NORMAN, Okla. – In a stirring nod to one of college football’s most iconic figures, the University of Oklahoma has officially announced plans to erect a monumental statue of Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims outside Memorial Stadium. The statue, expected to be unveiled ahead of the 2025 college football season, will immortalize the legendary running back whose electrifying play, charismatic personality, and championship-caliber leadership helped shape the glory years of Oklahoma Sooners football.
The decision, first reported by ESPN and later confirmed by the university, represents more than just a tribute—it’s a homecoming celebration for a man whose name remains synonymous with Oklahoma football excellence.
A Long-Awaited Honor for a Sooner Legend
Sims, who captured the Heisman Trophy in 1978, will join fellow Oklahoma greats including Jason White, Sam Bradford, Steve Owens, and Baker Mayfield in the university’s pantheon of bronze statues. For many longtime fans, this honor is long overdue.
“This isn’t just a statue. It’s a statement,” said Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione. “Billy Sims was a transformational figure, not just for our football program, but for college football nationally. His impact resonates through the decades.”
The statue will be prominently placed at Heisman Park, located outside the south end of Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Designed by renowned sculptor Blair Buswell, who has created busts for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the statue will capture Sims in mid-stride—his trademark No. 20 jersey rippling in motion, his right arm extended in a classic stiff-arm, and a wide grin across his face.
“I’ve dreamed about this moment for a long time,” Sims said during a press conference at the stadium. “It’s humbling to be honored in this way, especially in a place that has meant so much to me for so long.”
The Rise of a Heisman Hero
Billy Sims’ journey to college football stardom began in Hooks, Texas. Despite battling injuries early in his collegiate career, Sims exploded onto the national scene during the 1978 season. That year, he rushed for 1,762 yards and 20 touchdowns, dazzling fans and opponents alike with his blend of power, balance, and breakaway speed.
Under the guidance of legendary head coach Barry Switzer, Sims was the centerpiece of Oklahoma’s potent wishbone offense. With uncanny vision and the ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces, Sims redefined what it meant to be a feature back in college football.
“He could hit a hole with so much force and be gone in the blink of an eye,” Switzer once said. “Billy had that rare combination of power and elusiveness. He was built for our system, but he would have been a superstar in any system.”
Sims won the 1978 Heisman Trophy, narrowly beating out Penn State quarterback Chuck Fusina and USC’s Charles White. He remains one of only a handful of running backs to have surpassed 3,000 rushing yards in just two seasons of significant action, and he finished his Oklahoma career with 4,118 rushing yards and 53 total touchdowns.
A Symbol of Oklahoma’s Football Renaissance
Sims’ emergence in the late 1970s came at a pivotal time for Oklahoma. The Sooners were already a storied program, having won multiple national championships under Bud Wilkinson and Barry Switzer, but Sims’ brilliance reignited the passion of an already diehard fan base.
Oklahoma won the Big Eight Conference title in 1978 and 1979, finishing both seasons ranked among the nation’s top teams. Though national championship glory eluded Sims, his performances elevated the entire program and helped cement OU’s identity as a powerhouse running back factory.
“When you think of Oklahoma football, you think of Billy Sims,” said longtime Sooners broadcaster Toby Rowland. “He represented everything great about the game—humility, toughness, and a flair for the spectacular.”
Beyond the Field: Sims’ Lasting Impact
Though his college career ended over four decades ago, Sims’ presence remains ever-present in Norman. He has stayed closely connected to the program, attending games, mentoring players, and promoting the Sooners’ brand across the country. His famous “Boomer!” chants at games, with the crowd shouting back “Sooner!”, have become part of the OU game-day fabric.
In retirement, Sims found success in the restaurant business, launching the Billy Sims BBQ franchise, which now includes dozens of locations across several states. He’s also been active in charitable efforts, supporting youth sports and underprivileged communities in Oklahoma and Texas.
“He’s more than a Heisman winner,” said Brent Venables, the current head coach of the Sooners. “Billy’s a bridge between generations. Our players look up to him, not just for what he did, but for who he is.”
Crafting a Legacy in Bronze
The planning for the statue began quietly last year, with discussions between university leadership, donors, and Sims himself. Once funding and design plans were finalized, the project moved swiftly.
Blair Buswell, who has sculpted more than 100 bronze sports figures, including Heisman winners for other universities, said the Sims statue presented a unique artistic opportunity.
“Billy had a distinctive running style. I wanted to capture the joy he played with—his exuberance, his confidence,” Buswell explained. “It’s not just about the physical likeness. It’s about the emotion he brought to the field.”
The statue’s unveiling ceremony is scheduled for September 6, 2025, when the Sooners open their home schedule against SMU. The event is expected to draw thousands of fans, former teammates, and national media.
The Heisman Brotherhood
With the addition of Sims’ statue, Oklahoma’s tradition of honoring Heisman winners continues to shine. The Sooners are tied with Notre Dame and Ohio State for the most Heisman winners in history, with seven: Billy Vessels (1952), Steve Owens (1969), Billy Sims (1978), Jason White (2003), Sam Bradford (2008), Baker Mayfield (2017), and Kyler Murray (2018).
Each of these legends is commemorated with a statue, turning Heisman Park into a living museum of college football greatness.
“There’s something magical about walking through Heisman Park,” said university president Joseph Harroz Jr. “You’re reminded of our storied past and inspired by what’s still to come. Adding Billy Sims to that lineup completes the story.”
Reactions Across the Sooner Family
Fans, alumni, and former players reacted with overwhelming joy to the news.
“It’s about time!” tweeted Adrian Peterson, another iconic Oklahoma running back who narrowly missed out on the Heisman in 2004. “Billy set the standard for all of us. Much respect.”
“Billy Sims was my childhood hero,” said former OU linebacker Rufus Alexander. “He made me fall in love with OU football. I’m bringing my kids to the statue unveiling so they can understand why he’s a legend.”
Even rivals expressed admiration.
“Billy Sims was one of the best I ever saw,” said former Texas linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer Jerry Gray. “Fast, tough, and respectful. He earned everything he got.”
A Lasting Symbol
For Billy Sims, the statue is more than personal glory—it’s a symbol of resilience, teamwork, and legacy. From overcoming injuries early in his career to becoming a national icon, Sims’ journey embodies the Sooner spirit.
“This statue isn’t just for me,” Sims said, voice trembling with emotion. “It’s for every teammate who blocked for me, every coach who believed in me, and every fan who yelled ‘Boomer!’ from the stands.”
As the Sooners prepare for another chapter in their proud football history—this time under the SEC spotlight—Sims’ statue will serve as a reminder of where it all began, and of the standard future players must strive to uphold.