You’ve seen him snatching balls out of the air for the Dallas Cowboys, making defenders look silly on a weekly basis. But before he was the centerpiece of America's Team, he was tearing up the Big 12. If you’re wondering where did CeeDee Lamb go to college, the answer is the University of Oklahoma.
He didn't just play there. He owned it.
Honestly, CeeDee’s time in Norman wasn't just a "stop along the way." It was a three-year highlight reel that basically redefined what it meant to be a wide receiver in a high-octane offense. From 2017 to 2019, he was the guy defensive coordinators had nightmares about.
Why Oklahoma Was the Perfect Fit for CeeDee
Recruiting is a wild business. CeeDee, a standout from Foster High School in Richmond, Texas, had his pick of the litter. We're talking offers from Alabama and Texas. Imagine him in a Crimson Tide jersey for a second—sorta weird, right? He chose the Sooners, committing in July 2016, and it was probably the best decision he ever made.
Oklahoma's offense under Lincoln Riley was basically a laboratory for elite receivers.
CeeDee stepped onto campus and immediately became a problem for the rest of the country. He had this weirdly effortless way of moving. He wasn't just fast; he was "football fast." He understood leverage and body positioning in a way most 18-year-olds just don't.
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Three Heismans, Three Seasons
One of the craziest stats about CeeDee’s college career isn't even his own. It’s the guys throwing him the ball.
- Baker Mayfield (2017): CeeDee’s freshman year. He caught passes from the Heisman winner and immediately broke the school record for receiving yards by a freshman (807 yards).
- Kyler Murray (2018): New year, new Heisman winner. CeeDee and Marquise "Hollywood" Brown became the first duo in OU history to both cross the 1,000-yard mark in the same season.
- Jalen Hurts (2019): Hurts didn't win the Heisman (he was runner-up), but CeeDee’s production went through the roof. He averaged a ridiculous 21.4 yards per catch.
Most receivers dream of having one elite QB. CeeDee had a factory of them.
Where Did CeeDee Lamb Go to College and What Did He Actually Accomplish?
If you look at the record books, his name is everywhere. He finished his career at Oklahoma with 32 receiving touchdowns. That’s second all-time in school history.
He had a knack for the big moment. Remember the 2018 Big 12 Championship against Texas? He went off for 167 yards. Or the 2019 game against the Longhorns where he scored three touchdowns and basically single-handedly won the game? Those are the moments Sooners fans still talk about at tailgates.
He wasn't just a deep threat. He was a punt returner too. He averaged 8.8 yards per return over his career, showing that he was dangerous every single time the ball touched his hands.
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The Biletnikoff Snub?
In 2019, CeeDee was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, which goes to the best receiver in the country. He didn't win it—Ja'Marr Chase did—but many in Norman still think CeeDee was the better all-around player that year. He was a consensus All-American and a First-team All-Big 12 selection.
The numbers don't lie:
- 173 total receptions
- 3,292 receiving yards
- 19.0 yards per catch average
That 19.0 average is the kicker. It shows he wasn't just catching screens; he was chunking yards every time he touched the grass.
From Norman to Arlington: The Draft
When the 2020 NFL Draft rolled around, everybody knew CeeDee was a first-rounder. But nobody expected him to fall to the Cowboys at pick 17. Jerry Jones famously sat on his yacht and couldn't believe his luck.
The transition was seamless. Why? Because Oklahoma prepared him for the spotlight. Playing in front of 80,000 screaming fans in Norman is a lot different than playing at a small school. He was used to the pressure. He was used to being "the man."
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CeeDee has carried that "Sooner Magic" into the pros, but he never forgets where he started. You’ll still see him throwing the "Horns Down" or cheering on OU on social media.
Making Sense of the Legacy
So, when people ask about his college days, it’s not just about the school name. It’s about the culture of winning he was part of. He was a key piece of three Big 12 Championship teams. He played in the College Football Playoff every single year he was in school.
He didn't just attend Oklahoma; he helped define an era of their football history.
If you’re looking to track his impact further, keep an eye on how his college records hold up. With the way the transfer portal and the new landscape of college football work in 2026, seeing a guy stay for three years and produce like that is becoming rarer.
Check out his old highlights from the 2019 Red River Showdown if you want to see him at his absolute peak. It’s basically a masterclass in wide receiver play. You can also follow the current Oklahoma roster to see who the "next CeeDee" might be, as the program continues to pump out NFL-caliber talent at the position.