Pictured Above: Barry Sanders and the "War Pigs." Kneeling L-R: Byron Woodard, Jason Kidder, John Boisvert, Chris Stanley and Mike Wolfe. Standing L-R: Coach Mike Markason, Barry Sanders and Coach Brad Seely.



The Cowboy Family is not the only thing that will be celebrated at Oklahoma State University’s 98th Homecoming celebration on October 27.

2018 marks the 30th anniversary of Barry Sanders’ Heisman Trophy winning season. To commemorate the occasion, the OSU Alumni Association has named Sanders and his offensive line, known as the “War Pigs,” as grand marshals of Homecoming 2018.

“Cowboy fans have very fond memories of watching Barry play,” said Blaire Atkinson, interim president of the OSU Alumni Association. “Given the anniversary, we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Homecoming than with the addition of our Heisman award winner and his teammates.”

“1988 was such a special year for OSU football,” Sanders said. “The fact that I get to celebrate the 30th anniversary at Homecoming with my coaches, teammates, and of course our fans, is very special to me.”

During the 1988 season, Sanders set 34 NCAA records on his way to winning the Heisman Trophy. He averaged 238.9 yards per game during the regular season and racked up 42 touchdowns over the season’s 12 games.

Sanders, who is known for his humility, credits much of his success to his teammates on the offensive line, the “War Pigs.” After accepting the Heisman, Sanders was quoted as saying, “The Heisman trophy really is a big deal, but I play with a bunch of great teammates and they made it happen."

Sanders was drafted in 1989 by the Detroit Lions and was named the NFL’s Rookie of the Year following his first season. He would go on to earn MVP honors three times in addition to being a ten-time Pro Bowl selection.

Sanders and his teammates will participate in several Homecoming events, most notably the Sea of Orange Parade the morning of the football game.

Homecoming events for alumni and fans begin on Sunday, October 21 with the Sign Competition on library lawn followed by the dyeing of the Edmon Low Library fountain orange at 5:30 p.m.

Homecoming will conclude with the Texas vs. OSU football game, and Alumni Association members can take advantage of a special $75 ticket offer.

Details about OSU Homecoming events and the member ticket offer can be found on the Alumni Association’s website.

