Cory Thompson

The disappointment in Kyler Murray’s face was visible from a mile away. Tears were even coming from his face as he sat at the podium after a tough loss to Texas. Murray had almost led an improbable comeback win, but a late score by UT put the game away with seconds left. Murray sat at the podium after just his second loss as a starting QB since the start of his high school career. "It hurts," he said. "I'm disappointed." From that point, Murray was a man on a mission. He felt like his two turnovers cost his team. Not again. He was out for redemption. OU scored 50-plus points in five of its next six games. Murray played like the best player in the sport, hitting on countless big plays with both his arm and elite speed. The 6-0 finish set up a highly anticipated rematch against Texas in the Big 12 Championship Game. Never before had the Sooners and Longhorns played each other in a situation like this. The rewards for beating your arch rival are endless, but this time it included a conference title. Murray wanted another shot at Texas. Now he had it. He had a chance at redemption, but also an outside chance at the Heisman Trophy. OU led 32-27 with just over two minutes left in the game. The Sooners had the ball at the Texas 18-yard-line and faced a 3rd and 10. If Murray scored a touchdown, the game would seemingly be over. But a field goal still kept the game at one score. Murray took the snap and threw a beautiful fade to the corner of the end zone. Needing just one hand, Grant Calcaterra made an incredible catch in the end zone. Touchdown. Murray threw his hands in the air. He knew his team was about to win a Big 12 title and avenge the loss to Texas. The feeling in that moment was indescribable for Murray, but his legend status was about to grow even more in the coming days. With a crazy ending in the SEC Championship Game and Tua Tagovailoa going down with an injury, it opened the door for Murray to jump in front as the Heisman favorite. One week after beating Texas in Arlington, Murray was sitting in New York City at the Heisman Trophy presentation. He nervously sat as all the festivities came down to the final announcement. “The 2018 Heisman Trophy is awarded to Kyler Murray of Oklahoma.” Kyler Murray days until kickoff in Norman.

Rumors started to circulate the reigning Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year had just moved to Norman. Bob Stoops was one of the many who heard the rumors Baker Mayfield left Texas Tech and enrolled at OU, but he had never spoken to him or granted him an opportunity to join the team. Mayfield showed up at a team dinner and introduced himself to Stoops. Shortly after, he was granted an opportunity to walk-on at his dream school. Stoops said at the time it was, “maybe the strangest thing that’s ever happened in my coaching career.” Today it adds to the legendary story. Mayfield had to sit out the entire 2014 season but won the starting QB job heading into 2015. It only took two games for the entire OU fanbase to fall in love with No. 6, after an incredible comeback win at Tennessee. Mayfield was a lifelong OU fan that got to wear the jersey he always dreamed about. That came across with his play and was one of the many reasons he was such a fan favorite. During his three years as a starter, he won three Big 12 titles, made the College Football Playoff twice and won the 2017 Heisman Trophy. He was also the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Mayfield’s college football journey started as a walk-on but ended as arguably the best QB in OU history. His legacy is forever cemented in Heisman Park just steps away from Owen Field. Baker Mayfield days until kickoff in Norman.