Following the worst loss in Red River Rivalry history, Stutsman’s spontaneous pregame speech inspired the Sooners.
In NORMAN, the atmosphere in Oklahoma’s locker room was heavy.
The previous year, the Sooners had suffered a 49-0 defeat to their longtime rivals, the Texas Longhorns—Oklahoma’s most lopsided loss in the rivalry’s history. That 2022 game didn’t reflect the strength of either team or the series’ usual close battles over the past 70 years. But with a missing starting quarterback and no solid backup plan, Oklahoma struggled to make progress against Texas, who controlled the game.
Now, moments before facing Texas again at Cotton Bowl Stadium, a somber tension hung in the Sooners’ locker room. During the quiet time between warmups and kickoff, there was an air of hesitation.
That’s when Danny Stutsman took it upon himself to break the silence and speak from the heart. He reminded his teammates that the game would come down to physicality. With that, Stutsman left his mark on Oklahoma football history.
“I’m certain of two things!” he declared. “One, Oklahoma only fears God! And two, Texas fears Oklahoma!”
Though his speech didn’t single-handedly win the game, the Sooners’ execution, key turnovers, a crucial goal-line stand in the fourth quarter, and Dillon Gabriel’s last-minute touchdown pass to Nic Anderson sealed a 34-30 victory. But Stutsman’s words ignited the team’s spirit.
“I remember the locker room going wild when he said that,” recalled defensive end Trace Ford. “It felt so natural, like he hadn’t even prepared it. It was just perfect timing.”
The speech, barely caught on video, went viral and became a hit, spawning T-shirts, bumper stickers, and coffee mugs. For Stutsman, it also became a popular NIL opportunity.
“I didn’t even realize it was recorded,” Stutsman reflected. “It was just an in-the-moment thing. But it was really for my teammates—to motivate them. I love those guys and just wanted to inspire them so we could dominate.”
“What he said in the locker room made us all feel something,” said defensive back Kendel Dolby. “It was a powerful speech. One of the best, actually.”
As Oklahoma prepares to face Texas again, this time with Texas ranked No. 1 and a 14 1/2-point favorite, the Sooners may need another electrifying pregame speech from their senior captain.
“His energy is what this game is all about,” said offensive lineman Jacob Sexton. “Danny brings that passion to every game, especially this one. Everyone rallies behind him. He drives that message.”
Ford added, “From the pregame speech to halftime, Danny’s leadership is top-notch. He’s the perfect example of a true leader, someone everyone respects.”
Stutsman and fellow senior Billy Bowman have been part of this storied rivalry since their freshman year when they witnessed Caleb Williams’ incredible comeback win. After a challenging sophomore year without Gabriel, they experienced a thrilling last-minute victory last season. Now, as seniors, they’ve helped reshape Oklahoma’s defense under Coach Venables, and they have one last chance to finish their careers on top, starting with another win over Texas.
Reflecting on his time in the rivalry, Bowman said, “That last-minute win is my favorite memory so far. But we’re looking to go 3-1 in this series.”
For Stutsman, this year’s matchup will be emotional. “It’s a big game, especially as a Sooner. It’s the one you look forward to every year,” he said. “There are so many great memories, from freshman year’s comeback to last season. Hopefully, we’ll add to them this time around.”
