OU Kicks Off 125th Football Season

OU Kicks Off 125th Football Season

It’s (almost) football time in Oklahoma!

The University of Oklahoma football team begins its 125th season on Sunday, Sept. 1 as it hosts Houston under the lights of Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on OU’s campus in Norman.

At the helm of the program is third-year head coach Lincoln Riley, who will look to lead OU to its fifth consecutive Big 12 title and third straight appearance in the College Football Playoff. The Sooners were picked to win the conference in the league’s preseason media poll.

“I think the expectations and standard of Oklahoma football are so high that it almost helps a little bit in a funny way,” Riley said at Big 12 Media Days in July. “It almost helps you refocus in that, yeah, the last four were great, but what about the fifth one? That's the mindset around the program. I think we've got a good culture. I think our guys understand and have a healthy respect for how difficult each and every championship has been, each and every win has been. We have had to play our tails off and coach our tails off to get it done, and that's how it should be in the Big 12. And to make another run will be just as difficult — if not more difficult — and it will take everything we have.” 

The Sooners return 14 starters from 2018, including 10 on the defensive side of the ball. The defensive corps is led by first-year coordinator Alex Grinch, who brings a fast-paced style that will rejuvenate the Oklahoma defense.

“Playing this sport, playing this defense, you can't ever be satisfied, you can't ever be content,” senior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore said. “(Grinch is) always finding an opportunity to get better and never settle, and just finding ways to be the best we can be, as well as being great men. That stands out.” 

Oklahoma has also seen back-to-back Heisman trophy-winning quarterbacks in Baker Mayfield (2017) and Kyler Murray (2018). Battling for the starting position in 2019 are Alabama graduate transfer Jalen Hurts, redshirt sophomore Tanner Moredecai, and freshman Spencer Rattler.

Want a behind-the-scenes look as the Sooners prepare for the upcoming season? Then head to SoonerSports.com for videos, photos, and more.

Football and other OU athletics events are a great place to experience being part of the Sooner family. Once you arrive on campus, you too can be part of the more than 86,000 people inside Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on game days. Season tickets for new students (freshmen or transfers) who have not previously attended OU go on sale each August through a lottery.