During the season opener, Oklahoma will honor the football national championship teams from 1974 and 1975.

The University of Oklahoma (OU) will honor its 1974 and 1975 football teams during the season opener of the 2024 football season, a fitting tribute to the squads that played a key role in cementing the legacy of one of college football’s most storied programs. The recognition is set to take place in Norman, Oklahoma, where the Sooners will face off against a notable opponent, adding a layer of excitement and nostalgia to what promises to be a memorable day for the OU community. This article will delve into the historical significance of these two championship teams, the players who shaped them, and the lasting impact they had on the football program.

Background on the 1974 and 1975 Teams

The 1970s were a transformative decade for Oklahoma football. The Sooners were a powerhouse in the NCAA, with head coach Barry Switzer at the helm and a roster filled with remarkable talent. By the mid-1970s, OU had established itself as one of the premier football programs in the country, and the 1974 and 1975 seasons would help solidify that reputation. Under Switzer’s leadership, the Sooners were poised for greatness, boasting dominant athletes and a system that emphasized tough, aggressive play.

The 1974 team was led by a strong defense and an offense that ran the ball with deadly efficiency. Quarterback J.C. Watts, who would later go on to a distinguished career in politics, anchored the offense, while the team’s defense, featuring players such as Dewey Selmon, was renowned for its physicality. The Sooners finished the season with an impressive 11-1 record and captured the 1974 National Championship in a dramatic Orange Bowl win against the University of Oklahoma’s longtime rivals, the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The victory marked the start of a new era for OU, one that would be defined by both national titles and a dominant football culture.

In 1975, the Sooners followed up their national championship victory with another stellar season. They finished the regular season with an undefeated record and entered the Orange Bowl as the undisputed No. 1 team in the country. The Sooners defeated Michigan in another thrilling game, solidifying their claim to the 1975 National Championship. The 1975 squad was one of the most complete teams in college football history, and it set a standard for excellence that OU would aim to uphold for years to come. The team’s back-to-back championships in 1974 and 1975 were a testament to the strength of both Switzer’s coaching and the exceptional talent on the roster.

Barry Switzer’s Influence

At the heart of these championship teams was Barry Switzer, whose influence on Oklahoma football cannot be overstated. Switzer’s approach to coaching combined a fierce commitment to discipline with a belief in the power of the wishbone offense, a strategy that would come to define the Sooners for years. The wishbone offense relied on quick decisions and misdirection to create chaos for opposing defenses, making it one of the most effective offensive systems in college football during that time.

Switzer’s leadership style was a blend of charisma and pragmatism. He was a coach who demanded excellence from his players, but he also knew how to motivate them, often building a tight-knit team culture that resonated well with the players. Switzer was a master at understanding his players’ strengths and weaknesses, tailoring his strategies to put them in positions to succeed. His success was not limited to just winning national championships, but in the lasting impact he had on players, many of whom would go on to successful careers in the NFL.

Under Switzer’s guidance, the 1974 and 1975 teams became models of excellence. They were disciplined, tough, and able to perform under pressure. Both teams exemplified the toughness and grit that Switzer sought to instill in his players, and their back-to-back titles in 1974 and 1975 were a reflection of the values that Switzer championed.

Key Players of the 1974 and 1975 Teams

While Barry Switzer was the central figure in these championship years, the talent of the players on the field was equally important. The 1974 and 1975 teams featured a mix of future NFL stars, key role players, and standout defensive and offensive talents.

J.C. Watts

J.C. Watts was one of the most influential players for the Sooners during this era. Watts was known for his leadership and his ability to perform in clutch situations. As quarterback, he had the responsibility of managing the offense and executing Switzer’s wishbone attack. Watts was not only an adept passer, but his ability to run the ball effectively added a dimension to the offense that few teams could counter. His leadership and poise on the field made him a standout during these championship years, and he would later achieve success in politics, becoming a U.S. Congressman.

Dewey Selmon

Dewey Selmon was one of the anchors of the defense during the 1974 and 1975 seasons. A member of the famed Selmon family—his brothers Lucious and Lee Roy also played for Oklahoma—Dewey was known for his toughness and ability to read offenses. A linebacker, Selmon was instrumental in shutting down opposing offenses, and he played a major role in both of OU’s national championships. His leadership and tenacity on the field were key to Oklahoma’s success during these two historic seasons.

Joe Washington

Joe Washington was one of the most electrifying players on the 1974 and 1975 teams. A running back, Washington was known for his quickness, agility, and playmaking ability. His ability to break off long runs and his versatility as both a runner and receiver made him one of the most dangerous players in the nation. Washington’s contributions were critical in both the 1974 and 1975 seasons, and he would go on to have a successful career in the NFL.

The Selmon Brothers

Alongside Dewey, his brothers—Lucious and Lee Roy Selmon—were essential members of the 1974 and 1975 Oklahoma teams. Lee Roy Selmon, in particular, became one of the greatest players in OU history. An exceptional defensive lineman, Lee Roy Selmon won the Outland Trophy in 1975, which was awarded to the best interior lineman in college football. His dominance in the trenches was a key part of Oklahoma’s defensive success, and he went on to have a storied career in the NFL, becoming a Hall of Famer.

Lasting Impact on Oklahoma Football

The 1974 and 1975 national championships solidified Oklahoma’s place as one of the elite programs in college football. The Sooners’ success during these years helped to establish a tradition of excellence that would continue under Barry Switzer for years to come. OU would go on to win several more national titles under Switzer in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but the championships in 1974 and 1975 remain some of the most significant in the program’s history.

The success of the 1974 and 1975 teams also helped to attract top-tier recruits to the program, as OU became a destination for high school players looking to compete at the highest level. The Sooners’ dominance in the 1970s and their back-to-back championships made them a model for other programs to emulate.

The 2024 Season Opener: A Tribute to Legacy

As the 2024 football season begins, the University of Oklahoma is taking the opportunity to honor the 1974 and 1975 national championship teams, ensuring that the achievements of these legendary squads are not forgotten. This season opener will be more than just a game; it will be a celebration of the history and tradition that has made Oklahoma football one of the most successful programs in college football history.

For those who were around to witness these teams, the 1974 and 1975 Sooners will forever be remembered as some of the best to ever play the game. Their back-to-back championships were a defining moment for the program, and their legacy continues to inspire the players and coaches who follow in their footsteps. The 2024 season opener is a fitting tribute to these two championship teams, and it will serve as a reminder of the enduring power of Oklahoma football.