For college football plays it’s the Holy Grail. For college football fans is the stuff of legends. It’s the Heisman Trophy, given annually to the best player in the game and this weekend it’s in Tulsa.

The iconic stiff arming award will be on display before Saturday’s University of Tulsa homecoming game against the Rice Owls at H.A. Chapman Stadium.

The Heisman travels the country during the season but this is the first stop in Tulsa and fans told KRMG they were more than pleased “I think it’s great, it might indicate one of our boys might get it, who knows” one fan exclaimed. 

“It’s a great honor to have it here” another added. His wife couldn’t wait to give her opinion as well “Oh I think it’s wonderful, what an opportunity to have it here.”

Hear what Tulsa has to say about having the trophy in town.

Most awards are just wood and metal but the Heisman has grown into more. The trophy is a symbol of not only that player’s ability but the stature of the university he played for. So in the end, the Heisman is a bigger deal that most.

Football fan Mack told KRMG “it’s a piece of history that’s pretty cool seeing it here.” He then looked at the statue and asked “so this is actually the one they’re going to be giving away?” The answer is yes, the Heisman you can see on Saturday is the same one that will be handed to the nation’s best player in New York in early December.

The state of Oklahoma has a wonderful history with the Heisman. Six players from the state have one of the brass figures in their home or office. The roll call goes like this;

1952 Billy Vessels, Oklahoma

1969 Steve Owens, Oklahoma

1978 Billy Sims, Oklahoma

1988 Barry Sanders, Oklahoma State

2003 Jason White, Oklahoma

2008 Sam Bradford, Oklahoma

During an interview several years ago I had the chance to ask Steve Owens about his Heisman. I was curious about where it was and how it was treated. Owens smiled, and then broke out in laughter when he told me “the kids played with it like a doll when they were younger and now they hang their coats on the arm.”

Well at least we know the little guy is good for more than just a display.

Take a look below for the details from TU on the trophy and the rest of the festivities surrounding the game and how you can be a part of it all. Remember you will hear all Tulsa football and basketball games home and away on KRMG.

 New Basketball Coach Danny Manning will have the TU men's basketball team going through an open practice for fans at the Donald W. Reynolds Center from 11-12 noon. It's the first time that the general public can see the new look, up-tempo Hurricane. Fans will also have an opportunity during that time to purchase season tickets.

Hurricane Alley on Chapman Commons will open three hours prior to kickoff at 11:30 am, where fans will have an opportunity to take photos with the Heisman Trophy, presented by Wendy's. Inflatable games, face tattoos, live band and food are all a part of Hurricane Alley on game day.

Fans are encouraged to line Glenn Dobbs Drive (8th Street) for the TU Team Walk beginning at 12:15 pm.

Fans can also help those in need as EMSA will conduct their annual H.U.G.S. (Hats, Underwear, Gloves) Donation Drive at the stadium. Fans can bring new items - hats, underwear, gloves - to place in an unused EMSA truck that will be located inside Chapman Stadium at Thomas Plaza (west side).

Kick-off for the Tulsa-Rice game is at 2:35 pm.