“ONLY ONE SOONER SCHOONER: Oklahoma’s Beloved Tradition Nominated for USA TODAY’s Best in College Sports

The Sooner Schooner isn’t just a tradition—it’s a living, galloping emblem of Oklahoma pride, a piece of history that thunders across Owen Field after every touchdown, and now it’s being recognized on a national stage. The beloved University of Oklahoma tradition has been nominated by USA TODAY as one of the best in college sports, and fans across the country are being called upon to help crown it as the greatest of them all. As college football continues to grow in pageantry and page clicks, few spectacles resonate more deeply than the sight of the Sooner Schooner careening onto the field, pulled by Boomer and Sooner—the pair of white ponies that seem to represent both the past and the promise of future glory. This is more than just a mascot or a halftime show; it’s a moment, a memory, a manifestation of what it means to be a Sooner. And now the country has taken notice.

The roots of the Sooner Schooner run deep in Oklahoma soil. Modeled after the prairie schooners that once carried settlers across the plains during the Oklahoma Land Run, the covered wagon first made its on-field debut in 1964. Since then, it has become one of the most recognizable and celebrated traditions in all of college sports. Operated by members of the RUF/NEKS and RUF/NEK Lil’ Sis spirit squads, the Sooner Schooner barrels onto the field after every Oklahoma touchdown at home games, its wheels spinning wildly and its riders raising the crimson and cream high for the roaring crowd. It’s a celebration not just of athletic success, but of state history and university identity.

What makes this nomination so compelling is that the Sooner Schooner is not just being measured against other mascots or game day traditions—it’s up against decades of rich rituals from powerhouse programs all across the nation. From Howard’s Rock at Clemson to the dotting of the “i” in Ohio State’s Script Ohio, and from the “War Eagle” flight at Auburn to the Midnight Yell Practice at Texas A\&M, college football is a tapestry of emotion, heritage, and spectacle. But for Sooner Nation, there is no tradition more thrilling, more iconic, and more deeply cherished than the Sooner Schooner. And now, fans can help it earn the national recognition it so clearly deserves.

Voting in the USA TODAY competition is open to the public, and the Sooner faithful are rallying online and across campus to get the word out. It’s not just about a poll—it’s about pride. For students, alumni, and lifelong fans, the Sooner Schooner represents something elemental. It’s the joy of touchdowns, the echo of fight songs, the first time you step into Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium and feel the energy surge as the horses take off. It’s a shared experience that connects generations. From Barry Switzer’s juggernauts to Bob Stoops’ resurgent Sooners, and now Brent Venables’ hard-nosed crew, the Sooner Schooner has remained a constant—a timeless symbol of tradition in a world that’s always changing.

Part of the Schooner’s magic is its authenticity. Unlike some manufactured sports rituals, this one is rooted in real history. The Land Run of 1889, when settlers raced to claim unassigned lands in what would become the state of Oklahoma, is the namesake for the term “Sooner”—a word that once meant rule-breaker but has since been reimagined to represent ambition, grit, and pride. The Sooner Schooner pays tribute to that story with every touchdown run, with every gallop into the end zone, with every photograph snapped and shared across social media. In an age where traditions can feel commodified or commercialized, the Schooner stands tall—authentic, unapologetic, and awe-inspiring.

There’s also the human element—the students behind the reins, the dedicated RUF/NEKS who care for the ponies and guide the wagon, and the community that supports them. Driving the Sooner Schooner is an honor reserved for only the most committed spirit squad members. It’s not just about the ride—it’s about the responsibility of preserving a legacy. These students train the horses, maintain the equipment, and ensure the show runs smoothly on game day. They carry the weight of history every time they roll out onto the field, knowing full well that thousands of eyes are watching, waiting, cheering.

And who could forget the iconic mishaps—the 2019 game against West Virginia when the Sooner Schooner took a sharp turn and tipped over? Even in those moments, the legend of the Schooner grew. No one was hurt, but the incident became viral gold and a talking point that stretched far beyond Norman, Oklahoma. The Schooner, in both triumph and tribulation, remains firmly planted in the national consciousness. It’s unforgettable, even in its imperfection—perhaps especially because of it. That’s what makes it real. That’s what makes it loved.

Beyond the stadium walls, the Sooner Schooner appears at community events, parades, and even weddings. Its presence signals celebration. It has transcended football and become a symbol of Oklahoma itself—its toughness, its tenacity, its pride. For kids growing up in the Sooner State, seeing the Schooner for the first time is almost like meeting a superhero. And for those who’ve seen it dozens of times, the magic never fades. The cheers never die down. The thrill never gets old.

Now, with USA TODAY’s recognition, that magic has a chance to be honored on a national platform. It’s a testament to everything Oklahoma stands for: history, community, passion, and loyalty. And it’s a reminder that traditions don’t just happen—they’re built, nurtured, and passed down. The Sooner Schooner is a living tradition, powered by horses, maintained by students, and beloved by a fanbase that refuses to let it be anything less than legendary.

In an era where college football is rapidly evolving—conference realignments, NIL deals, transfer portals—there’s something deeply comforting about a tradition that hasn’t changed. The same wagon. The same ponies. The same eruption of joy as it storms across the field. The Sooner Schooner remains defiantly itself, no matter how fast the sport moves around it. And that’s exactly why it should be crowned as the greatest college sports tradition in the country.

Fans are urged to take to their keyboards, their phones, and their social media platforms to cast their vote and spread the word. This is more than a contest—it’s a chance to share the spirit of Oklahoma with the rest of the nation. It’s a call to action for anyone who’s ever chanted “Boomer Sooner,” worn the crimson and cream, or felt the pulse of the crowd as the ponies took off. Every vote is a tribute to the countless memories made and the generations yet to come.

The Sooner Schooner has always belonged to Oklahoma. It’s part of the university’s soul. But for a brief moment, it has the chance to belong to the entire country—to be recognized, celebrated, and immortalized as the best tradition in all of college sports. And as always, the power to make that happen lies in the hands of the fans.

So vote. Share. Cheer. Because there’s only one Sooner Schooner. And it deserves nothing less than to ride its way into history once again—this time, as a national champion of tradition.