Norman Mayor Proposes Bedlam Football Revival

Holman discusses bill to renew Sooners-Cowboys rivalry game at Congress of Mayors

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Norman Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman has proposed a bill that would bring back the storied Bedlam football rivalry between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State University Cowboys. The bill was discussed at the recent Congress of Mayors, where Holman argued that reviving the annual matchup could boost tourism and civic pride in Oklahoma.

Why it matters

The Bedlam rivalry between OU and OSU was a beloved tradition in Oklahoma for decades before being discontinued in 2018 due to scheduling conflicts. Restoring the game could reignite state-wide interest in college football and provide an economic boost to the host cities.

The details

Holman's proposed bill would mandate that OU and OSU play each other annually in a neutral-site Bedlam game, likely in Oklahoma City or Tulsa. The game would be played on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, a traditional date for the rivalry matchup. Holman believes the game could draw tens of thousands of fans and generate millions in tourism revenue for the host city.

  • The Congress of Mayors, where Holman discussed the Bedlam revival bill, took place in February 2026.
  • The Bedlam rivalry between OU and OSU was discontinued in 2018 due to scheduling conflicts.

The players

Stephen Tyler Holman

The mayor of Norman, Oklahoma, who proposed a bill to revive the Bedlam football rivalry between the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University.

University of Oklahoma Sooners

The football team of the University of Oklahoma, a longtime participant in the Bedlam rivalry.

Oklahoma State University Cowboys

The football team of Oklahoma State University, the other longtime participant in the Bedlam rivalry.

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What they’re saying

“Reviving Bedlam would be a huge win for Oklahoma. The game means so much to fans across the state, and it could provide a major economic boost to whichever city hosts it.”

— Stephen Tyler Holman, Mayor of Norman (spotonoklahoma.com)

What’s next

Holman's bill will now be considered by the Oklahoma state legislature, which would need to pass it into law for the Bedlam rivalry to be officially restored.

The takeaway

The proposed revival of the Bedlam football rivalry between OU and OSU highlights the enduring passion for college sports in Oklahoma and the potential economic benefits of hosting high-profile annual matchups.