As Josh Heupel returns to OU, mentor remembers the fan favorite for how he helped kids

As Josh Heupel returns to OU, mentor remembers the fan favorite for how he helped kids

As Josh Heupel returns to OU, mentor remembers the fan favorite for how he helped kids

NORMAN, Okla. — Former University of Oklahoma quarterback and offensive coordinator Josh Heupel will return to Norman this weekend, but this time on the opposing sideline. Now in his third season as head coach of the University of Tennessee, Heupel leads the No. 6-ranked team in the nation, bringing his high-powered offense back to the place where his legendary Sooners career began.


Heupel, who led OU to a national title in 2000 and later served as offensive coordinator under Bob Stoops, remains beloved in Oklahoma. Beyond his football success, Heupel made a lasting impact through his charitable work, especially during his time in Norman. Mike Whitson, OU's former team chaplain, recalled Heupel’s commitment to giving back.


"That was just a reflection of Josh and his heart. He always wanted to give back," Whitson said.


Despite being from South Dakota, Heupel quickly became an adopted Oklahoman when he arrived in Norman in 1999. While he earned fans’ admiration for his play on the field, Heupel was focused on helping the community. He spent time visiting local schools and reading to children, and during the holidays, he found ways to assist those in need.


"He became aware of some families who needed help during Thanksgiving," Whitson explained. "So, on his own, he raised money to provide meals for those families."


The following year, Heupel took it further, asking fans to bring canned food items to games. The response was overwhelming, with Sooner fans filling a semitrailer full of food. The donations helped provide Thanksgiving meals to over 100 families that year, starting a tradition that lasted over a decade.


Heupel later turned this effort into a nonprofit called The #14 Foundation, which provided holiday meals and Christmas gifts to children and families across Oklahoma. By the time the foundation ended in 2014, it had helped thousands of families and left a lasting legacy in the state.


"He had a huge heart for helping others," said Cathy Nestlen from the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. "His foundation raised a lot of money to provide food baskets for families in need, especially during the holidays."


As Heupel returns to Norman, fans may not see him reading to children or organizing food drives, but his legacy of giving back remains strong. "Oklahoma can be proud of Josh Heupel, even though he’s on the other sideline now," Whitson said. "They helped shape the man he is today."