The history of OU football dates back to the barbershop idea in 1895

The University of Oklahoma has uncovered the origins of its legendary football program, tracing it to a simple conversation in an unlikely setting – a barbershop in 1895.

Historians have spent the last five years reconstructing the beginnings of football in Oklahoma. Their work culminated in a new historic monument on Main Street in Norman that celebrates the roots of Sooner football.

Before crowds filled the stands at Owen Field, the university was still figuring out the basics of what would one day become Sooner football.

“Overstreet and two students chose Crimson and Cream,” said Jon Trudgeon, the great-grandson of former OU coach Bennie Owen.

University athletic director Joe Castiglione said this year is about more than just celebrating the current football season — it’s about honoring the history of the sport.

“We are celebrating 100 years of Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in the various phases it has gone through,” Castiglione said.

A central question of the investigation was to find out who first suggested starting a football team at OU. According to new findings, John Harts’ idea was born in a hair salon on Main Street.

“We’re at the point where at some point someone decided, ‘Hey, you know what, it’s time to start a football team in Oklahoma,'” Castiglione said.

In September 1895, Harts proposed starting a football team, which led to him becoming OU’s first football coach later that year.

“He said, ‘Let’s start a soccer team,'” Castiglione added.

That fall, Harts assembled a team and led them into their debut game, marking the beginning of one of the most successful football programs in the country.

“Organizing daily training and assembling a team,” Trudgeon noted, highlighting Harts’ role in launching the program.

Now, fans and visitors can learn more about OU’s first players and the origins of Sooner football at the new marker.

“We want this to be a special place for the community and the people who come to the community and for them to understand how important football is in Oklahoma,” Castiglione said.