Boomer, Sooner and the Schooner: Ideas for a Custom OU Jersey

Few college mascots are as easy to recognize as a covered wagon pulled by two white ponies. If you are planning a custom Oklahoma Sooners jersey and want something other than a current player's number, the Sooner Schooner gives you plenty of material.

How the Schooner Started

The wagon is a replica of the prairie schooners used by settlers during the land runs that gave Oklahoma's "Sooners" their name. It first appeared in 1964 at Owen Field during a game against USC. Oklahoma lost that day by 26 points, but the wagon stayed. In 1980 it was designated as the university's mascot.

The two ponies are named Boomer and Sooner, after the fight song. Members of the RUF/NEKS, the all-male spirit group, care for and drive the Schooner along with the RUF/NEK Lil' Sis, the women's group. A driver from one group typically rides with a passenger from the other.

Moments Fans Still Talk About

• The 1985 Orange Bowl: With Oklahoma and Washington tied 14-14, an OU field goal was wiped out by a penalty. The Schooner had already rolled onto the field and got stuck in the wet turf in front of the Washington bench, drawing a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct flag. The longer re-kick was blocked and Oklahoma lost 28-17. Barry Switzer later said the wagon "wasn't the difference."
• 1993 vs. Colorado: The wagon tipped on a sharp turn after a field goal and spilled the driver, the flag bearer and the RUF/NEK queen.
• October 19, 2019 vs. West Virginia: Another tip-over. A new Schooner was built and returned for the 2020 season.

Those stories are part of why fans love the wagon. It is not polished or remote; it is a piece of game day that occasionally goes sideways.

Name and Number Ideas for a Custom OU Football Jersey

Most personalized OU jerseys let you set both the nameplate and the number. Ideas tied to the Schooner:

1. "SCHOONER" with 64: The year it first rolled onto Owen Field.
2. "BOOMER" or "SOONER" with 80: The ponies' names with the year the Schooner became the mascot. Couples or siblings can split the pair, one jersey each.
3. "RUF NEKS" with 15: A nod to the spirit group, using the yardage of the infamous Orange Bowl flag.
4. "WAGON" with 20: For the rebuilt Schooner that returned in the 2020 season.
5. "LAND RUN" with 89: For fans who want the wider Oklahoma history behind the name.

A quick tip on spacing: "SCHOONER" is eight letters, which fits well on an adult football jersey. On youth sizes, "BOOMER" or "SOONER" is easier to read.

Crimson, White or Something Darker

Crimson is the default for a home look and photographs well in a stadium full of the same color. The jersey pictured above is listed as a 2025 Vapor Limited style in crimson with the number 10. A white jersey reads more like a road uniform and works well if you want the crimson number to carry the design. Some listings also come in darker alternates; check the color options on the product page before you settle on a nameplate, since contrast changes how readable the letters are.

Custom OU Jersey Checklist

• Write out the exact spelling you want, including spaces, before you start the order.
• Pick a one- or two-digit number if you want it to look like a game jersey. Years like 1964 read better shortened to 64.
• Measure a jersey you already own and compare it with the size chart on the listing.
• If you plan to layer it over a hoodie for late-season games, consider going up a size.

To see what bases and number colors are available, take a look at this collection of personalized Oklahoma Sooners jerseys and match one to the Schooner idea you like best.

Why the Schooner Works on a Jersey

Player numbers change every few seasons. The Schooner has been part of Oklahoma football since 1964, through national titles, losing seasons and a couple of wipeouts. A jersey that says "BOOMER 80" or "SCHOONER 64" will still make sense to Sooners fans years from now, and it gives you a story to tell when someone asks what the number means.