University of Oklahoma

Norman, OK · founded 1890 · 28,000 students · public research university · Southeastern Conference (SEC)

Known for: A flagship public research university renowned for its powerhouse football program, prestigious meteorology school, and strong programs in engineering, business, and journalism, all set in a classic Big 12 college town.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #136
QS World: #601
Times Higher Education: #401
Forbes: #201

Top programmes

Meteorology
Engineering
Business
Journalism
Geology
Dance

Notable alumni

Ed Harris — Academy Award-nominated actor
James Garner — Actor, known for 'The Rockford Files'
Brad Pitt — Academy Award-winning actor (attended but did not graduate)
Stacey King — Former NBA player and Chicago Bulls broadcaster
Adrian Peterson — Former NFL running back
Sam Bradford — Former NFL quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner
Blake Griffin — NBA All-Star
Chuck Norris — Actor and martial artist

Traditions

The Sooner Schooner wagon racing onto the field
Boomer Sooner chant
The 'OU' chant at football games
The President's Dinner for freshmen
Homecoming parade and pep rally

If University of Oklahoma were…

As a food: Chicken fried steak with cream gravy — Unapologetically traditional, deeply satisfying to its core constituency, and exactly what you expect when you order it—no surprises, just solid execution of a regional classic that never tries to be something it's not.
As an athlete: Baker Mayfield — Scrappy walk-on who became a Heisman winner and first overall NFL draft pick—embodies OU's swagger, chip-on-shoulder competitiveness, and ability to turn Big 12 dominance into national relevance while staying loud and pr
As a person alive today: Ed Harris — Reliable, respected, does the job with quiet intensity and consistent excellence—never the flashiest name in the room but always delivers a strong performance, much like OU's steady presence in college sports and meteoro
As a historical figure: Will Rogers — Oklahoma's favorite son—folksy, charismatic, proud of his roots, and able to command national attention while never forgetting where home is. OU carries that same 'aw shucks we're just Oklahoma but watch us win' energy.
As a movie or TV show: Friday Night Lights (TV series) — Football is religion, community identity is wrapped up in the team's success, and there's a genuine warmth beneath the competitive intensity. Clear eyes, full hearts, Boomer Sooner.
As a US president: Lyndon B. Johnson — Big, bold, unapologetically Southern-adjacent, and deeply invested in building institutional power. Both command the room with a mix of charm and intimidation, and both have complicated relationships with their progressi
As a city: Nashville, Tennessee — Proud regional capital with deep traditional roots, massive on sports and Greek life, growing fast but still holding onto its identity, and punching above its weight class in national conversations while staying authenti
As an element: Iron — Strong, foundational, abundant, and essential to building things that last. Not the flashiest element on the table, but civilizations are built on it—just like OU is built on solid fundamentals, tradition, and institutio
As a car: 2018 Ford F-150 King Ranch Edition — Big XII swagger in truck form, built for tailgating dominance and Greek row parades through Norman's crimson-soaked Saturdays. Boomer Sooner ethos meets oil-money practicality with enough horsepower to match Lincoln Rile

Campus life

A spirited, traditional campus with a strong Greek system and deep-rooted school pride centered around Sooner athletics, especially football. Norman offers a quintessential college-town atmosphere with a lively social scene on Campus Corner.