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Legendary Players

The stars who shined brightest in the Red River Rivalry

UT

Texas Legends

10
Quarterback
2003-2005

Vince Young

One of the greatest players in Texas history. Young's dominance in the rivalry was legendary, leading Texas to victories in all three of his Red River Rivalry appearances.

Rivalry Record:

  • • 3-0 vs Oklahoma
  • • 2005: 45-12 win, 4 total TDs
  • • Part of Texas's 2005 National Championship team
  • • Never lost to the Sooners
Legacy: Young's perfect 3-0 record against Oklahoma helped define his legendary Texas career. His 2005 performance showcased his dual-threat dominance.
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
Quote: "I ran over a lot of people, but running over Oklahoma was always special."
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:

  • • 2-2 vs Oklahoma in career
  • • 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, 2 TDs in 2008 game
  • • Never lost at home to Oklahoma
Memorable: His "We just beat the #1 team in the country!" post-game interview became iconic.
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:

  • • 3-0 vs Texas as starter
  • • Never lost to the Longhorns
  • • 2017: 302 yards, 2 TDs in 29-24 win
  • • Famous for planting OU flag at midfield in 2017
Controversial Moment: Planting the OU flag at midfield after 2017 win became one of rivalry's most talked-about moments.
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 debut: 225 yards rushing vs Texas (freshman record)
  • • Scored game-winning TD in 12-0 win
  • • 2-1 record vs Texas in career
  • • Went on to Hall of Fame NFL career
Historic Debut: His 225-yard performance as a true freshman announced him as a superstar.
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 TD in 31-10 win
  • • Won Heisman Trophy that season
  • • 3-1 vs Texas in career
  • • OU's 4th 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:

  • • 2-1 vs Texas in career
  • • Despite 2008 loss, led OU to Big 12 title
  • • 2007: 387 yards and 3 TDs in debut
  • • Set numerous OU passing records

Heisman Trophy Winners in the Rivalry

The Red River Rivalry has featured numerous Heisman Trophy winners over the years. Here's how they performed in the big game:

Player School Year Performance vs Rival
Earl Campbell Texas 1977 124 yards, Texas won 13-6
Billy Sims Oklahoma 1978 131 yards, 1 TD, OU won 31-10
Ricky Williams Texas 1998 139 yards, 2 TDs, Texas won 34-3
Sam Bradford Oklahoma 2008 387 yards, OU lost 35-45
Baker Mayfield Oklahoma 2017 302 yards, 2 TDs, OU won 29-24

See the Next Generation of Stars

Who will be the next legend in this rivalry?