What Is 1964 Oklahoma Sooners football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1964 Oklahoma Sooners football team represented the University of Oklahoma during the 1964 NCAA University Division football season, finishing with a 6–4 record under head coach Bud Wilkinson. They played in the Big Eight Conference and lost the 1965 Orange Bowl to LSU with a final score of 13–21.

Key Facts

The 1964 Oklahoma Sooners finished the season with a 6–4 overall record
Head coach Bud Wilkinson led the team in his final season before retirement
The Sooners played in the Big Eight Conference and went 5–2 in conference play
They were invited to the 1965 Orange Bowl, where they lost to LSU 13–21
Quarterback Tommy McDonald was a key player, though he had graduated in 1963

Overview

The 1964 Oklahoma Sooners football team marked the end of an era for one of college football’s most storied programs. Competing in the NCAA University Division, the team represented the University of Oklahoma during a transitional year under legendary coach Bud Wilkinson.

Despite a modest 6–4 overall record, the season was historically significant due to Wilkinson’s retirement after 17 seasons. The Sooners played in the Big Eight Conference and finished second in the conference with a 5–2 conference record, earning a berth in the 1965 Orange Bowl.

Bud Wilkinson coached his final season in 1964, ending a 17-year tenure that included three national championships and a 143–29–4 record.
The team finished 6–4 overall, a decline from previous dominant seasons, reflecting growing challenges in maintaining national prominence.
In Big Eight Conference play, Oklahoma went 5–2, trailing only Kansas State in the final standings due to tie-breaking rules.
The Sooners earned a spot in the 1965 Orange Bowl on January 1, 1965, where they faced the LSU Tigers in Miami, Florida.
Despite strong defensive efforts, Oklahoma lost the bowl game 13–21, marking Wilkinson’s final game as head coach.

Performance & Season Details

The 1964 season showcased both resilience and transition for the Sooners, as the team adapted to changes on and off the field. With key players from previous years having graduated, Oklahoma relied on younger talent while navigating a competitive Big Eight schedule.

Offensive output: The Sooners scored 148 total points across 10 games, averaging 14.8 points per game, a drop from prior seasons.
Defensive performance: They allowed 135 points, averaging 13.5 points per game against, indicating a relatively balanced but unspectacular defense.
Home record: Oklahoma went 4–1 at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, with their only home loss coming to rival Texas in the Red River Shootout.
Rivalry games: The 1964 loss to Texas (14–21) was significant, as it contributed to the team’s slipping national profile.
Key players: While star running back Tommy McDonald had graduated, quarterback Gary Beban emerged as a leader despite limited offensive firepower.
Coaching transition: Assistant coach Gomer Jones was named successor, though he would only coach for three seasons before Jim Tatum took over.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 1964 Sooners compare to recent Oklahoma teams and national champions:

Season	Record (Overall)	Conference Record	Bowl Result	Head Coach
1964	6–4	5–2	Lost Orange Bowl 13–21 (vs. LSU)	Bud Wilkinson
1974	7–4	5–2	Lost Gator Bowl 7–27 (vs. Texas)	Barry Switzer
1984	9–3	6–1	Won Orange Bowl 25–10 (vs. Penn State)	Barry Switzer
2004	12–2	6–1	Lost BCS National Championship 13–14 (vs. USC)	Bobby Stoops
2014	8–5	4–4	Won Independence Bowl 35–19 (vs. LSU)	Bob Stoops

The 1964 season stands out not for dominance, but for its symbolic end to the Wilkinson era. Compared to later powerhouse teams, the Sooners’ performance was average, but the coaching change paved the way for future rebuilds. The transition reflected broader shifts in college football, where sustained success required modernized recruiting and strategy.

Why It Matters

The 1964 Oklahoma Sooners season is remembered more for its historical significance than its on-field achievements. It marked the end of one of the most successful coaching tenures in college football history and signaled a shift in the program’s trajectory.

End of an era: Bud Wilkinson’s retirement concluded a 17-year run that included a record 47-game winning streak from 1953 to 1957.
Program transition: The 1964 season initiated a period of rebuilding, with Oklahoma not returning to national prominence until the 1970s.
Legacy impact: Wilkinson’s departure marked the end of a conservative, disciplined style, opening the door for more innovative offensive strategies.
Bowl game significance: Despite the loss, the Orange Bowl appearance maintained Oklahoma’s tradition of postseason play.
Recruiting changes: The team’s performance highlighted the need for improved talent acquisition, which future coaches would prioritize.
Historical context: The 1964 season occurred during a period of national change, including civil rights advancements and evolving NCAA regulations.

While not a championship year, the 1964 Oklahoma Sooners football team remains a pivotal chapter in the program’s history, symbolizing the close of a golden age and the beginning of modernization in collegiate athletics.