Baker Mayfield: The Ultimate Highlight Reel from Texas Tech and Oklahoma (2013-2017)
Baker Mayfield’s college football journey is one of the most remarkable tales in the sport’s history. From his early days at Texas Tech to his transformative years at Oklahoma, Mayfield’s career has been defined by his relentless determination, electrifying playmaking ability, and unapologetically confident personality. Whether it was his jaw-dropping passes, his scrambles out of the pocket, or his iconic moments against some of college football’s toughest opponents, Mayfield’s legacy was solidified with each game he played from 2013 to 2017.
His career at both Texas Tech and Oklahoma is a testament to his growth as a player, and his story is one of resilience, passion, and a love for the game. FOX College Football’s ultimate highlight compilation of Baker Mayfield from 2013 to 2017 encapsulates the journey of one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football history. This article dives into that highlight reel, breaking down the best moments from Mayfield’s time at both programs and what made his play so captivating.
The Early Days at Texas Tech (2013)
Before Baker Mayfield was the household name associated with Oklahoma football, he was a freshman at Texas Tech, a program that would play a pivotal role in shaping his career. After walking on at Texas Tech in 2013, Mayfield’s arrival was largely under the radar. However, it didn’t take long for the Red Raiders and the rest of the college football world to realize that this undersized, but talented, quarterback had the potential to become something special.
Though he didn’t start right away, Mayfield saw significant action as a freshman. His first major showcase came against the University of Oklahoma, where he showed glimpses of his future stardom. While he didn’t start in that game, Mayfield’s performance was enough to catch the attention of Oklahoma’s coaching staff, eventually leading to his transfer to Norman after the 2013 season. His time at Texas Tech, although short, provided valuable experience and laid the foundation for his later success.
In his brief stint with the Red Raiders, Mayfield demonstrated a knack for precision passing and leadership under pressure. His time at Texas Tech wasn’t filled with the overwhelming success one might associate with his future at Oklahoma, but it was here where he learned the ropes of college football, gained confidence in his abilities, and ultimately began to forge a name for himself.
The Transfer to Oklahoma and His Meteoric Rise (2014-2017)
Baker Mayfield’s transfer to the University of Oklahoma in 2014 changed the trajectory of his career and set the stage for one of the most spectacular runs by any college quarterback. After sitting out the 2014 season due to NCAA transfer rules, Mayfield was ready to take over as the starting quarterback in 2015. The Sooners were coming off a solid season, and the addition of Mayfield brought renewed hope to a program that had not seen the same kind of success it had experienced in previous decades.
2015: The Arrival of a Star
Mayfield’s first season as the starting quarterback at Oklahoma was nothing short of sensational. Under the guidance of head coach Bob Stoops and offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley, Mayfield quickly established himself as one of the most efficient and dangerous quarterbacks in the nation. His ability to lead a high-powered offense was apparent from the outset, and he led the Sooners to a 11-2 record, including a Big 12 championship.
Some of the most memorable moments from Mayfield’s 2015 season included his fiery performances against major conference rivals. One of the most iconic plays of his season came in the Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State game. In a thrilling, back-and-forth contest, Mayfield displayed his poise under pressure by delivering a perfect 66-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Dede Westbrook, showcasing his incredible arm strength and accuracy.
The culmination of Mayfield’s breakout season came in the College Football Playoff, where the Sooners faced off against a talented Clemson team in the Orange Bowl. Though Oklahoma fell short in that matchup, Mayfield’s performance throughout the season, including his near 4,000 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, proved that he was one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
2016: The Heisman Year
In 2016, Baker Mayfield became a household name, and not just in Oklahoma. After a breakout season in 2015, Mayfield entered the 2016 campaign with a chip on his shoulder and a burning desire to prove that he was more than just a flash in the pan. He did that and then some, guiding Oklahoma to a 10-2 record and earning numerous accolades, including the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
Mayfield’s Heisman-winning season was one for the ages. He finished the season with over 4,300 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, leading the nation in passing efficiency. One of his most memorable moments that season came in a primetime showdown against Texas in the Red River Rivalry. Despite early struggles, Mayfield bounced back with an incredible second-half performance, throwing four touchdown passes, including a 59-yard bomb to Westbrook, and leading the Sooners to a 45-40 victory.
Another unforgettable moment from Mayfield’s 2016 season came against Ohio State in the non-conference portion of the season. In a hostile environment, Mayfield silenced critics by delivering a perfect performance, throwing for 386 yards and three touchdowns while leading Oklahoma to a dominant 45-24 win over the Buckeyes. His ability to perform in the biggest games was what set him apart from his peers and made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the nation.
2017: The Final Act
Baker Mayfield’s final season at Oklahoma in 2017 saw him continuing to build on the legacy he had created in 2015 and 2016. Although the Sooners faced some bumps in the road, including a heart-wrenching loss to Iowa State, Mayfield’s leadership remained undeniable. His ability to bounce back from adversity, his pinpoint accuracy, and his overall vision of the game made him one of the most complete quarterbacks in college football.
Mayfield’s performance in the 2017 season finale against Georgia in the Rose Bowl is one of the most iconic in college football history. Despite Oklahoma’s eventual loss in a thrilling overtime battle, Mayfield showcased his incredible talent and poise. He threw for 287 yards and four touchdowns, including a 46-yard score to tight end Mark Andrews, and played with the kind of confidence that made him a fan favorite across the nation.
In 2017, Mayfield finished the season with over 4,300 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, leading Oklahoma to a second-straight Big 12 title and another College Football Playoff appearance. His ability to extend plays with his legs, make spectacular throws on the run, and his overall field awareness made him the most exciting player in college football during his tenure at Oklahoma.
What Set Mayfield Apart?
Baker Mayfield’s career was defined not only by his raw talent and playmaking ability but also by his mental toughness and the swagger he brought to the field. His leadership and relentless competitive drive were evident in every game he played, whether it was leading Oklahoma to a victory in a high-stakes rivalry game or bouncing back after a tough loss. Mayfield’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and stay calm under pressure made him a force to be reckoned with throughout his college career.
One of Mayfield’s defining qualities was his ability to make pinpoint throws from all angles and under any circumstance. Whether it was a deep ball, a short quick pass, or a sideline throw, Mayfield had a unique ability to fit the ball into tight windows with accuracy. His deep-ball accuracy, in particular, was a thing of beauty, and it made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the nation. He was also adept at using his legs to extend plays, scrambling when necessary to pick up first downs or find an open receiver downfield.
Mayfield’s mental toughness was also evident in his off-the-field persona. He was never afraid to express his opinion, whether it was calling out an opponent, hyping up his team, or simply letting the world know that he was there to win. This fierce competitiveness became a hallmark of his time at Oklahoma and earned him the admiration of fans and teammates alike.
Legacy and Impact
Baker Mayfield’s legacy at Oklahoma and in college football at large is indisputable. He finished his career as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in the history of the sport, with numerous records, a Heisman Trophy, and countless unforgettable moments that solidified his place in college football lore. His ability to perform in the biggest games, his playmaking ability, and his leadership both on and off the field made him one of the most exciting and impactful players of his era.
Mayfield’s time at Oklahoma not only left an indelible mark on the program but also on college football as a whole. His highlights—whether it was his electrifying comebacks, jaw-dropping throws, or fiery speeches—continue to be remembered as some of the best moments in recent college football history.
