Brace yourself, because one of college football’s most iconic programs is going to have a slightly modified look this fall. Oklahoma introduced a new uniform set for the upcoming season and while for the most part the Sooners will look the same as they always have, there will be the occasional alternate look that may catch some off guard at first.
Oklahoma’s traditional uniforms will remain, although they will now read “Oklahoma” across the front instead of “Sooners.” It’s different, but far from outlandish. The Sooners will also have a pair of alternate uniforms to choose from. One uniform adopts a white alternate helmet, while one features a wood grain pattern in the numbering, lettering and the helmet itself. The wood grain is supposed to be reminiscent of the “weathered texture of the Sooner Schooner, a Conestoga reminiscent of the pioneer mode of travel employed by the hearty souls who settled Oklahoma Territory around the time of the 1889 Land Run,” according to the university release about the uniforms. The newer uniforms also feature the phrase “47 straight,” a tribute to Oklahoma’s NCAA record winning streak running from 1953 through 1957.
“The players are excited about them,” Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops said in a statement about the new uniforms. “It’s always positive to relate back to Bud Wilkinson’s era with the longest winning streak in college football history and three national championships. These uniforms give us a chance to do that.”
Hey, whatever catches the eyes of recruits, right?
The initial reaction by many seems to be off-putting, but these uniforms could have been much worse than they turned out being. These are actually pretty snazzy.Here is all the uni’s together. #BringTheWood @OU_Football pic.twitter.com/M7ywFIjkZb
— Charlie Taylor (@ctaylorou) July 1, 2014
Bringin’ The Wood! #BringTheWood #Unmatched #0to100RealQuick / http://t.co/WxZ75hVqpZ pic.twitter.com/Y56rzyx9v3”
— Bob Stoops (@OU_CoachStoops) July 1, 2014