National Football Foundation

Big 8 Co-Champion Oklahoma defeated Michigan in the Orange Bowl, marking the Sooners’ first MacArthur Bowl. Coached by College Football Hall of Famer Barry Switzer, Oklahoma finished 11-1 after a 14-6 victory against the Wolverines in the Orange Bowl. Losses by No.1 Ohio State and No. 2 Texas A&M in their respective bowl games vaulted the Sooners into the title spotlight. The 1975 Oklahoma team featured Hall of Fame defensive end Lee Roy Selmon, a 1975 NFF National Scholar-Athlete, and Hall of Fame running backs Billy Sims and Joe Washington.

Representing the pinnacle of team achievement in college sports, the trophy was the gift of an anonymous donor, who commissioned Tiffany & Co. to craft it from 400 ounces of silver, in honor of NFF founder General Douglas A. MacArthur. It took eight months to make, and the trophy features MacArthur's famous quote: "There is no substitute for victory."