← Back to History

Legendary Players

The stars who shined brightest in the Red River Rivalry

UT

Texas Legends

10
Quarterback
2003-2005

Vince Young

Young's breakthrough against Oklahoma came in 2005, when he helped Texas end a five-game losing streak in the series. The 45-12 victory was part of the Longhorns' national championship season.

Rivalry Record:

  • • Texas went 1-2 in his three rivalry appearances, 2003-2005
  • • 2003: 13-65 loss; 2004: 0-12 loss
  • • 2005: 45-12 win, 241 passing yards and 3 passing TDs
  • • Part of Texas's 2005 National Championship team
Breakthrough: Young threw three touchdown passes in the 2005 win, turning two difficult rivalry appearances into a decisive final victory.
20
Running Back
1974-1977

Earl Campbell 🏆

1977 Heisman Trophy

The Tyler Rose. Campbell was a bulldozing force who dominated opponents with his powerful running style. His Heisman Trophy season included a signature performance against Oklahoma.

Rivalry Highlights:

  • • 1977: 124 rushing yards in 13-6 Texas win
  • • Won Heisman Trophy that season
  • • Known for punishing running style against OU
  • • Hall of Fame career in NFL with Houston Oilers
Heisman season: Campbell's 1977 game log records 124 rushing yards and a touchdown against Oklahoma.
34
Running Back
1995-1998

Ricky Williams 🏆

1998 Heisman Trophy

The record-breaking running back who became Texas's first Heisman winner since 1977. Williams terrorized defenses including Oklahoma's with his combination of power and speed.

Rivalry Record:

  • • Played in the rivalry from 1995 through 1998
  • • 1998: 139 yards and 2 TDs in 34-3 win
  • • Finished career as NCAA's all-time leading rusher
  • • Dominated in Heisman-winning season
12
Quarterback
2006-2009

Colt McCoy

Texas's winningest quarterback and author of the iconic 2008 upset of #1 Oklahoma. McCoy's leadership and clutch performances defined his era.

Rivalry Highlights:

  • • 3-1 record vs Oklahoma
  • • 2008: Led upset of #1 OU, 45-35
  • • 277 passing yards and 1 passing TD in the 2008 game
  • • All four rivalry starts were at the neutral-site Cotton Bowl
Memorable: McCoy completed 28 of 35 passes without an interception in the 2008 upset of No. 1 Oklahoma.
OU

Oklahoma Legends

6
Quarterback
2015-2017

Baker Mayfield 🏆

2017 Heisman Trophy

The fiery walk-on who became a Heisman winner. Mayfield was known for his competitiveness and clutch performances, especially against Texas.

Rivalry Record:

  • • 2-1 vs Texas as Oklahoma's starter, 2015-2017
  • • 2015: 17-24 loss; 2016: 45-40 win
  • • 2017: 302 yards, 2 TDs in 29-24 win
Rivalry Moment: Mayfield found Mark Andrews for the winning 59-yard touchdown in 2017. His Oklahoma player profile lists 302 passing yards and two touchdowns in that game.
28
Running Back
2004-2006

Adrian Peterson

"All Day" AP was a physical marvel who terrorized defenses from the moment he stepped on campus. His freshman debut against Texas was legendary.

Rivalry Highlights:

  • • 2004 rivalry debut: 225 rushing yards in a 12-0 win
  • • No touchdown in that game; Kejuan Jones scored OU's only TD
  • • Oklahoma went 1-2 against Texas during his 2004-2006 career
  • • Became the NFL's 2012 Most Valuable Player
Historic Debut: Peterson carried 32 times for 225 yards in the 2004 game. OU's scoring came from two Trey DiCarlo field goals and Jones's six-yard touchdown run.
20
Running Back
1975-1979

Billy Sims 🏆

1978 Heisman Trophy

One of Oklahoma's greatest running backs, Sims combined speed and power to dominate the Big 8. His performances against Texas were electric.

Rivalry Record:

  • • 1978: 131 yards and 2 TDs in 31-10 win
  • • Won Heisman Trophy that season
  • • 25 carries against Texas in his Heisman-winning season
  • • Oklahoma's third Heisman winner
14
Quarterback
2007-2009

Sam Bradford 🏆

2008 Heisman Trophy

The precision passer who won the Heisman as a sophomore. Despite the 2008 loss to Texas, Bradford's career was defined by excellence.

Rivalry Record:

  • • Oklahoma went 1-2 in his rivalry starts, 2007-2009
  • • Despite 2008 loss, led OU to Big 12 title
  • • 2007: 244 passing yards and 3 TDs in a 28-21 win
  • • 2008: 387 passing yards and 5 TDs in a 35-45 loss
  • • Set numerous OU passing records

Heisman Trophy Winners in the Rivalry

These nine Texas and Oklahoma Heisman winners are listed by award year. Each row summarizes the regular-season Cotton Bowl matchup in that player's winning season; it excludes the separate 2018 Big 12 Championship Game. Player links lead to the Heisman Trophy's official profiles and game logs.

Player School Heisman Year Award-Season Rivalry Performance
Billy Vessels Oklahoma 1952 106 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs; OU won 49-20
Steve Owens Oklahoma 1969 123 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD; OU lost 17-27
Earl Campbell Texas 1977 124 rushing yards, Texas won 13-6
Billy Sims Oklahoma 1978 131 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs; OU won 31-10
Ricky Williams Texas 1998 139 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs; Texas won 34-3
Jason White Oklahoma 2003 290 passing yards, 4 passing TDs; OU won 65-13
Sam Bradford Oklahoma 2008 387 passing yards, 5 passing TDs; OU lost 35-45
Baker Mayfield Oklahoma 2017 302 passing yards, 2 passing TDs; OU won 29-24
Kyler Murray Oklahoma 2018 304 passing yards, 4 passing TDs; 92 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD; OU lost 45-48

See the Next Generation of Stars

Who will be the next legend in this rivalry?

Get Tickets Game Guide