One of the best numbers you can put on a custom Oklahoma Sooners jersey is 47. It stands for the 47-game winning streak Oklahoma put together under Bud Wilkinson in the 1950s, a run that every Sooners fan learns about sooner or later. If you want a personalized OU jersey with a number that means something, the streak is a great starting point.
The streak in brief
The run began on October 10, 1953, with a 19-14 win over archrival Texas in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Oklahoma didn't lose again for more than four years. The streak ended on November 16, 1957, with a 7-0 loss to Notre Dame at Owen Field in Norman.
That gives you several numbers to choose from, not just 47.
Number ideas from the streak
- 47 - the length of the streak. Simple, and fans who know it will spot it right away.
- 53 - the year it started.
- 57 - the year it ended.
- 19 - Oklahoma's points in the 19-14 win over Texas that started it, a good choice for anyone who lives for the Red River game.
Other ways to choose
Not every custom OU football jersey needs a historical number. Many fans go with:
- The number of their favorite current player.
- Their own high school number.
- Their graduation year from Oklahoma.
- A family birthday, for a gift.
The streak numbers work best when the person wearing the jersey enjoys telling the story behind them. If someone at the tailgate asks why you picked 47, you have an answer ready.
Name on the back
With a custom Sooners jersey, you can put any name on the back. Common choices include your last name, a nickname, or WILKINSON if you want the whole jersey to honor the streak era. Keep the length in mind: names longer than about ten letters can run close to the shoulder seams, so a shorter version may look cleaner.
Picking a color
Oklahoma's colors are crimson and cream. A crimson jersey matches the classic home look at Owen Field, while white or cream versions work well for road games and photos. Some listings also offer darker alternates. Choose based on where you'll wear the jersey most, and if you're ordering for a group, agree on a color first.
Order checklist
- Choose your number and write down why.
- Check the spelling of the name letter by letter.
- Make sure the number field doesn't swap digits, like 47 to 74.
- Look at the size chart before you order, especially if you plan to layer.
To compare styles, look through this set of custom Oklahoma Sooners jerseys, where you can see how different colors carry a name and number.