'A new era': OU community reacts to official SEC move
Monday, July 1, marked the University of Oklahoma's move to the South Eastern Conference after years of planning.
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) – Monday, July 1, marked the University of Oklahoma's move to the South Eastern Conference after years of planning.
The historic event was marked with a day's worth of celebration across Norman and the metro. Early Monday morning, OU fans participated in a 5K across campus and were witnesses to a fireworks show.
Monday night's festivities included a "Party In The Palace" event from 5-10 p.m. inside Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium and a drone show.
"It's a big day, I'm excited about it," said OU fan Joe Fine. "I know it's going to be a new challenge, but hey, we're ready for it."
Monday's move stemmed from a desire expressed back in 2021 for the university to leave the Big 12 conference in favor of the SEC. OU leaders stressed on Monday that conversations had been ongoing about the move potentially happening for at least the past decade; but SEC officials urged the university to figure out it's commitment with the Big 12 first.
OU and the University of Texas ultimately opted to leave the Big 12. Both universities contributing a total of $100 million to leave a year early.
"We've created a stability, at least a model of stability, by partnering with the SEC," said OU Athletic Director Joe Castiglione.
Castiglione highlighted that the move just made sense with the state of college football, and that university leaders ultimately believe it will make financial sense in the years ahead.
That sentiment was echoed by SEC commissioner Greg Sankey Monday, who highlighted the university's high standards and supportive fanbase as potential wins for the SEC. He also noted that OU was no stranger to success. OU has produced four Heisman award winners in just over two decades, has won several national championships in softball and has a multitude of success across other sports on campus.
"We are entering a new era with enormous complexity," said Sankey, touching on the impact adding OU to the SEC could have.
OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. also touched on the spotlight the move puts the university in, adding that players will be competing with the best of the best.
Some critics have raised concerns that, as far as football is concerned, OU faces some tough competition.
"I feel like we can step up to the challenge," said OU student Catherine Fair. "I feel like we've done it before."
The Sooners first SEC football game of the season is set for August 30 against Temple University at 6 p.m.
You can find the entire season's schedule here.