What Is 1939 Oklahoma Sooners football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1939 Oklahoma Sooners football team represented the University of Oklahoma during the 1939 college football season, finishing with a 6-3 record under head coach Tom Stidham. They played in the Big Six Conference and outscored opponents 145 to 86.

Key Facts

The 1939 Oklahoma Sooners had a final record of 6 wins and 3 losses
Head coach Tom Stidham was in his third season leading the team
They played in the Big Six Conference, predecessor to the Big 12
The Sooners scored 145 total points, averaging 16.1 per game
Their season included a 34-12 victory over Oklahoma A&M

Overview

The 1939 Oklahoma Sooners football team represented the University of Oklahoma in the 1939 NCAA football season. Competing in the Big Six Conference, the team was led by head coach Tom Stidham, who was in his third year at the helm. The Sooners played their home games at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman.

That season, the team finished with a 6-3 overall record and a 3-2 mark in conference play. They outscored their opponents 145 to 86, showcasing a balanced offense and a solid defense. The 1939 campaign was notable for its competitive schedule and strong performances against regional rivals.

Record: The team finished 6-3 overall, with key wins against Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma A&M.
Head Coach:Tom Stidham led the Sooners for the third consecutive season, building a foundation for future success.
Conference: Competed in the Big Six Conference, which included schools like Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas.
Scoring: The Sooners scored 145 total points, averaging 16.1 points per game, while allowing 9.6 per game.
Home Stadium: Played home games at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, which had a capacity of around 31,000 at the time.

Season Performance

The 1939 season featured a mix of dominant wins and narrow losses, reflecting the team’s growing competitiveness. Oklahoma showed resilience against strong opponents and laid groundwork for future conference dominance.

September 30: Opened with a 21-0 shutout win over Oklahoma Baptist, setting a strong tone early in the season.
October 14: Defeated Kansas 20-0, demonstrating defensive strength and offensive efficiency.
October 28: Won 13-6 against Missouri, a key conference matchup that improved their Big Six standing.
November 11: Suffered a 14-7 loss to Nebraska, ending a three-game winning streak.
November 25: Lost 20-7 to Kansas State, a setback in their final regular-season game.
December 2: Closed with a 34-12 victory over Oklahoma A&M, a dominant rivalry win.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1939 Oklahoma Sooners compared to other Big Six teams that season:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points For	Points Against
Oklahoma	6-3	3-2	145	86
Nebraska	4-5-1	2-3	108	105
Missouri	6-4	3-2	150	104
Kansas	4-5	2-3	85	108
Kansas State	4-5	3-2	104	97
Oklahoma A&M	5-5	1-4	101	103

The Sooners ranked in the upper half of the Big Six in both scoring and defense. Their 3-2 conference record tied them with Missouri and Kansas State, though tiebreakers and strength of schedule influenced final standings. Oklahoma’s decisive win over Oklahoma A&M highlighted their superiority in the state rivalry.

Why It Matters

The 1939 season was a transitional year that helped shape Oklahoma’s football future. Though not a national powerhouse yet, the team showed consistent improvement under Stidham’s leadership.

Program Development: The season contributed to building a culture of competitiveness ahead of future national success.
Recruiting Momentum: Strong performances helped attract regional talent to Norman.
Stadium Growth: Games at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium increased local support and revenue.
Conference Identity: Success in the Big Six reinforced Oklahoma’s status as a regional football force.
Rivalry Dominance: The win over Oklahoma A&M maintained pride in the state’s biggest rivalry.
Coaching Foundation: Stidham’s leadership paved the way for Bud Wilkinson’s later dynasty in the 1950s.

The 1939 Oklahoma Sooners may not have won a national title, but their season was a vital step in the program’s evolution toward becoming a college football powerhouse.