous possession of the Golden Hat by either school.
The Annual Journey
Each year, the Golden Hat makes the same journey:
- Pre-Game: Stored securely in Dallas
- Game Day: Brought to Cotton Bowl for post-game ceremony
- Post-Game: Presented to winning team on field
- Year-Long: Displayed at winner’s athletic facilities
- Repeat: Returns to Dallas the following October
Why It Matters
Players on both sides say the same thing: winning the Golden Hat is what it’s all about. Conference titles are great, playoff berths are amazing, but beating your rival and taking home that gold-plated cowboy hat? That’s something special.
As one Texas player put it: “You can lose every other game, but if you beat OU and get that hat, your season was a success.”
(Note: This is hyperbole—please don’t actually lose every other game.)
Fun Facts
- The hat is called a “10-gallon hat” but actually only holds about 3/4 gallon
- It’s periodically re-plated to maintain its golden shine
- Every player wants their photo with it
- It’s one of the most recognized trophies in college football
See It in Person
Want to see the Golden Hat presented in 2025? The game is October 11, 2025 at the Cotton Bowl.
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