The Oklahoma State Cowboys have celebrated national championships, produced numerous NFL stars, and cultivated a resilient, blue-collar identity that deeply connects with their fan base.
However, when the Heisman Trophy is mentioned, the program’s history is synonymous with one extraordinary name: Barry Sanders. His remarkable 1988 season remains one of the most dominant displays in college football history, securing Oklahoma State’s sole Heisman honor.
Who are the Oklahoma State Cowboys’ Heisman Trophy Winners?
Unlike programs such as USC or Oklahoma, each boasting seven Heisman winners, Oklahoma State has only one Heisman Trophy recipient. Nevertheless, Barry Sanders’ 1988 campaign is legendary, establishing a benchmark that continues to impress. No other Cowboy has claimed the prestigious award since, although players like Terry Miller and Bob Fenimore came close, finishing as Heisman finalists.
1) Barry Sanders: The 1988 Star
Barry Sanders, a dynamic 5-foot-8, 200-pound running back from Wichita, Kansas, redefined the possibilities on a football field. 1988 during his junior season, Sanders delivered a performance that still populates NCAA record books. He rushed for an astounding 2,628 yards (2,850 including bowl games) and scored 37 touchdowns, averaging an incredible 7.6 yards per carry. His season included a 222-yard, four-touchdown performance against Wyoming and a breathtaking 320-yard, five-touchdown masterpiece against Texas Tech.
Sanders’ Heisman victory was emphatic. He received 559 first-place votes, significantly ahead of USC’s Rodney Peete and UCLA’s Troy Aikman. Sanders led Oklahoma State to a 10-2 record and a Holiday Bowl triumph, solidifying his status as a college football icon. Selected third overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1989 NFL Draft, Sanders became a Pro Football Hall of Famer, inducted in 2004.
Honorable Mentions
While Sanders stands alone as a Heisman winner, other Cowboys have come close to achieving Heisman glory. Bob Fenimore, a standout two-way player in the 1940s, finished third in Heisman voting in 1945, rushing for 1,048 yards and earning the moniker “Blond Bomber.” Terry Miller, an electrifying running back, was the 1977 Heisman runner-up, rushing for 1,680 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns.
More recently, players like Justin Blackmon, a two-time Biletnikoff Award winner, and Brandon Weeden showcased exceptional talent but never reached the Heisman finalist stage.
KEEP READING: UCLA Bruins Heisman Trophy Winners: A Complete List and History
Running back Ollie Gordon II, the 2023 Doak Walker Award recipient, generated considerable excitement with his impressive 2,062-yard, 21-touchdown season. If Gordon or a future star can replicate Sanders’ brilliance, Oklahoma State might add to its Heisman count. For now, Sanders’ singular excellence defines Oklahoma State’s Heisman narrative.
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