University of Oklahoma Athletics

The University of Oklahoma - Oklahoma Football

The University of Oklahoma - Oklahoma Football

May 20, 2013 | Football

By: Athletics Communications

The University of Oklahoma - Oklahoma Football

1950 National Champions

Oklahoma's initial national championship, the first of three under legendary head coach Bud Wilkinson, set the football program on a course that regularly meets with high-level success.

Consensus All-Americans Leon Heath and Jim Weatherall paved the way and got assistance from a first-year player, Billy Vessels, who scored 15 touchdowns that season. Two seasons later, Vessels captured OU's first Heisman Trophy.

Wilkinson's first title team featured homegrown talent (he limited his recruiting to a tight radius of the campus), yet achieved on a level that was recognized from coast to coast.

1950 Results (10-1 Overall, 6-0 Big 7)
09/30/50 - Oklahoma 28, Boston College 0
10/07/50 - Oklahoma 43, Texas A&M 28
10/14/50 - Oklahoma 14, Texas 13
10/21/50 - Oklahoma 58, Kansas State 0
10/28/50 - Oklahoma 20, Iowa State 7
11/04/50 - Oklahoma 27, Colorado 18
11/11/50 - Oklahoma 33, Kansas 13
11/18/50 - Oklahoma 41, Missouri 7
11/25/50 - Oklahoma 49, Nebraska 35
12/02/50 - Oklahoma 41, Oklahoma State 14
01/01/51 - Kentucky 13, Oklahoma 7 (Sugar Bowl)


Head Coach: Bud Wilkinson

All-Americans:
Leon Heath, Fullback - Hollis, Okla.
Jim Weatherall, Tackle - Deer, Texas
Buddy Jones, Safety - Holdenville, Okla.
Frankie Anderson, Enid - Oklahoma City, Okla.

Final 1950 AP Poll Record
1. Oklahoma 10-1-0
2. Army 8-1-0
3. Texas 9-2-0
4. Tennessee 11-1-0
5. California 9-1-1
6. Princeton 9-0-0
7. Kentucky 11-1-0
8. Michigan State 8-1-0
9. Michigan 6-3-1
10. Clemson 9-0-1
HOME | GAMEDAY EXPERIENCE | CAMPUS EXPERIENCE | FACILITIES | OKLAHOMA TRADITION | FOOTBALL STAFF | THE SOONERS
© University of Oklahoma Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

Related News

Skip Ad
All News
R Mason Thomas
Greased Lightning: Thomas Builds Game on Speed
Wednesday, September 10
John Mateer looks to pass downfield in Oklahoma's win over No. 15 Michigan on Sept. 6, 2025.
Mateer Named Earl Campbell Award Player of the Week
Tuesday, September 09
John Mateer runs through an opening in the offensive line against Michigan
Mateer Named SEC Offensive Player of the Week
Monday, September 08
NORMAN, OK - September 06, 2025 - Oklahoma Quarterback John Mateer (#10) during the game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, OK. Photo By Brendall Vargas/University of Oklahoma
Mateer, Burks Shine in Win Over Michigan
Saturday, September 06
All News
Skip Ad

Related Videos

Skip Ad
All Videos
Brent Venables Media Availability - 9/9/25
Tuesday, September 09
Ben Arbuckle Media Availability - 9/9/25
Tuesday, September 09
Sooner Sports Talk - 9/8/25
Monday, September 08
Sooner Football With Brent Venables - 9/7/25
Sunday, September 07
All Videos