This Saturday, the Oklahoma State Cowboys are set to honor their roots in a big way. For their Homecoming game against Arizona State, the team will wear special throwback uniforms that pay tribute to some of the earliest designs and logos in school history. These unique uniforms commemorate the Cowboys’ 125th season, combining elements from the early days of Oklahoma A&M College athletics with their modern look.
The most notable feature of Saturday’s throwback is the historic “OA” emblem. Originally representing the O.A. Association, the emblem dates back to 1909, when Oklahoma A&M athletes first organized as a collegiate association. The interlocking “OA” symbol was widely used across OAMC varsity sports from 1909 until 1913, when the “A” was eventually dropped, and the organization became known as the “O” Association. Today, this tradition continues as the “O-Club,” with the university still awarding the iconic “O” letter to its varsity athletes. This weekend’s game marks the first time since World War I that Oklahoma State has used the “OA” emblem, a symbol of pride for players and fans alike.
Adding to the historical nods, Oklahoma State’s uniform for Saturday will feature widely spaced orange horizontal stripes circling the black sleeves and socks. This striped pattern is inspired by OAMC’s first athletic nickname, the “Tigers,” which was used until the early 1920s, when the name changed to “Aggies” and later, to the familiar “Cowboys.” Early OAMC photos from 1901 to 1921 showcase these horizontal stripes, making Saturday’s look a meaningful tribute to the school’s earliest football teams.
The helmet design is packed with historical elements. The front bumper decal will read “OAMC” in block letters, a design that dates back to head coach Ed Parry’s attire in the 1908 football team photo and even appears on the mid-1900s baseball team uniforms. For Saturday’s Homecoming game, the back bumper will display a “Tigers” decal in the same script font seen on OSU’s modern uniforms. To commemorate the team’s milestone season, a special “125” decal will also appear on the back of the helmet.
Oklahoma State’s Homecoming throwback not only celebrates the Cowboys’ 125-year history but also serves as a reminder of the traditions that have shaped the program. Fans attending the game at Boone Pickens Stadium will witness a truly special uniform that captures the spirit of OSU’s athletic evolution—from the early days as the Tigers to the proud Cowboys they are today.