The University of Oklahoma (OU) Sooners football team is set to make a powerful statement this Saturday when they take the field against Kansas. For this highly anticipated game, the Sooners will debut their striking new alternate uniform, aptly named the “Unity” uniform. This special uniform is more than just a fresh look; it’s a symbol of togetherness and a meaningful tribute to a pivotal figure in OU football history.
Crafted through the collaborative efforts of OU student-athletes, the “Unity” uniform project began in 2020 with a vision to emphasize the critical role of unity and relationship building in fostering a better society. The uniform also serves as a poignant homage to Prentice Gautt, a name synonymous with breaking barriers at OU as the program’s first Black scholarship football player.
The design of the “Unity” uniform is both sophisticated and symbolic. Players will be outfitted in anthracite-colored jerseys, pants, and helmets, providing a sleek and modern base. Crimson trim and lettering, iconic to the Sooners, add a touch of tradition and team spirit. Subtle yet impactful details further enhance the uniform’s message: the word “TOGETHER” is stitched onto the collar, while “UNITY” is prominently displayed on the back-of-the-jersey nameplate. A distinctive outline of the state of Oklahoma, integrated within a triple-stripe design, adorns both sleeves, grounding the message in local pride and identity.
The selection of the Kansas game for the “Unity” uniform debut was made last summer, building anticipation for this moment throughout the 2022 season. The initiative to create a “Unity” uniform originated from a group of proactive student-athletes, including football players Pat Fields, Jeremiah Hall, Creed Humphrey, Caleb Kelly, and Chanse Sylvie. This group envisioned extending the “Unity” concept beyond football, proposing similar uniforms for all of OU’s varsity sports.
“We wanted to make a statement that was way broader, something that stood out more than just a practice jersey,” explained Caleb Kelly, former OU linebacker and current director for the football team’s SOUL Mission program. “When we’re all together wearing that ‘Sooners,’ we’re all one. We wanted to make sure we exemplified unity in our uniform.” This sentiment underscores the core message embedded within every stitch of the “Unity” uniform.
Beyond the theme of unity, the student-athlete group felt strongly about honoring Prentice Gautt through this new uniform. Hailing from Oklahoma City, Gautt arrived at OU in 1956 and became a standout player under legendary coach Bud Wilkinson from 1957 to 1959. His athletic prowess earned him All-Big Eight Conference honors twice, and he was recognized as an Academic All-American in 1958, demonstrating his commitment to both academics and athletics. Gautt’s impact extended far beyond the football field. After graduating from OU in 1960 and earning a doctorate from the University of Missouri, he played professionally before transitioning to a distinguished career in athletic administration.
Gautt’s dedication to student-athlete welfare led him to the Big Eight Conference in 1979, where he ascended to Associate Commissioner of the Big 12 Conference. His visionary leadership was instrumental in developing the Big 12’s life skills program, designed to support student-athletes in their transition to life after sports. His legacy as a pioneer and advocate continues to inspire.
During Saturday’s game, Prentice Gautt’s widow, Sandra Gautt, and his son, Roger, will be recognized on the field, a fitting tribute to his enduring impact. “We wanted to honor Prentice for being the first African American scholarship football player here,” Kelly stated. “He stood for unity, he stood for doing things the right way. He stood for making sure that you handled academics and football. He was one of the founding fathers who made Oklahoma football what it is and gave all the African American players who have come through OU that opportunity.”
OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione lauded the student-athletes’ initiative and the significance of the “Unity” uniform. “I have so much respect for our current and former student-athletes for their leadership during this process and for how they really wanted to — and continue to want to — make a difference by bringing people together within our university and beyond,” Castiglione remarked. He further emphasized Gautt’s broader influence, stating, “Additionally, I was able to witness firsthand Dr. Prentice Gautt become the leading voice in championing student-athlete welfare across the country with his magnificent leadership in that space. His impact as a young pioneer at OU and as a visionary for student-athlete development and success later in his life blazed a trail that will positively impact lives forever.”
Looking ahead, OU’s other varsity sports teams are also scheduled to wear “Unity” uniforms throughout the academic year, extending this powerful message of togetherness across the entire athletics program. The “Unity” uniform is not just an alternate uniform for the Oklahoma Sooners football team; it’s a symbol of their commitment to unity, a tribute to a trailblazing figure, and a reminder of the power of sports to inspire positive change.
