The O'Colly, August 28, 2026

Friday, August 28, 2026

Oklahoma State students Abigail and Elyannah help other OSU students design t-shirts for the Students For Justice In Palestine DIY T-Shirt Night event.

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Turning a blind eye will not do Caleson Coon

ongoing issues in Palestine right outside the doors of the Classroom Building’s lawn. SJP President For students and one alumni a part Salsabeel Abedraboh, a junior of ‘Students for Justice in Palestine,’ majoring in biochemistry, said SJP turning a blind eye simply will not do. hopes to shed light on the ongoing SJP held a DIY T-shirt event conflict in Palestine that has ramped intended to bring awareness to the up since October 2025; their hope is EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

to help people understand that issues can be resolved without violence. “You can’t turn a blind eye to people turning blind, meaning they are literally getting blinded, my own... I had a cousin, 9 years old, was sniper shot,” said Al, an alumnus of Oklahoma State University. “You’re

asking me why I should be a part of this? What if it was your family? What would you do?” For Al, the conflict occurring in another region is personal.

See PALESTINE on page 3A

Bondi Bowls make a change Kalina Williams

locations stretching from California to Michigan. Wilson attended college in Bondi Bowls, an açai bowl and California, and after graduating she smoothie company in Stillwater, moved to Bondi Beach, Australia recently upgraded its location from a where her love for açai bowls was food truck to adding a new sit-down created along with the name of her environment around the corner from future business. Willies Saloon. Two years after Wilson made the The new location had its grand move, her father’s health brought her opening Saturday, Aug. 23 and has back home. She was determined to been welcoming the community each help him in any way possible which day forward. resulted in the idea of providing açai Founded by Bailey Wilson in bowls as a healthy meal. Edmond, her small idea quickly became a large success with See BONDI on page 5A

ASST. NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Courtesy Creative Commons

On Nov. 3, Oklahomans will return to the polls to decide the state’s next governor and its U.S. Senate race.

Oklahoma voters set the stage for November election, students share thoughts Annie Ross

Tuesday’s primary runoffs. Mazzei, who received President Donald Trump’s endorsement, Oklahoma voters have set the beat Republican opponent Gentner stage for a November election Drummond, during yesterday’s that will determine the state’s primary Republican runoff. In a next governor and one of its closely contested election, Mazzei U.S. senators, while the results narrowly came out on top with 186, also highlighted a divide in voter 678 (50.3%) votes, according to the participation between the state’s two Associated Press. Gentner received major parties. 184,631 (49.7%) votes. Republican candidate for Governor Mazzei will compete against Mike Mazzei and Democratic Democratic candidate Cyndi Munson candidate for the U.S. Senate N’Kiyla in the general election for Oklahoma Jasmine Thomas advanced to the Governor. See VOTERS on page 7A Nov. 3 general election following

STAFF REPORTER

The signature ”Bondi Bowl” Açai Bowl from Bondi Bowls

Cj Young, The O’Colly

Page 2A Friday, August 28, 2026

O’Colly

News STUDENTS SHARE THOUGHTS ON DUNKIN’ DONUTS Dunkin’ Donuts will take residence at 424 W. 6th Ave. The shop is currently undergoing construction and plans to open around November, 2026. “I’m not much of a coffee person in general, but I think out of the places here, we have enough coffee shops,” said Joel Villasenor, a sophomore majoring in music performance. “I think it is more important to support local coffee shops instead, speaking from growing up in Stillwater my whole life.”

“I love Dunkin! said Laney Roome, a freshman majoring in hospitality. “I enjoy getting refreshers at Dunkin Donuts and I just can’t wait for them to open.”

JOEL VILLASENOR | SOPHOMORE

“I’ve been out a little bit of times in Stillwater, and I’ve seen plenty of coffee places – I think that it becomes repetitive after a while,” said Jordan Brown, a freshman majoring in animal science.

“I’m honestly pretty neutral about this, but I’m not a big Dunkin’ drinker,” said Rebecca Schlecht, a sophomore majoring in music. REBECCA SCHLECHT | SOPHOMORE

JORDAN BROWN | FRESHMAN

On This day 1996. 30 years ago. Whether in a chokingly small dormitory or in an broad, spacious apartment, Roommate conflict seems almost manditory. “Especially if you’re a freshman and you don’t know who your roomate is,” says Jay Steagall, an animal science sophomore at Oklahoma State University. Recently, a solution became available for just this sort of conflict. Just as there are social contracts from the Constitution to credit cards, a contract for roomates is now available on the World Wide Web. SWOON, a self-proclaimed “‘relationships website” provides just such a document titled, “The No B.S. Roomate Contract.” According to the web site, “Regardless of whether your roomate is your best friend or a complete stranger, you’re bound to lock horns from time to time.” From appliances to toilet paper and beer to cigarettes, this humorous yet thorough contract covers phone use, bills, sanitation, noise and property, as well as a roommate’s “significant other.” LUKE MCBRIDE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER, 1996 Todd Pinson, The Daily O’Collegian, 1996

Joey Cooper, agricultural economics sophomore, waits for his roommate Matt Boekman, undecided sophomore, to get off the phone.

Editorial board Editor-in-Chief Caleson Coon

editorinchief@ocolly.com

Design editor Jose Brito

design.ed@ocolly.com

Design editor Kaitlyn Robertson

design.ed@ocolly.com

News and Lifestyle editor Ashley Yarbrough news.ed@ocolly.com

Photo editor Chance Marick

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Assistant Photo editor Andon Freitas photo.ed@ocolly.com

Sports editor Weston Wertzberger sports.ed@ocolly.com

Social Media editor Megan Gibson news.ed@ocolly.com

Aliyah Young Caden James Delaney Waterman Marcus Mesis Matt Sammon

Asst. Sports editor Cayden Cox

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Asst. News & Lifestyle editor Kalina Williams news.ed@ocolly.com

News & Lifestyle reporters:

Newsroom 108 Paul Miller Stillwater, OK 74078 (405)744-6365

The O’Colly Staff Sports reporters: Ben Schatzel Logan Cole Marcus Mesis Ryan Ruston Timothy Christensen Will Thorogood

Photographers: Bailey Schmitz Brianna Martinez Catherine Dzanski CJ Young Daisy Gower Davis Hicks Dominyk Jones EJ Oakley Hailey Dodson Kia Mace Karsten Levings Laken Chambers Matthew Miner Natalie Koepp Payton Little Trey Creel

O’Colly

Friday, August 28, 2026 Page 3A

News

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Oklahoma State student Avery (left) shakes hands with another OSU student Katie Lee (right) during the Students For Justice

Palestine

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Oklahoma State student Beto (right) shows another OSU student Katie Lee (left) a T-shirt designed for the Students For Justice

we do gives them hope.” around the world,” she said. “So, hasn’t been able to keep in And the need to bring more I think learning about this and contact as much, but I’ve been Continued from 1A light to Palestine is shared supporting her where I can,” she educating myself about this has by Aly Bradford, treasurer made me a lot more willing to said. “There’s another perspective of SJP and a senior majoring look into other things that are Bradford also spoke to to have, and what’s going on in psychology and sociology happening around the world. her views regarding lack of there, just to understand, have a from Bartlesville, who first awareness or what people think Learn about those, learn about better understanding of what is took notice of issues such as they can and can’t do for issues what I can and can’t help with, going on, and not be blinded to Palestine and more due to her and just, you know, focus on in another region. just one side of the coin on the involvement with a nonprofit what I can do, to like, make “I would say a common media” Al said. “It’s important called Woven Heart. things better for other people – talking point is, like, ‘well to understand the injustice Although the online nonprofit there’s a lot of bad stuff going on basically, that’s my goal, is just going on... definitely what’s has since disbanded, Bradford is in the world, there’s not really make some people’s lives a little going on is the genocide of it. unable to turn a blind eye. bit easier.” anything I can do about it,’ I There’s no question.” “I’ve seen a lot of things that think people should focus on For those who are unclear of He also acknowledged his I just, like, I don’t think I could the areas that they are capable what they can do, Bradford said thoughts on whether there have that on my conscience if I of helping in,” Bradford said. it starts with figuring out what is a blind eye from those on one’s capabilities are. campus and around Stillwater, “Whether it be financial Oklahoma. support, staying informed, “When you’re killing, not informing other people, getting “I would say a common talking point only people, but livestock, and educated, but they should burning land, and burning trees, just know that our country is is, like, ‘well there’s a lot of bad all of trees have been there for complicit in this,” she said. “You stuff going on in the world, there’s 2,000 years, for no reason other know, whether you like it or not really anything I can do about than it’s Palestinian,” Al said. not, your tax dollars are funding it,’ I think people should focus on “It’s hard to ignore that and what’s happening, so you can’t that’s not being put into media.” just turn a blind eye and pretend the areas that they are capable of Al said the event is meant to you don’t know anything.” helping in.” be fun while also giving an idea Abedraboh shares this that there’s humanity and hope sentiment as she believes the ALY BRADFORD | STUDENT in the cause; he shared the word U.S. is making the issues in “Summod” as his thought on Palestine slightly more negative. what defines people in Palestine. “I say that just because we “Summod is like a are funding the war,” she said. transliteration, but it’s like this pulled myself away from that, “Using American tax payer She said that people need resilience, making the positive you know, I can’t just choose to to know that Palestinians money to fund bombs and guns it- anything,” Al said. “And unsee it,” Bradford said. and the IDF (Israel Defense aren’t any different from the that’s what we try to get. We do In late 2024, when she first people here and she credits her Forces).” it in a different way, obviously, became involved, she found She spoke to those who don’t contacts in Gaza with showing because they [people in a friend from Gaza who she believe in the impact that the her exactly that. Palestine] go through a lot more. remains in contact with as often conflict has on the U.S. as “I’m in a place of privilege I’m vicariously – it hurts, that as she can. she believes it impacts each regardless, you know, living in they go through that, but by my “Kind of off and on because and every person. Abedraboh kind of the core of everything anything, by my existence alone, she’s either, you know, pregnant, where I’m not impacted by pinpointed the impact of tax that gives them hope. Anything so she’s been on bed rest, she money going to a war instead of the issues that are happening

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Oklahoma State students design shirts for the Students For Justice In Palestine DIY T-Shirt Night

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Payton Little, The O’Colly

Oklahoma State student Abigail helps other OSU students and alumni design t-shirts for the Students For Justice

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being used for the one paying taxes. “So, we don’t have healthcare here, for example, but in Israel, Israeli citizens have free healthcare,” Abedraboh said. As a Palestinian herself, she hopes to bring back education and literacy to help people understand that something doesn’t have to affect one personally for there to be empathy on outside issues – the DIY event is a part of that. “So, this is something that was kind of a fun idea to get the word out there about our club and just have something memorable from our college years that we tried to make a difference,” Abedraboh said. She said not all are free until everyone is free as the Israeli government has been committing actions that aren’t very polite or peaceful as many disagree with those actions, including Israeli citizens overseas and Israeli citizens here. Abedraboh said events such as these speak to who the people are in SJP, and to allow others to gain a deeper understanding where Palestine is coming from, how the conflict began and started to what can be done moving forward, along with motivating world leaders toward a more peaceful resolution. “I think it’s an important issue, because we’re all humans at the end of the day, and this is something that can affect any of us,” Abedraboh said.

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3. 2007 Showtime drama about an oft-married king

1. What might be accompanied by Greece or gravy?

7. One who always agrees with you?

2. End without a winner, or begin with a pencil

9. Pop star or A Modest Proposal author

4. It might spark a relationship

10. Where light is appreciated

5. It can rise and fall

13. Good for phones, bad from a bull

6. It may contain change

15. Second person pronoun

8. One whose reign may last exactly twelve inches

19. One with hands but no elbows

11. Capital with an Eye

21. One who always gets the last word

12. Museum whose collection needs watering

22. "folklore" song about unseen connections

13. It's good for the soul

23. Boleyn or Hathaway

14. ___ and Grace (1998 sitcom)

28. One thing that's expected not to move

16. Brother who got off the ground

29. 2022 J.Lo and Owen Wilson rom-com

17. Place for a brief address?

31. One who is outstanding in his field

18. Highest, tallest, and lowest state

32. Sky's applause?

20. City often assigned to the wrong state

33. It supports your dreams

21. Fans will tell you it's coming home 24. A king with wings?

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25. Faithful follower? 26. Needed to get over things

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27. Shore thing? 30. Answer to the question formed by 14-Down, 15-Across, and 25 27 29

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Page 4A Friday, August 28, 2026

O’Colly

Lifestyle

The balloons behind OSU’s bid day Ashley Yarbrough

NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR

For one week each year, a hotel ballroom in Norman transforms into a balloon factory filled with over 35,000 balloons to decorate sorority houses across Oklahoma. Balloon Therapy, owned by Chelsea Trinidad, takes on the challenge every year to build their largest displays to decorate Oklahoma State University sorority houses for Bid Day, welcoming new members home. This year, Balloon Therapy decorated Alpha Delta Pi, Zeta Tau Alpha and Kappa Alpha Theta at OSU and did an additional seven houses at the University of Oklahoma. “At each of the houses we did have over 450 cubic feet of balloons times 10 houses,” Trinidad said. “You’re just thinking about filling every square inch of these big, nice, fancy houses.” However, much takes place before recruitment week as Balloon Therapy begins work months before sorority recruitment. “We start putting together concepts as early as February,” Trinidad said. “Normally, what we do is we wait for the officers to change over so that the new person can kind of put together their concept.” Once both teams are happy with the design, the real work begins. And with tens of thousands of balloon structures to build, Balloon Therapy requires more workspace than their residence in Oklahoma City can provide. “Really, the only place we could produce all those

balloons was in a hotel ballroom,” Trinidad said. “We’re lucky a hotel in Norman always partners with us to help make that happen.” The week before Bid Day, the hotel ballroom becomes a balloon factory filled with structures that perfectly match each house’s individual theme. “We actually do blow up the balloons in the ballroom,” Trinidad said. “It’s really cool, because we have locations in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, but we all drop what we’re doing and live in Norman for a week, and we blow up 35,000 balloons.” Trinidad and her team of eight each work 10 hours for four days the week before Bid Day in anticipation for the balloons to make their way to Stillwater the next morning. “We got three of the biggest sized U-hauls and four cargo vans, and we just filled them up and drove to Stillwater,” Trinidad said. “We were there by 7:30 in the morning and we were done by 10:45 a.m.” And though there is no way of knowing what elements will affect an installation for Balloon Therapy, Trinidad recalls one of her first installation experiences at Southern Methodist University’s rush in the winter. “I went home thinking, ‘What on earth did I get myself into?’” she said. “We had big extension ladders going and people climbing up and tying balloons onto columns when it’s 30 degree weather and it’s fleeting outside.” In Oklahoma, the summer weather plays a big part in the lifespan of balloon displays during Bid Day as

Bid Day balloons at Alpha Delta Pi House at Oklahoma State. Trinidad and her team allow the weather to take care of disposing of the displays. “In Oklahoma, the sun just does most of our job for us and pops them,” Trinidad said. “So, you know, that makes it a little easier for us.” Even with an entire team to build displays, Trinidad admitted that the job is not without it’s mishaps. “There was one time that one of the strings popped off that I was using to hold up balloons, but my whole team had already left,” Trinidad said. “I just didn’t have any string or rope on me at the time, so I unlaced my shoe

Kaitlyn Robertson, The O’Colly

laces and I used that to tie it “Every year, every house back up and it stayed great.” wants to go a little harder,” But for Trinidad, the job goes Trinidad said. “We have a ton past moving tens of thousands of people. Honestly, we could of balloons, and into something have handled more balloons.” much more lasting. For one week of the year, “A photo lasts forever, and Bid Day brings a different that’s kind of the whole point,” kind of determination for Trinidad said. “It’s just like Balloon Therapy. However, getting to see the girls running the company’s work extends home and seeing them just beyond the grand displays. being overwhelmed with joy “It’s just, one week during and excitement makes it worth the year that we’re like, ‘Nope, it.” it’s all or nothing,’” Trinidad Every year, the demand said. “But the rest of the time, to have the best Bid Day we love big and small displays decorations on campus and just connecting with grows, but Balloon Therapy people.” is prepared to take on that challenge. news.ed@ocolly.com

Trump’s plan to lower beef prices could cost Oklahoma producers Anna Pope

discourages ranchers from Council yesterday. Canada, Mexico, Australia livestock economist. He said rebuilding the herd and Oklahoma ranks second and New Zealand. If the deal the October feeder cattle injects unpredictability into an in the nation for the number means importing additional contract is trading at $318 per The Trump Administration already volatile market. of beef cows in the state, meat, Anderson said, he has hundredweight, down from is taking another stab at In a statement from according to the Oklahoma questions about capacity. $335-$340 for August. importing beef, and local farm American Farmers and Department of Agriculture “What country actually “It’s really hard to kind of groups say the move threatens Ranchers President Scott Food and Forestry. has the supplies to be able to disentangle this by itself,” to dampen a bright spot in the Blubaugh said bringing in sell us that much beef in the Mitchell said. “But I think agriculture economy. more beef makes the nation Beef import deal lacks key next 90 days, on top of what timing and looking at the President Donald Trump more dependent on foreign details they were already selling us?” reaction as a whole, you could wrote in a social media post meat. If Trump’s idea comes to Anderson said. “That’s a pretty say that this has just had a that he’d made a deal to import “We cannot and should full fruition, Anderson said, it short list.” negative impact in general, upward 300,000 tons of ground not be reliant on foreign would bring in a lot of beef in This comes as severe and markets have been trading beef with no out-of-quotanations for our food supply. a short timeframe. But details drought looms in places where lower over the last couple of tariff for the next 90 days. The Will somebody please tell the are sparse in the social media a lot of cattle are raised. Fall weeks leading up to it as well.” idea is to bring down beef president this is not “America post. weaning season is near and To rebuild cattle inventories, prices for consumers. First?” Blubaugh said in the He said the deal might producers continue to see high he said the U.S. needs profits “We have a commitment statement. not mean more beef on the input costs. for producers, good pasture for that this beef will be sold at 25 In response to the move to market, and products would Despite its lack of details, cattle and patience while herds percent below current market increase imported beef, Gov. come in tariff-free. the announcement played grow. Currently, he said, there prices,” the president wrote. Kevin Stitt signed an executive The U.S. already imports into cattle prices, according are just profits. High prices for beef at the order to make the Oklahoma beef from other major to James Mitchell, University At best the announcement grocery store comes down to Beef Industry Advisory players, including Brazil, of Arkansas extension could delay or limit the pace supply and demand. of rebuilding the U.S. cow The national cattle herd is herd, Mitchell said. At worst, the smallest it’s been since the uncertainty could create the 1950s because of hard longer-lasting damage to droughts. Despite a tight beef rebuilding efforts. supply, consumer demand is This is not the first time strong leading to high beef the Trump administration and cattle prices. has mentioned a plan to David Anderson, Texas import more beef. Last year, A&M Agrilife Extension the administration said it livestock and food product was looking to bring in more marking specialist, said people Argentinian beef – an idea are looking for a quick fix, but Oklahoma farm groups also there isn’t one. criticized. “It’s really difficult to come Cortney Cowley, Federal up with a policy option that Reserve Bank of Kansas City makes a meaningful change senior economist, said she here when our real culprit in doesn’t know if this latest large part is out of our control, move would make a huge and that’s the weather,” difference at the grocery Anderson said. “That’s this store. She said 300,000 tons is drought.” about 2% of the total domestic Oklahoma farm groups consumer consumption – Oklahoma Farm Bureau, projected for this year. American Farmers and “Retailers who actually Ranchers/ Oklahoma Farmers’ set the prices still are aware Union and the Oklahoma that demand is really strong,” Cattlemen’s Association – Cowley said. “Also, beef is one criticized Trump’s move. They component of meat, which say it’s a short-sighted step is one small component of done at the wrong time for consumer prices, even food producers. prices. And we’ve still been Recently, cattle prices seeing what’s been driving this have bolstered Oklahoma kind of food at home inflation agriculture’s economy or food at the grocery store during a time of uncertainty. inflation, is still processed Agriculture organizations Anna Pope/ Harvest Public Media foods.” say importing more beef Packages of ground beef are displayed at a grocery store in Oklahoma City. news.ed@ocolly.com KOSU STAFF REPORTER

O’Colly

Friday, August 28, 2026 Page 5A

Lifestyle

One of the largest employers in Stillwater — Eskimo Joe’s — held a stand at OSU’s local part-time job career fair.

Teaguen Harbour, The O’Colly

Students seek opportunities at OSU’s Part-Time Job Fair Zane Abouzahr

majoring in art and creative writing. Balgude is a student worker recruiting students Students seeked part-time seeking jobs at Edmon Low job opportunities amidst their Library, one of the many onbusy schedules. campus services in attendance, Just two weeks into the fall along with the departments semester, students browsed of wellness, horticulture and the Student Union Ballroom residential life. for OSU Career Services’ Local companies and annual part-time job fair. businesses such as Casa Many students aren’t Abuelita and Slim Chickens, as simply seeking employment; well as volunteer organizations they’re looking for flexible such as Payne County Youth opportunities that fit their Services and Stillwater schedules. Medical, were also present “I need to have enough amongst the 48 booths. time to study and stay on top Flexibility is a common of all my classes,” said Adisi priority, especially for Balgude, a sophomore double freshman Wyatt Porter, who STAFF REPORTER

Bondi

had second thoughts about seeking a part-time job in the IT department. “They said you had to work from 10 to 3, and I mean, that’s not really feasible when most classes are between those times,” said Porter. “Maybe if you wanted to work on the weekends, you could do that.” Although students are seeking opportunities that fit their class schedules, some employers are also trying to accommodate for the demands of college life. “The most important thing to us with the students is their education,” said Chelsea Wells, practice manager at

Baker Animal Clinic. “School is intense, and then you gotta add work onto that.” Charlie Hutchins has experienced both the challenges of “work-life balance” and ‘being a full-time student’ as well. Hutchins now works for Interworks and recruits students seeking the same opportunities he once did as a college student. Hutchins said his advice on time management is to ‘find your own groove,’ emphasizing how students will find the right balance through time and experience. Still, some students feel as if there is a misunderstanding

about how the world views student workers. “I feel like most people think you have no free time just because of your work,” explains Corbin, a junior studying sports media. However, Corbin shows that students can work and still have a college life. ‘Fishing, gaming and hanging out with his friends’ are hobbies he doesn’t sacrifice, but instead prioritizes within his schedule. For Corbin, it’s not about choosing one or the other, but the beauty of making time for both. news.ed@ocolly.com

in Boone Pickens Stadium near the student section. Uhr stated that the stand gains attraction Continued from 1A during the heat of the games and due to everyone ‘wanting When her mom suggested something healthier’ compared creating the food trucks at to typical gameday foods. the end of April 2020, Wilson For freshman hospitality and knew this was an easy decision tourism major Gracie Embrey, and opened the first truck June she visited the Tulsa location 1 that same year. before moving for college and While some of Bondi Bowl’s is able to note why having a locations only serve through healthier alternative option is food trucks and others have beneficial on a college campus. stores, they all follow the “I think that a lot of college same mission statement: students can get tired of fast ‘Encouraging God honoring food, and so having healthier conversations while building options for meals can boost community around healthy your mood and really benefit food.’ everyone,” Embrey said. For Joy Uhr, owner of The refreshing taste isn’t the Stillwater location, the the only aspect that sets this mission statement is evident company apart from other not only in the way each store competitors. It’s use of fresh is run, but also through the ingredients adds to the effect employees that make every making it enjoyable for any time customer’s visit memorable. of day. The organic açai base is “I really like the message we blended in house along with its have,” Uhr said. “Being faith homemade granola (available based and giving back to the gluten free), peanut butter and community, it’s been great to almond butter which excludes see all the support.” any additives. Since 2022, when Stillwater’s The inside of the store food truck opened, the provides welcoming energy with business has carried its a photo opp, indoor seating, message throughout the decorations that connect to the community catering to Stillwater’s southern charm numerous events ranging from CJ Young, The O’Colly and merchandise available for sororities to The Mid South purchase. This growing business Bondi Bowls employee, Hope Bullard, drizzles honey on top of the “Bondi Bowl” açai bowl. bike race. is perfect for sweet cravings Sydney Evans, a sophomore whether it’s with friends or made it a popular attraction food locations with a lack heard of Bondi Bowls and I hospitality major, is a member amongst her peers. of healthier options. Junior think it’s a really great concept,” grabbing a snack on the way to of Pi Beta Phi and was able class. The company has also management science and Thompson said. “I like how to experience Bondi Bowls, While on The Strip, take a appeared at several sororities’ information systems major they expanded their business before the new location trip to paradise through Bondi philanthropy events and Phi (SMIS), Madeline Thompson, into a real-time location which opened, through her sorority’s Bowl’s refreshing treats where Beta Phi’s 2025 Mom’s Day. isn’t familiar with açai bowls but everyone loves.” fall 2025 bid day. Evans there is no doubt something Being located in a college thinks having them as an option Along with the locations described the day as ‘hot’ and enjoyable will be easy to find. town often means being for the community is beneficial. outside of campus, Bondi Bowls the bowls as ‘refreshing’ which surrounded by several fast “I’m a picky eater but I’ve is also in business on game days news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 6A Friday, August 28, 2028

O’Colly

news

Giveaway for the Cowboy experience Caleson Coon

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Visit Stillwater shares ticket giveaways for Oklahoma State 2026 football and soccer seasons. The announcement came on Aug. 11 as tickets will be given away for each home game of the season. All that is required to enter is going on Visit Stillwater’s page under Giveaways, clicking on the game and entering an email address for fans wishing to attend. “We actually have ‘enter to win it’ for almost all of the live sports going on here in Stillwater,” said Madelyn Cowan, director of marketing at Visit Stillwater. Visit Stillwater has been Stillwater’s Destination Marketing Organization since 1985 and is responsible for promoting the community in regards to travel attraction, while enhancing the town as a dynamic place to live and work. Cowan said the giveaway is a chance for people to see the Cowboys in action if they otherwise may not be able to, while also bringing people to Stillwater. “They get to see Stillwater, they get to come, they can go downtown and experience our awesome restaurants, they can hop on the park and ride the bus from downtown after eating and shopping down there to the football game,” Cowan said. “And then it drives them back afterwards, so they get to experience the atmosphere of Boone Pickens Stadium, see Bullet run by once we score.” Anyone who wants to enter can choose their game and sport of choice as the listings for football and soccer are available on Visit Stillwater’s website. Whoever wins the giveaway will be contacted by Visit Stillwater as each game comes to head for the season. Once in contact, Visit Stillwater will set up a secure way to send them their digital tickets via email; each winner will be picked at random. “We have a system that pools all of the email address and then randomly selects one basically off of spinner type of things,” Cowan said. “So, they’re randomly selected and then we just give that person a call and if they don’t answer within the selected time period then we try the next.” Each person will have the opportunity to share the Cowboy experience as each winner will receive two tickets if selected. Cowan said as of now, the focus remains entirely on football regarding giveaways, but fans near and far should always make sure to check the website for any new developments. “We’ve been doing this for years and years, so we’re glad more people are starting to know about it now,” she said. Later on, she said, there will be a lot of live music that Visit Stillwater will steer its energy toward as they do many giveaways throughout the year. “It’s important to us that people get to come here and actually experience why we are America’s friendliest college town and the home of red dirt music, because football games are what bring a lot of visitors here to Stillwater,” Cowan said. Cowan said Visit Stillwater is a visitor information center, but they at Visit Stillwater also believe they’re a quality of life organization as they help improve things in Stillwater. This includes promoting the town as well in regards to shopping, dining, playing and staying in town as they hope to help attract people to the various local Stillwater businesses. “So, we just really want to promote getting to Stillwater when you might not otherwise be able to if you don’t win a giveaway, so getting here and getting to experience America’s friendliest college town atmosphere, maybe catch a live show while you’re here, and we just, we love that the listing is listed on our website, because then they go there and they get to see all the other fun things there to do besides Cowboy Football.” news.ed@ocolly.com

An ALPR camera on Perkins Road overlooks the Lowe’s parking lot.

Anthony Byrum, The O’Colly

Students and residents voice concerns of ALPR cameras Matthew Sammon

O’COLLY CONTRIBUTOR

Opinions are spilt over Stillwater business use of advanced license plate reader cameras. Andrew Glover, a resident of Stillwater, voiced his concerns about the specialized surveillance technology. “I think they are a bad idea,” Glover said. “The software in these cameras is flawed, as evident by the documented cases of people getting fines for things like their phones being in the passenger seat, or while their car was 30 miles or more from the offense in question”. Ashton Bartells a freshman mechanical engineering major also spoke about how he would feel if the City of Stillwater were to ever install the ALPR cameras. “I probably wouldn’t like it,” Bartells said. “I’d prefer that they didn’t have them.” Liam Adler a sophomore OSU student addressed the arguments made by supporters of ALPR cameras who believe they may help prevent crime. “We’ve already got cameras for that,” Adler said. “For me, the bigger issue is the camera doesn’t necessarily need to be looking at you to be able to see who you are.” Some students of Oklahoma State University do not share Glovers concern in regards to the cameras. “I’m not driving around a whole lot, so I don’t think I’d really care too much,” said

Jordan Love, freshman and history major. Another student, Ashton Bartells, a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering, echoed this perspective along with Love. Stillwater residents also hold opposite opinions on the presence of ALPR cameras in the community. “I personally don’t mind them. If you’re not doing anything wrong you don’t have anything to worry about,” said Stephanie Fulps, a Stillwater resident. “I work with victims of multiple crimes. It would have helped in many cases if there was a video.” Teresa Kadavy a clerk for the City of Stillwater stated via email that “According to the Police Department those cameras belong to Lowe’s.” Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) are cameras that read license plates, log vehicle details and record timestamps automatically, which can be manufactured by companies such as Flock Safety. Kadavy also stated that “The Stillwater Police Department does not use Flock Safety cameras or any other ALPR device. The Stillwater Police Department does not have access to any Flock Safety or similar ALPR database.” On Lowe’s website, under Lowe’s U.S. Privacy Statement, the store acknowledges its use of ALPR devices. “At some of our stores, and when allowed by law, we use cameras with automated license plate reader (“ALPR”) technology near and around parking areas,” the statement read.

“These systems use cameras to automatically capture images of vehicles and their license plates, along with the date, time, and general location. We use this technology for limited, authorized purposes. Personal Information is collected through ALPRs to help ensure security, prevent theft and fraud, assist with parking enforcement, and to help maintain your safety and the safety of individuals and our properties.” Lowe’s also shared that the only time it discloses personal information is when required by law or legal process. “We only disclose your personal information if required by law or legal process, or when we believe doing so will help protect the safety, property, or rights of individuals or Lowe’s. Examples include: • Protecting the health or safety of individuals. • Addressing crimes committed on Lowe’s property. • Identifying and addressing fraud or financial risk. • Responding to a request from state or local law enforcement. • A search warrant, other judicial order, or valid legal process. • Assist with fraud prevention and potential criminal activity.” A store manager at the Lowe’s Stillwater location declined to comment about the cameras. These findings in Stillwater come amidst growing national criticisms of the rapid expansion of ALPR technology. news.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Friday, August 28, 2028 Page 7A

news Voters

Continued from 1A During a speech to supporters following the election, Mazzei outlined several priorities he said he would pursue if elected governor. He emphasized creating more growth and opportunity for Oklahoma youth by making Oklahoma a no-income-tax state and abolishing property taxes. Mazzei proposed launching a statewide literacy program aimed at ensuring students read at grade level. Mazzei also focused on public safety during his speech, saying he plans to secure Oklahoma by “chasing the Chinese money and Mexican cartels out of here.” “Together we have done something historic,” Mazzei said. “And together we will march on to victory in November.” Democratic voters also advanced Thomas to the general election for a seat representing Oklahoma in the U.S. Senate. Thomas received 79,201 (61.2%) votes while her opponent Jim Priest received 50,238 (38%) votes. Thomas will face Republican Rep. Kevin Hern in November’s general election for the historically Republican state. “We remained onward, and that is what we are going to do until November,” Thomas said. “We’re going to work for Oklahomans because this is not about me.” While the election attracted a competitive Republican runoff, it also highlighted differences in voter turnout between the state’s two major parties. A total of 371,309 votes were cast in the Republican runoff, compared with 129,439 votes in the Democratic runoff. Luke Tate, chairman of the Oklahoma Federation of College Republicans, said he was disappointed by the level of

Annie Ross, The O’Colly

In November, Mazzei will compete against Democratic candidate Cyndi Munson in the general election for Oklahoma Governor. Republican voter participation. With more than 1.2 million registered Republicans in Oklahoma, according to the Oklahoma.gov website, only about 29% of voters participated in the election. “It was pretty unfortunate,” Tate said. “If you want to have an impact, if you want to be a force for change, if you want to be a force for good then you need to show it. “Our system only works when the [voters] are active.” Oklahoma State University’s chapter of College Democrats did not respond for comment in time of publication. For some college students, Tuesday’s election was also a

reminder of the importance of registering to vote before an election. Lilli Hollingback, a freshman zoology student, said she was not registered to vote in time for the primary runoffs. Hollingback said that she most closely identifies as an Independent and was surprised to learn she would not be able to participate in the primary election. With more than a month before the general election, Hollingback said she intends to register in time to vote on Nov. 3. She also emphasized that education is one of her top priorities when considering candidates and their policies.

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1. What might be accompanied by Greece or gravy?

7. One who always agrees with you?

2. End without a winner, or begin with a pencil

9. Pop star or A Modest Proposal author

4. It might spark a relationship

10. Where light is appreciated

5. It can rise and fall

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22. "folklore" song about unseen connections

13. It's good for the soul

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28. One thing that's expected not to move

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31. One who is outstanding in his field

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20. City often assigned to the wrong state

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“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (Is.55:6 NIV) It is worthwhile to take the time; to stop and consider your way of life and make resolutions; new steps to take to make your life more meaningful or productive. Maybe you are doing this, or maybe you have just given up on the whole idea. Can you remember when you were a child, how time went by so slowly? It seemed like it took forever for the holidays to arrive. Now time passes so swiftly; the years seem to rush by. The turn of the century seemed so far away when I was younger. Now we are nearly twenty years into the 21st century. I want to encourage you to stop and consider your life; especially the remainder. None of us know when our life may end. Jesus spoke of those who

26. Needed to get over things 30. Answer to the question formed by 14-Down, 15-Across, and

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However, voters approved State Question 844, which will amend the Oklahoma Constitution to require legislators to enact laws specifying requirements for proof of identity for voting. The measure received 292,481 (55%) yes votes, according to Oklahoma election results. Oklahomans will return to the polls Nov. 3 to decide the state’s next governor and its U.S. Senate race. The deadline to register for the general election is Oct. 9. Voters can register or make changes to their account online at the Oklahoma Voter Portal website. news.ed@ocolly.com A special puzzle

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“A lot of Independents are Independents because they see the good and bad of both sides,” Hollingback said. “[Politicians] just want a straightforward, clean-cut answer and Independents just aren’t those kinds of people, so it sucks. “I feel like they should be able to vote too.” Oklahoma voters also decided the fate of two state questions during Tuesday’s election. Voters rejected State Question 846, which proposed changes to government entity reimbursements. The measure received 389,735 (73%) no votes.

Designed for a 10 x 5 inch quarter-page placement

would come into their purposes in the “eleventh hour;” right at the end of life’s work day.(Mt.20) You may think that it is too late to turn your life over to Christ; there is such little time left on “your calendar.” Yet, those who come in at the “eleventh hour” will receive the same wages as those who labored the whole day. We need to work in God’s purpose for our lives while we still have time. The Bible tells us the time is coming when “no man can work.” (Jn.9:4) As you set your heart and get definite about trusting God with your life and serving him, you will find wonderful opportunities will open for you. You see God has his purposes for you planned out, and he will begin to open doors that you know nothing about. There will be such great satisfaction in serving and finishing what he has for you to accomplish. When your life does end, and it will, you will be so glad you have followed Christ. The Bible tells us that your labor for him is not in vain. (1 Co.15:58)

Page 8A Friday, August 28, 2026

O’Colly

news

Dolly Parton Gone but unforgettable Kalina Williams

ASST. NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Courtesy Creative Commons

Dolly Parton performs at the 1973 dedication of Cordell Hull Dam.

Country music legend and Tenessee native Dolly Parton passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the age of 80 due to a brief fight against cancer. The news was shared through a video made by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, and posted on various social media platforms. In the caption of the video posted to her Youtube channel the family stated: “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family.” The 11-time Grammy Award winner and member of the Grand Ole Opry lived a life of inspiration and being a philanthropist for children’s education. Dolly’s debut album “Hello I’m Dolly” started her personal career of over 60 years, working with artists such as Miley Cyrus, Whitney Houston, Kenny Rogers and Willie Nelson. Dolly released her final album in 2023 titled “Rockstar” singing duets with famed rock musicians while staying true to her country roots. For some Oklahoma State University students, the news didn’t reach a personal level, but for others, they had been fans since they were young. For sophomore social

media marketing major Autumn Moore, the loss of Dolly went deeper than most could imagine. “I did a Dolly Parton themed birthday party as a kid and she was the reason I dyed my hair blonde in middle school,” Moore said. “I used to do pageants too and would always have Dolly Parton songs and routines.” Moore went on to mention the level of kindness that Dolly showed throughout her life and how influential she was. Moore is not the only OSU student who felt strongly about her passing and was able to note the level of kindness shown throughout her life. Junior marketing student, Addison Dedeluk, heard the news while with friends, and felt a connection to Dolly through their involvement in rotary clubs and for the confidence given to Dedeluk throughout her life. “She was just an inspirational woman,” Dedeluk said. “She taught me that strength and resilience can also be feminine and humble, and she’s just an overall great role model for me and my whole family.” Dolly was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 where she had her last major public outing and will continue to live through her projects: Dollywood and Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop and will be remembered by many as the “Queen of Country.” news.ed@ocolly.com

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Friday, August 28, 2026

Oklahoma State defensive end Billy Walton III reunites with defensive line coach Greg Richmond and looks to make an impact for the Cowboys.

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

‘A full-circle moment’

Walton III’s long-awaited journey to OSU

B

BY WESTON WERTZBERGER

illy Walton III knew the place he wanted to go, but it didn’t go as planned. A defensive end from Dallas, Texas, Walton was a sought-after recruit in the Class of 2023 who was ranked No. 42 among edge

rushers nationally and No. 68 overall in the state of Texas by 247Sports. During recruiting, Walton had three spots that came to his attention. A few years later, he ended up at all three schools. “I feel like it definitely is a full-

I

SPORTS EDITOR

circle moment,” Walton said. “My top three in high school were Texas, SMU and OSU, and I ended up going to literally every spot. Now I’m here, and I’m here to stay. But I feel like it’s definitely a full-circle moment. I always loved OSU.” That love for Oklahoma State

came early when he originally committed to the Cowboys on April 26, 2022. Two months later, he decommitted from OSU three days after receiving an official visit from Texas.

See WALTON on page 2B

A year into his American football career, Pozzobon has landed in Stillwater Will Thorogood

“I trained in Australia for four years with Prokick,” Pozzobon said. “They did a pretty good job at Before last season, Oklahoma State setting us up for the college lifestyle, punter Lachie Pozzobon did not play how college ball works and learning any American Football. all the parts of the game. Prokick But after spending some time with does a really good job with that.” Prokick in Australia, his interest in Pozzobon’s career in American the sport peaked, and he signed with football could not have started any Stephen F. Austin. better than he imagined. Pozzobon grew up playing With SFA, he played in all 14 Australian rules football and games on a Lumberjacks team that attended Carey Baptist Grammar finished 11-3 and reached the FCS School in Melbourne, Australia, for playoffs. Pozzobon punted for 2,217 high school. When he discovered yards on 53 punts, averaging 41.8 Prokick Australia through an yards per punt. Instagram advertisement, his athletic career completely changed. See POZZOBON on page 3B

STAFF REPORTER

Courtesy OSU Athletics

Ellie Brueggemann grew up dreaming of playing for Oklahoma State.

Cowgirl dreams Brueggemann living out dream playing for OSU Cayden Cox

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Andon Freitas, The O’Colly

Lachie Pozzobon had never played American football until he came to the U.S.

When Jacie Hoyt called Ellie Brueggemann, Brueggemann breathed a sigh of relief. ​Five years ago, Hoyt, then the head coach at the University of MissouriKansas City, recruited Brueggemann out of high school. ​However, Hoyt got the Oklahoma

State job, and Brueggemann then took her talents to Lindenwood. ​“I would say Jacie’s been a big part of [coming to OSU],” Brueggemann said. “She recruited me out of high school and so when she first called me out of the portal, it was kind of like a sigh of relief. I remember her recruiting me out of high school and I didn’t want to tell her no a second time. It was really hard [the first time], I don’t think I could’ve told her no a second time.”

See DREAMS on page 4B

Page 2B Friday, August 28, 2026

O’Colly

sports

From overlooked to starter

Torgeson making jump to Power Four look easy Ryan Ruston

one of the strongest guys on the team was no surprise for him. Torgeson says he’s been The jump from the that kind of guy since high Football Championship school. Subdivision (FCS) level to “It started around my the Power Four level is a junior year of high school,” difficult one to make. Shaun Torgeson said. “I just fell in Torgeson is making it look love with the gym, lifting and easy. all of that. Ever since then, “Coming in, I was an FCS it has just been competition guy, kind of overlooked,” in the weight room. Who can Torgeson said. “I would just I get stronger than? Can I keep my head down and be that top guy? I want to be work. I knew if I did that that top guy all of the time.” then my time would come.” OSU only returns one Torgeson, a redshirt offensive lineman who sophomore from Ventura, has started a game for the Calif., started all 12 games Cowboys: Jakobe Sanders. at left tackle last season This is a new group of at Portland State. During linemen that have to mesh the 2024 season, Torgeson together quickly if the started two games at left Cowboys are going to have guard before redshirting. a high-powered offense this Torgeson did not expect to season. be the Week 1 starter when “We’ve got dogs across the he arrived in Stillwater, but board, all five,” Torgeson that might be the case. said. “We have multiple “We’re still rolling with guys that can play multiple [Torgeson and Ashton positions. We all mesh well, Lepo],” head coach Eric communicate, even off the Morris said. “If we had to field; we are always together play tomorrow, it would and work and play well probably be Torgeson right together.” now. Just one of those cool After going a combined stories that comes in here 4-20 over the past two and didn’t expect to play seasons, Cowboy fans are much. One of the last guys craving winning football; that we took out of the OSU players are craving portal. those wins as well. In the “He’s just a guy that we two seasons Torgeson spent kinda noticed in the weight at Portland State, the Vikings room, and his times in the also only won four games. GPS stuff over the course “We were about the same of the summer—poundas the guys here, last year,” for-pound, as strong as Torgeson said. “I’m starving anybody on our team. Super because I am the type of guy athletic at 300 pounds, that hates to lose more than smart, processes information I love to win, so coming from really fast. And so, I see him a program that didn’t have playing a big role for us over many wins, I am starving for the next three years here.” those victories.” sports.ed@ocolly.com Morris calling Torgeson STAFF REPORTER

Walton

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

OSU offensive lineman Shaun Torgeson has quickly adjusted from the FCS to a potentional starting role.

said. “I definitely came to Texas little bit, and then eventually I thinking I was gonna be this, was like, ‘OK, I think I’m ready Continued from 1B gonna be that. I figured I wasn’t, to take that step to get back to so I ended up transferring.” where I was.’ So I decided to Walton headed back to his come here.” When he called defensive line hometown when transferring to Richmond returned to OSU coach Greg Richmond, it was a SMU, and realized he could take as the defensive line coach this hard pill to swallow. another step. offseason and brought some “It was definitely a tough As a redshirt freshman in of his players over from North conversation,” Walton said. 2024, Walton appeared in Texas. Still, he didn’t forget “But Coach Rich, how y’all see nine games with no starts and about Walton, and Walton didn’t him? That’s how he is like all made 11 tackles with six solo forget about Richmond either the time. It’s not like he gets you stops. The following season, he when deciding to transfer to there and acts this way. I called appeared in all 13 games for OSU in January. him, and he was like, ‘This one the Mustangs, still without a “As soon as I hit him, I called hurts.’” career start. Walton recorded six him like, ‘Yeah, coach. I think Walton was used to success tackles, with two solo stops on like this definitely [the place],’” after becoming a two-time allthe season, and finished the year Walton said. “I got [offers district honoree and two-time with two sacks, which resulted from] other schools, but I’m state champion from South Oak in a tie for fifth on the team. like, ‘Nah. I want to go with Cliff High School, so he entered Walton was more appreciative G-Rich’ because I feel like if he college expecting to make an of SMU as he saw his success, still wants to talk to me after immediate impact. all these years, after all these However, that didn’t pan out but he felt ready to make the jump. letdowns that I have, like, ‘OK, as hoped, with only two games “It was kind of the same thing I’m not coming to Sam Houston. played while redshirting for the there,” Walton said. “I was still I’m not coming over there. ... Longhorns in the 2023 season. young, and then eventually I I’m not coming to UNT.’ “…You can’t bring ego to found my feet, and that’s why “Then he comes here, and college because that’s what I my second year at SMU, I did eventually I’m like, ‘OK, this has did; I’m not gonna lie,” Walton better. I was getting a rotation a got to be meant to be,’ because

this guy has been steady after me my whole career, literally my whole career.” The player who arrived at Texas expecting an immediate role isn’t the same player who arrived at OSU this offseason. Walton’s relationship with Richmond wasn’t the only reason he chose OSU. After two stops elsewhere, he felt ready for a fresh start with the Cowboys. “Coach Richmond promised me an opportunity, and he hasn’t wavered from that promise,” Walton said. “He gave me opportunities. He’s still going to continue to give me opportunities. So I feel like growing in my college years has definitely helped me when I’m here now.” Walton joins an experienced group of defensive ends for the Cowboys that includes redshirt seniors Jaleel Johnson, Malik Charles, James Williams and DeSean Brown along with redshirt junior Keviyan Huddleston.

But Walton’s value extends beyond the defensive line, particularly on special teams. “Billy’s a guy I think can play both sides for us,” head coach Eric Morris said. “I think the versatility of Billy is huge. … Billy’s a guy that we can rotate and flip-flop from end and rush. And the one thing I’ve probably been the most surprised about Billy is his value on special teams right now.” Walton’s path to Stillwater has taken him through Texas and SMU, but OSU was never completely out of the picture. His family ties to the program made that connection even stronger. Cornerbacks A.J. Green and Jabbar Muhammad both played at OSU, and Walton grew up making trips to Stillwater to watch his cousins play. Now, after taking a longer route than expected, Walton is finally getting his chance to play for the school he wanted all along. sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Friday, August 28, 2026 Page 3B

sports

Pozzobon

Continued from 1B He had 17 punts that were downed inside the opposition’s 20-yard line, and six punts that traveled for at least 50 yards. Pozzobon’s longest punt came in a 50-3 blowout win at Houston Christian on Nov. 8, when he punted for 54 yards after SFA recorded a threeand-out at the beginning of the second quarter. After the season, he was named to the 2025 FCS Football Central Freshmen AllAmerican Team, which made him want to take his career to the next level. Seeing the complete turnaround and the massive excitement coming out of Stillwater after Eric Morris was hired as head coach, Pozzobon decided to transfer to OSU, joining the growing list of newcomers to the 2026 Cowboy roster. It is a big step up for the Australian punter, but he has enjoyed every moment of this transition to a higher level of college football. “It’s obviously been a step up, coming up to Big 12 football from Stephen F. Austin,” Pozzobon said. “I’m loving every little bit of it. You can just tell with how much field position matters in the

Oklahoma State punter Lachie Pozzobon now finds himself with the Cowboys after coming from Australia. punting game here.” With his arrival at OSU, Pozzobon has become one of the biggest personalities on the team. Morris spoke in detail about the significant impact he has had on the team’s culture. “He maybe has one of the best personalities on this team,” Morris said. “And I think, naturally, our kids are drawn to his accent and the way certain things sound when he pronounces

things. Obviously he’s got the mustache; he’s got the mullet. I mean, he’s got the whole persona of just an Australian punter.” “I think he becomes more and more Americanized every single day. I think he loves Stillwater, and he loves the culture over here. So, it’s been fun to watch him try to grow with the rest of his teammates here.” When talking about how well the special teams unit

has meshed, Pozzobon spoke highly of special teams coordinator Drew Svoboda. “... He’s unreal at what he does,” Pozzobon said. “He’s got a really good mind with it. Yeah, we’re gonna be dangerous this year.” In Morris’ final season with North Texas last year, the Mean Green had a 72.22% fourthdown conversion percentage. It remains to be seen whether the aggressiveness on fourth down will continue this

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

year, but Pozzobon is ready for any decision Morris makes in those situations. “Yeah, whatever’s best for the team, honestly,” Pozzobon said. “Whatever Coach Morris wants to do, [if he] wants to go for it or if he wants to punt. I know if I do get the opportunity to come on to punt, I’ll do the best I can to pin them deep. But yeah, whatever Coach Morris wants.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Hawkins is finally home, chasing his dream at Oklahoma State Weston Wertzberger

After graduating from North Eric Morris got hired at OSU, However, Morris wasn’t the “The big thing that made Rock Creek High School, Hawkins knew there was a biggest reason Hawkins chose to me decide to come here was Hawkins went on to play with possibility Morris could bring transfer to OSU. Coach Cobbs,” Hawkins said. Growing up, running back North Texas last season and him along. He was hoping for That connection came “I feel like we had a great bond Caleb Hawkins watched set the NCAA Football Bowl it, but didn’t assume it would from running backs coach together when we were at North Oklahoma State football from Subdivision (FBS) record with happen. Patrick Cobbs, who also has Texas. I met him in high school; the stands. 29 touchdowns scored by a “I thought me and Coach ties to Shawnee. Hawkins there was an almost instant Hawkins dreamed of being freshman, along with 1,804 Morris were close,” Hawkins knew Cobbs before their time connection, and I just fell in on the field at Boone Pickens all-purpose yards. He earned said. “I wouldn’t say I assumed, together at North Texas, and love with this coaching side.” Stadium someday, but that didn’t All-American honors and was but I was hoping that he would the relationship quickly became With Hawkins coming happen right after high school. named a Doak Walk Award hopefully bring me with him, another reason Hawkins felt to OSU after his breakout This fall, he’ll finally get to Semifinalist. and he ended up bringing me comfortable making the move to freshman season, OSU’s history experience that opportunity. When UNT head coach with him.” Stillwater. as a running-back school could “I’d be lying if I didn’t say [I’m set expectations surrounding looking forward to] that first him. home game,” Hawkins said at In recent memory, Chuba OSU’s media day on Aug. 8. “I Hubbard led the nation in used to be in those stands. Of rushing yards in 2019 and course, I want to see how I feel earned unanimous Allbecause being at the bottom of American honors. Ollie Gordon it, just hearing everybody scream II won the Doak Walker Award down. All the songs, all the as the nation’s top running dances that they’re doing. It’s back during a dominant 2023 just a great environment to see.” campaign. The native of Shawnee, Okla., “I’d say there’s a little bit of grew up around the Cowboys, pressure, but I mean, we’re all with his father also being a football players here, so we big OSU fan. Now, instead of have to thrive on that pressure making the trip to Stillwater as side,” Hawkins said. “I love the a fan, Hawkins will be making it pressure side. Obviously, I’m as one of the players the crowd gonna try to translate it into will come to watch this season. confidence.” And being back in Oklahoma For Hawkins, the opportunity means more than just getting the means more than following in chance to play for his childhood the footsteps of OSU’s recent team. It means being closer to running backs. He returns the family and community that home as a player who hopes helped shape him. the next generation of Shawnee “It feels great,” Hawkins said. athletes can see what’s possible “Obviously, I get to be close to my for them. family. I can see them almost any “I don’t know about idolizing, day I really want to. It’s like an but I mean, I’m hoping I can be hour and 15 minutes down the someone that they can look up road. I love being in Oklahoma. to and maybe mimic what I do I feel like I was born here, so I Chance Marick, The O’Colly as a person and obviously on always wanted to live here.” sports.ed@ocolly.com the field,” Hawkins said. OSU running back Caleb Hawkins returns to his home state for the team he grew up cheering for.

SPORTS EDITOR

he t t ou k c e Ch

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After three years at North Texas, Jackson follows Morris to OSU Will Thorogood STAFF REPORT

Ellie Brueggemann and Jacie Hoyt’s relationship dates back five years.

Dreams

Continued from 1B Growing up, Brueggeman had aspirations of playing for OSU, but she had to embark on a journey before getting there. ​It started in the driveway at a young age, competing with her brothers; her brothers didn’t take it easy on her, and her mom, Nicole Brueggemann, recalls the day she finally broke through. ​“She would come in, and she was so determined she was going to score on them,” Nicole said. “We kept telling her, ‘You’re just gonna have to get your shot off faster.’ I honestly remember the day she came in and was like, ‘I scored.’” ​Brueggemann believes those countless hours playing with her brothers helped form her as a player. ​“I would definitely say that definitely got me here today,” Brueggemann said. “I was the only girl growing up… my brother kinda bullied me when I was little in the driveway. … But it definitely made me a lot tougher and helped me get my shot off a lot quicker.” ​After a successful career at Lincoln Christian High School in Owasso, Okla., Brueggemann initially committed to Division II Drury. ​However, then-Drury head coach Amy Eagan was named the head coach at Lindenwood on March 28, 2023. Twenty days later, Brueggemann announced that she was following Eagan to LU. ​Lincoln Christian head coach Melody Stewart recalls that Eagan’s system seemed like a good fit for Brueggemann. ​“She seemed like somebody that Ellie would really do well for,” Stewart said. “Her style would match what Ellie was good at.” ​In her time with the Lions, Brueggemann took on a role she was unfamiliar with – the point guard position. ​Under Stewart, Brueggemann typically played off the ball. However, Eagan had her run the offense at LU. The positional change caught Brueggemann off guard, but she believes it was a huge developmental piece for her. ​“I never thought I would play point guard,” Brueggemann said. “I never played in high school. But when I played at Lindenwood, I do think it helped me get a lot better. It helped me score a lot more off the dribble and helped me see the floor a lot better. I was really thankful that I got to play point guard at Lindenwood because it helped me get ready for this caliber of play as well.” After two seasons with the Lions where she adapted to her

Courtesy OSU Athletics

new role, Brueggemann saw ​At first, Brueggemann was her biggest jump during her starstruck that she was getting junior season. to share the court with Crooks. ​​On Nov. 9, 2025, the second ​“The first couple of practices, game of the season for LU, it I’m like, ‘Dang, how did I get traveled to Waco, Texas, and here?’” Brueggemann said. faced No. 16 Baylor. “Passing to Audi Crooks, it’s ​In that game, Brueggemann just kinda a crazy moment, like struggled in the first half but a realization that I’m actually recovered with 17 points in the playing at this level now.” second half, including multiple ​Hoyt recalls Brueggemann 3-pointers, preventing the having a childlike demeanor Bears from pulling away. That after first playing with Crooks. led to her receiving praise from ​“I heard this from someone,” the Bears’ head coach, Nicki Hoyt said. “But, after the first Collen, after the game. day of practice, she told her ​“I thought Brueggemann mom, ‘I got to be in a balldid a really good job of taking screen action with Audi, I was advantage of our mistakes,” making the pass to Audi.” Collen said. ​As the summer went on, ​Nearly five weeks later, the Brueggemann began to gain Lions faced another Power the attention of Crooks, and Five opponent, No. 11 Iowa. when Crooks was asked ​Brueggemann once again led who she thought the most the way for the Lions with 17 underrated player on the team points. was, she had no hesitation. ​After that game, Stewart ​“I’m a big fan of Ellie,” believed Brueggemann could Crooks said. “I think Ellie’s a take her game to the Power lot more versatile than she may Five level. get credit for.” ​“To see her go to ​A couple of weeks later, Lindenwood and do what she Stailee Heard was faced with did her first two years, I was the same question and had an pretty impressed,” Stewart answer similar to Crooks’. said. “[I was like,] ‘Oh gosh, ​“Ellie Brueggemann [really she really has the ability to do impressed me over the what she needs to do. To watch summer],” Heard said. “She’s Lindenwood pick up games really excelled.” against Iowa and Baylor… ​After practicing with when she put up numbers the Crooks, as well as hearing her way that she did and be as compliments, Brueggemann efficient as she was against that started to believe that she caliber of competition… when belonged at the Power Five I saw that, I was like, ‘This kid level. can definitely play at a higher ​“That’s huge to hear that level.’” from people like them,” ​After LU’s season ended Brueggemann said. “Hearing in heartbreaking fashion that from them was incredible, to Western Illinois in the and it definitely gave me a little Ohio Valley Conference edge of I can do this, I can play Championship, Brueggemann at this level. It gives me a level had a difficult decision to of confidence as well.” make. ​When Brueggemann first ​Eagan was hired as the head committed to OSU, the only coach at New Mexico, and LU player on the roster was Heard. was undergoing change. ​Talexa Weeter had ​Ultimately, Brueggemann committed a week prior, but decided to enter the transfer the rest of the roster was portal, where she would be met not filled out. Brueggemann by a familiar voice, Hoyt’s. watched to see what fellow ​The past connection with Cowgirls would join her. Hoyt was valuable, and ​“ When I first committed, ultimately factored into that was the only concern Brueggemann’s decision. I had,” Brueggemann said. ​“It was a big deal,” Nicole “They only had one player on said. “She felt like she already the team… I think it’s been knew who Jacie was.” great because it’s everyone’s ​When Brueggemann heard first time and not just my first Hoyt’s voice on the phone, she time… We mesh together really knew OSU was home. well. The competitive level ​“It definitely was a sigh of that we have, it’s crazy because relief,” Brueggemann said. we’ve only known each other “Her making me a priority and for however many weeks.” saying that I had a spot there ​Not only is Brueggemann was an incredible feeling for getting to play on one of the me. Getting to come home and most talented teams in OSU have my family here and be history, but she is also living able to come home anytime out a childhood dream by I want. It was just a huge donning a Cowgirls uniform. miracle and a huge blessing to ​“Oklahoma State [was] be able to do that.” definitely a school I always ​Upon her arrival in dreamed of playing [for],” Stillwater for summer Brueggemann said. “I honestly workouts, Brueggemann met didn’t think it would ever come her new teammates, including true. But it coming true is three-time All-American Audi definitely a full-circle moment Crooks. for me.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Safety Evan Jackson spent the previous three years of his collegiate career with head coach Eric Morris at North Texas. After Oklahoma State hired Morris, Jackson joined 18 of his teammates from last year’s Mean Green team that followed the head coach to Stillwater for the 2026 season. In 39 games over the past three years, Jackson recorded 130 total tackles, seven pass breakups and six interceptions. Familiarity and trust with the coaches and the majority of his teammates will be important this season. “It’s very important,” Jackson said. “Just being able to connect with the guys and add more people to the brotherhood is very important about the style of play and how we play football all together as one. … It’s very important to have that connection coming over here.” Following the conclusion of his High School career at North Shore in Houston, Texas, Jackson signed with UNT and immediately took off as a freshman. He played in all 12 games in 2023, posting 27 total tackles, three pass breakups and an interception. Jackson finished with the most single-game tackles that season and the most for a Mean Green freshman since 2008, with 11 against UTSA on Nov. 4. Sophomore year saw him increase his number of starts to nine, while also improving his stats. Jackson tallied 55 total tackles, 38 solo tackles and three interceptions in 13 appearances. After a 52-20 win over Tulsa on Sept. 28, 2024 that saw him gather six total tackles and two interceptions, he was named to the PFF Group of Five Defensive Team of the Week. Despite only making one start last season, Jackson continued to produce at a high level for UNT. He recorded 44 total tackles, two pass breakups and two interceptions, as the Mean

Green finished 12-2 with an appearance in the American Conference Championship game against Tulane. Since the move to Stillwater, Jackson hasn’t had much difficulty adjusting to the change of scenery. “I feel when I came to Stillwater, the only thing I had to get used to was not having a Popeyes around here,” Jackson said. “Both little, small college towns, but obviously Oklahoma (State) has the bigger college town. It was really easy, but as I said, it’s just the food.” One of the advantages of having many former Mean Green teammates with him is the presence of highenergy player and fellow safety Harrison Dempsey. Jackson spoke highly about Dempsey’s impact on the field and in the locker room. “... Anytime you walk in the locker room, whether you got a smile on your face or a frown on your face, HD gonna be right there to lift you up, get the juice going for the day,” Jackson said. “And he kind of sets the tempo for the day, for the team in general.” With three years of coaching him, Morris knows what Jackson brings to the table for the Cowboys’ defense. “Super athletic, rangy, can play some man coverage,” Morris said. “He can do all the things we’re asking him to do. The consistency factor of it, I think, he’s a kid that his highs have been really high, and his lows have been really low. “He’s someone I thought scrimmaged really good this past scrimmage, and for him, he knows the defense. He communicates at a high level. He’s able to get us in and out of things.” As Week 1 approaches, the expectations remain the same for Jackson and the defense. “Our expectations are the same that we had all spring, all fall,” Jackson said. “And it’s to come out and dominate, play one-eleven, play as a team, and just dominate.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Dominyk Jones, The O’Colly

Oklahoma State safety Evan Jackson is one of 19 players from North Texas to follow head coach Eric Morris.

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Friday, August 28, 2026 Page 5B

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Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Several outlets, inluding ESPN, predict Oklahoma State to return to a bowl game

From Texas Bowl to CFP

Where media projects OSU in 2026 bowl predictions Ben Schatzel

If the Cowboys were to make it to Houston, they would be matched up with an SEC team, Oklahoma State’s 18 as the Texas Bowl pits the Big 12 consecutive years of bowl game vs the SEC. appearances ended two years To give a baseline of how ago. OSU’s regular season would Since that streak’s demise, have to go to be sent to the Texas the Cowboys have fallen to Bowl, Big 12 teams have entered the cellar of college football, the game with an average record going 4-20 overall and 0-18 in of 7.5-4.5 across the last 10 conference play. seasons. However, with the hire of The Cowboys have grown head coach Eric Morris and a familiar with Houston, plethora of transfer portal talent, competing in the Texas Bowl the national media seems to twice in recent years, 2019 and expect quite the turnaround for 2023. Both games saw OSU the Cowboys in 2026. take on the Texas A&M Aggies, Here are five postseason with the two teams splitting the projections from major sports contests. 2019 saw the Aggies media outlets for OSU ahead of defeat the Cowboys, 24-21, and the 2026 season. 2023 saw OSU and Brennan Presley (16 receptions for 152 ESPN: Kinder’s Texas Bowl yards) get revenge with a 31-23 vs. Tennessee victory. This was also the final ESPN’s bowl gurus Mark bowl game of that coveted 18Schlabach and Kyle Bonagura year streak. each made their bowl As for the Cowboys’ possible predictions earlier this week. opponent, Tennessee is led by While Bonagura did not have former Oklahoma quarterback the Cowboys listed, Schlabach Josh Heupel. Heupel guided the had OSU making a trip down to Volunteers to an 8-5 record in Houston for the Kinder’s Texas 2025 and a No. 20 preseason AP Bowl. Poll for 2026.

STAFF REPORTER

Athlon Sports: Kinder’s Texas Bowl vs. Missouri Another Texas Bowl prediction, this time from Athlon Sports, but a different SEC opponent: the Missouri Tigers. The Tigers, are coming off of an 8-5 season in head coach Eli Drinkwitz’s sixth season in Columbia and enter 2026 with a No. 25 preseason AP Poll ranking.

opponent but keeping the bowl game, On3 also has OSU in the Liberty Bowl, taking on the Florida Gators. The Gators, like the Cowboys, will bring in a firstyear coach from the American, with former Tulane coach Jon Sumrall taking over after the firing of Billy Napier amid a 4-8 campaign in 2025. These two schools have met just once on the gridiron, a 50-7 beatdown in favor of the Gators during CBS Sports: AutoZone the 1990 season. Liberty Bowl vs. Missouri Another bad omen of sorts: Now a common opponent the Big 12 is currently on a fourbut a different bowl game. CBS game losing streak in the Liberty Sports also has the Cowboys Bowl, with Cincinnati, Texas facing Missouri but traveling to Tech, Iowa State and Kansas all Memphis, Tenn., for the Liberty falling in the past four seasons. Bowl. Since the Tigers left the Big 12 in 2012, the two schools ESPN CFB Preview have faced off twice. Magazine: First Round of Most recently, the Cowboys CFB Playoff at Texas A&M won 38-33 in this very bowl The biggest prediction of game in 2018, when Taylor all comes from Bill Connelly Cornelius threw for 336 yards and can be found inside the and four touchdowns in his ESPN CFB Preview Magazine. final collegiate football game. Connelly expects the Cowboys to turn around a 1-11 season On3: AutoZone Liberty Bowl from a year ago into a playoff vs. Florida berth in year 1 of the Eric Once again switching the Morris era.

As the 11-seed in this scenario, the Cowboys would have a road game in College Station, Texas, against the 6-seed Texas A&M. Led by head coach Mike Elko and quarterback Marcell Reed, the Aggies have been consistent in the SEC, going a combined 19-7 over the past two seasons, with a playoff appearance in 2025. The Aggies lead the alltime series 18-11 and have a decisive 8-4 advantage in College Station. However, the Cowboys did win the last matchup held at Kyle Field in 2011. A whirlwind of a game that saw OSU come back from down 17 at halftime to win 30-29 behind the arm of quarterback Brandon Weeden, who completed 47 passes for 438 yards and two touchdowns. The media seems to have high expectations for this new-look Cowboys. Even after rough stretch over the last two years, postseason play for OSU in 2026 is not out of the question; in fact, it may be expected. sports.ed@ocolly.com

OSU women’s basketball lands 5th-year guard Hake Cayden Cox

drawing a program-record 33 offensive fouls. Hake also brings four Sixty-eight days before the seasons of Power Five level women’s basketball season experience to OSU and starts, Jacie Hoyt has a new three NCAA tournament addition to the Cowgirls’ appearances. roster. “With the state of our roster ​On Wednesday, Oklahoma being as solid as it was, it was State announced that it signed important to make sure that if 5th-year guard Callin Hake. we were going to add anyone, ​Hake recently received a they had elite character and a fifth year of college eligibility team-first mentality. Callin is after being part of the all that and more!” Hoyt said California-based lawsuit in a release. “She’s a great fit that granted more than 75 for what we’re building within college athletes another year our program. She’s exactly the of eligibility under the agekind of player we’re looking based model. The injunction for in our system because of also featured OSU men’s her ability to make threes and basketball’s Parsa Fallah. stretch the floor. We are most ​Hake spent her first four excited about her defensive seasons at Nebraska. With the presence and the energy she’ll Cornhuskers, Hake, a 5-footbring to our team.” 8 guard, averaged 6 points, Off the court, Hake poured 2.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists into the Lincoln community. throughout her career. After her senior season, In Lincoln, she was a she was awarded the Heart & consistent 3-and-D specialist. Soul Award. The prestigious Hake made 154 3s as a award is presented by NU’s Cornhusker, ranking just Department of Life Skills and outside the Top 10 on the is given to a student-athlete program leaderboard. who displays leadership, On the defensive end, she community service and ranked second on the team mentorship during their time with 42 steals last season. in Lincoln. She also etched her way She also held several into the NU record books by student-athlete leadership ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Oklahoma State head coach Jacie Hoyt recently signed 5th-year Callin Hake. roles at Nebraska. From 2024-26, she was the president of the Nebraska Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She was also the chair of the Big Ten StudentAthlete Issues Commission in 2025-26. She was also named to the Academic All-Big Ten teams in ‘24, ‘25 and ‘26.

During her high school days at Chanhassen High School in Chanhassen, Minn., she was named the Storm’s MVP in all four seasons there. With the Storm, she averaged at least 20 points in every season. In 2020, she became the fourth player in school history to record 1,000

File Photo, The O’Colly

career points. Later in her career, she topped the all-time leaderboard, scoring 2,232 points. At OSU, Hoyt could utilize Hake’s skill set by having her play a role similar to what Amari Whiting did last season. sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 6B Friday, August 28, 2026

O’Colly

sports

Seven Oklahoma State football players named to Preseason Award Watchlists Ben Schatzel

STAFF REPORTER

The 2026 college football season is just around the corner, and with that comes the release of national award watchlists for the year. The Oklahoma State football team has seven players honored on said lists. After a rough past couple of years, the Cowboys and first-year head coach Eric Morris completely overhauled the roster in the offseason via the transfer portal. All seven Cowboy players named to the watchlists are a part of that incoming transfer class. Drew Mestemaker: Johnny Unitas Golden Arm, Davey O’Brien, Maxwell and the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose After leading the country in passing yards with 4,379 and throwing for 34 touchdowns a season ago at North Texas, Drew Mestemaker officially has the college football world on notice at OSU. Before he has even taken a snap for the Cowboys, Mestemaker finds himself on three different national award watchlists. Johnny Unitas Golden Arm: This award is given to the best upperclassman quarterback in college football. Cowboy quarterback Mason Rudolph won the award in 2017 when Oklahoma State has seven players listed on preseason award watchlists. he led the NCAA in passing with 4,904 yards and threw for UNT was running back Caleb the nation’s top, and Wyatt named to the watchlist. The 37 touchdowns. Hawkins. Hawkins joined Young will look to add to Cowboys have never had a Davey O’Brien: The the Cowboys after rushing that WRU legacy. Coming in player take home the trophy, nation’s oldest quarterback for 1,434 yards and a nationfrom UNT, Young caught 70 but most recently Malcolm trophy honors the overall leading 25 touchdowns for passes for 1,264 yards and 10 Rodriguez was named a top quarterback in college the Mean Green as a true touchdowns a season ago for semifinalist in 2021. football. Former OSU coach freshman in 2025. He will look the Mean Green. The Cowboys Campbell: Awarded to the and quarterback Mike Gundy to add to an already stacked have produced two winners top college football player (1988) and Rudolph (2017) history at the position in (Justin Blackmon 2010, 2011 with the best combination of have both been finalists for the Stillwater. and James Washington 2017) academics, leadership and award, but no Cowboy has ever Doak Walker: Hawkins is no as well as two finalists (Dez on-field performance. This hoisted the trophy. stranger to this award, given Bryant 2008 and Tylan Wallace award is often considered to be Maxwell: Given to the best to the nation’s top running 2018). the “Academic Heisman,” and college football player in the back since 1990, as he was a Earl Campbell Tyler Rose: Wesloski will look to become nation. OSU star running semifinalist a year ago. He will Young attended Tompkins the first Cowboy to win it. back Barry Sanders is the look to join the Cowboys’ lone High School in Katy, Texas, lone Cowboy to ever win the winner, Gordon, who secured joining his quarterback on Miles Coleman: Paul award back in 1988 when he the trophy in 2023 with 1,732 this watchlist. While in high Hornung ran all over the college football yards and 21 touchdowns. school, he tallied 56 career Miles Coleman joins 38 other world for 2,628 yards and 37 Two other Cowboys, Kendall touchdowns, eight of which players from around college touchdowns. Hunter (2010) and Chuba were receiving. The watchlist football on the Paul Hornung Earl Campbell Tyler Rose: Hubbard (2019), have been includes 107 players from Award Watchlist, which is An honor given to the top named finalists. around college football. given to the nation’s most offensive player in Division Walter Camp: Given to versatile player. Last season, 1 who either graduated college football’s best player in Ethan Wesloski: Butkus and playing in the UNT offense, from a Texas high school the Football Bowl Subdivision, Campbell Coleman accumulated 47 or plays for a Texas-based Hawkins joins a watchlist of Ethan Wesloski, a redshirt receptions for 550 yards and college. Mestemaker attended only 49 others, putting him senior, had spent his entire two touchdowns. He will look Vandegrift High School in among the sport’s elite. He will career with UNT before to be the first Cowboy to win Austin, Texas, where he look to join Sanders (1988) as transferring to OSU this year. this fairly new trophy, with the threw for 316 yards and five the only other Cowboy to win In his final season with the honor only beginning in 2010. touchdowns without starting the award. Mean Green, he led the team a single game. Ollie Gordon II Maxwell: Hawkins joins with 113 tackles while adding Chris Barnes: Jet Award won the award in 2023, only Mestemaker on this nine tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, The first player on this list the third running back ever to watchlist, making OSU one an INT, two forced fumbles, not to be a transfer from UNT, do so. of 16 programs with multiple and a fumble recovery. Chris Barnes, is included on players honored. Butkus: Honoring the best the Jet Award Watchlist. This Caleb Hawkins: Doak linebacker in college football, honor is given to the top return Walker, Walter Camp and Wyatt Young: Biletnikoff and the Butkus award has been specialist in college football the Maxwell Earl Campbell Tyler Rose handed out every year since since 2011, with past winners Taking handoffs in the Biletnikoff: OSU has a storied 1985. Wesloski was one of 51 inlcuding Tavon Austin and backfield from Mestemaker at history with this award for linebackers across the country Christian McCaffrey. As a

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

redshirt freshman last year, Barnes returned seven kicks for 263 yards and a score at Wake Forest. He also hauled in 39 catches for 547 yards and three more touchdowns. No Cowboy has won the award, so Barnes will look to become the first. Donavan Green: Allstate Wuerffel Trophy This award looks to honor exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement in college football. OSU tight end Donavan Green was one of 113 athletes named to the watchlist. A transfer from LSU who began his career with Texas A&M, Green has 24 career catches for 273 yards and two touchdowns across 31 career games. Off the field, he has also been one of the most active volunteers with OSU’s FCA program since his arrival on campus this spring. Green will look to be the first Cowboy to bring home the trophy. All award winners will be announced during the week of Dec. 6 through Dec. 12, except the Jet Award, which will be announced in early January 2027. There is a lot of excitement surrounding OSU football for 2026, and the preseason watch lists seem to agree. sports.ed@ocolly.com

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sports Big 12 Football Preseason Power Rankings

O’Colly Staff

STAFF REPORT

The college football season is about to begin, and with that comes preseason predictions. Our staff made their polls for the Big 12 conference. We then averaged them out to compile the O’Colly’s Big 12 power rankings.​ Here’s the O’Colly’s Big 12 predictions:

Kansas, Colorado, Cincinnati and West Virginia. Utah does play BYU and Houston, but both of those games are in Salt Lake City. With a forgiving schedule and the return of the dual-threat Dampier, Scalley could make splashes in his first season as the head coach for the Utes.

T4) Arizona (Average ranking: 5.25) UA enters the season just outside the AP Top 25 Poll. Last 1) BYU (Average ranking: season was the first winning 1.375) season for the Wildcats under BYU made it to the Big 12 head coach Brent Brennan. UA championship game a season returns 10 starters, including ago, with its only losses coming Noah Fifita, who is back for his against Texas Tech. LJ Martin, senior season as the Wildcats’ the 2025 Big 12 Offensive Player quarterback. Alongside him, of the Year, returns in the running back Ismail Mahdi backfield, and Bear Bachmeier and linebacker Taye Brown steps into Year 2 as the signal return. The Wildcats do face caller. Head coach Kalani a challenging conference Sitake has the Cougars in the schedule, with road games AP Preseason Poll for the first at BYU and TTU. The lack of time since 2022, and the roster returners and difficult schedule in Provo backs up that hype. nets UA a fourth-place finish. The conference schedule is also favorable for the Cougars, as 6) Oklahoma State (Average they avoid Houston and Texas ranking: 5.75) Tech. Head coach Eric Morris comes to Stillwater looking to 2) Texas Tech (Average bring change. The Cowboys ranking: 2.375) have lost their last 20 games After the offseason saga against FBS opponents and surrounding Brendan Sorsby, have lost their last 19 Big 12 TTU moved forward by naming games. But Morris comes over Will Hammond the starting after a record-setting year at quarterback. Before tearing North Texas. The Mean Green the ACL in his right knee, led the NCAA with 45.1 points Hammond threw for 680 yards per game and 512.4 yards per and seven touchdowns. He game. Drew Mestemaker, Caleb also had 299 rushing yards Hawkins, Wyatt Young and and five touchdowns on the more followed Morris to OSU. ground. Both of the Red They look to carry over their Raiders’ running backs return success and bring the Cowboys to Lubbock, but defensive back to winning ways. anchors David Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez are off to the NFL. 7) TCU (Average ranking: The Red Raiders have the talent 6.625) to top the Big 12 and look to With quarterback Josh be the conference’s first repeat Hoover transferring to Indiana, winner since 2020. Sonny Dykes is handing the reins to Jaden Craig, who 3) Houston (Average transferred in from Harvard. ranking: 3.5) The Horned Frogs also lost star Head coach Willie Fritz took wide receiver Eric McAlister, but over a UH team looking to find that’s nothing new for Dykes. In its footing in the Big 12. In his all four of Dykes’ years at TCU, second year with the Cougars, it has had a different leading he led them to a 10-3 record. receiver. The Horned Frogs kick Running back Dean Connors is off the college football season in gone, as well as the bulk of UH’s Dublin, Ireland, when they face linebackers, but quarterback North Carolina and that could Conner Weigman is back along set the tone for TCU. with a trio of wide receivers. An early Week 3 test at Texas Tech 8) Kansas State (Average could prove if last season was a ranking: 7.875) fluke or if UH will compete atop Dual-threat quarterback the conference again. Avery Johnson was one of the most inconsistent QBs last T4) Utah (Average ranking: season. In two games, he had 5.25) more than 350 total yards, but After 21 years of Kyle failed to cross the 200-yard Whittingham at the helm, threshold four times. With there is a new man in charge offensive-minded K-State for the Utes. Morgan Scalley alumnus Collin Klein taking takes over as the head coach over as the head coach, Johnson after Whittingham bolted looks to put it together. At his for Michigan. The Utes only prior stomping ground, Klein return five starters, but key turned Marcell Reed into a contributors in quarterback Heisman candidate. It’s hard to Devin Dampier and running predict how well Johnson can back Wayshawn Parker are back. adapt to Klein’s system, but with Utah’s conference schedule is a friendly schedule, K-State can also favorable; it gets Iowa State, easily finish around the middle

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

BYU’s returns running back LJ Martin, and our staff predicited that his cougars will top the Big 12. of the conference. 9) Arizona State (Average ranking: 8.75) Amongst Power Four schools that didn’t undergo a coaching change, ASU has the most roster turnover. Quarterback Sam Leavitt transferred to LSU, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson was drafted No. 8 overall in the NFL draft and running back Raleek Brown transferred to Texas. But don’t count out head coach Kenny Dillingham. Dillingham has turned the Sun Devils into a consistent Big 12 contender and in recent years, the conference has proved unpredictable.

Michael Hawkins Jr. is projected to lead the offense. He will be joined in the backfield by the nation’s No. 2 rusher from a season ago, Jacksonville State transfer Cam Cook. A lot of uncertainty surrounds the rest of the roster, but the Mountaineers could find their way to the six-win mark and bowl eligibility.

12) UCF (Average ranking: 12.375) Scott Frost has had one of the most confusing coaching tenures. He led the Knights to bowl games in 2016 and 2017, including a perfect 13-0 in ‘17. But he also had a disastrous 10) Baylor (Average ranking: stint at Nebraska. Last season, 10.75) he returned to Orlando, and the Can Dave Aranda save his Knights finished 5-7. In 2026, job? Aranda’s been the head UCF brought in former James man at BU since 2020, but Madison signal caller Alonza has more losing seasons than Barnett III. Barnett led the winning seasons. Aranda Dukes to the College Football brought in several key players Playoff a season ago and out of the transfer portal, has the potential to lead the including former five-star Knights to their first winning quarterback DJ Lagway. season in the Big 12. Running back Dawson Pendergrass returns after a foot 13) Cincinnati (Average injury held him out in 2025. ranking: 12.875) The Bears defense held them The Bearcats had one of back in ‘25, so Aranda brought the most polarizing seasons in former K-State defensive in 2025. They started the coordinator Joe Klanderman season 7-1 and looked poised in hopes that he can turn the to contend for the conference defense around. BU starts championship. But they conference play with a friendly faltered down the stretch, stretch, but closes the season dropping their final five games. with games against TTU, BYU Nearly a whole new offense and Houston. comes in and head coach Scott Satterfield will lean on Georgia 11) West Virginia (Average Southern transfer JC French to ranking: 10.875) lead the offense at quarterback. Head coach Rich Rodriguez’s UC’s schedule also features second tenure at WVU TTU, Utah, UH and BYU; with didn’t start the way he or the tough schedule and roster the Mountaineers wanted it turnover, the outlook isn’t to. WVU was decimated by promising in Cincinnati. injuries on its way to a 4-8 season. However, 2026 looks to 14) Kansas (Average bring change to Morgantown. ranking: 13) Former Oklahoma quarterback Gone is the familiarity at the

quarterback position. For six seasons, that position belonged to Jalon Daniels. But Daniels has exhausted his eligibility, and Lance Leipold will have a new signal caller for the first time as the KU head coach. Redshirt sophomore Isaiah Marshall recently won the QB battle, but he lacks significant college experience and faces a gauntlet in conference play. 15) Iowa State (Average ranking: 14.625) Nobody had an offseason worse than Iowa State. After Matt Campbell, the winningest head coach in Cyclones history, took the Penn State job, the Cyclones saw their roster get depleted. Twenty-four former Cyclones, including quarterback Rocco Becht and running back Carson Hensen, followed Campbell to PSU. New head coach Jimmy Rogers brought 83 newcomers to Ames, including projected starting quarterback Jaylen Raynor. Rogers picked ISU to top the conference in the Big 12’s preseason coaches poll, but with the roster turnover and a relatively challenging conference slate, it’s hard to see ISU not finishing towards the bottom of the conference. 16) Colorado (Average ranking: 15.125) Is Deion Sanders on the hot seat? Sanders enters his fourth season as the head coach at CU and only has one bowl appearance in that time. Former five-star, redshirt freshman Julian Lewis is the projected quarterback for the Buffaloes. Before redshirting last season, Lewis showed flashes of potential, throwing for 589 yards and four touchdowns. Asking the young Lewis to lead a bounce-back is a tough task, especially with the conference sports.ed@ocolly.com schedule that the Buffaloes face.

Page 8B Friday, August 28, 2026

O’Colly

sports

THE O’COLLY SPORTS PICKS - COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 0 TEAM 1

TEAM 2

Caleson Coon

Andon Freitas

TCU 34-16

UNC 50-21

TCU 28-21

USC 49-7

USC 52-13

USC 51-21

USC 45-14

UVA 30-14

NC State 21-20

UVA 24-21

NC State 21-6

NC State 28-21

NDSU 31-28

NDSU 28-25

NDSU 31-17

NDSU 31-21

NDSU 30-21

NDSU 27-14

EMU 28-21

EMU 28-17

EMU 21-17

Sac State 24-17

EMU 24-10

Sac State 28-21

Sac State 24-21

Hawaii 28-24

Stanford 35-10

Hawaii 35-28

Hawaii 28-21

Stanford 17-14

Stanford 28-24

Hawaii 28-21

Hawaii 31-21

FSU 41-17

FSU 49-17

FSU 35-21

FSU 38-10

FSU 35-10

FSU 44-10

FSU 34-13

FSU 49-21

FSU 42-10

UNLV 31-28

UNLV 28-21

UNLV 24-17

Memphis 23-21

UNLV 28-24

Memphis 25-10

Memphis 31-21

Memphis 41-37

Memphis 31-21

UNLV 21-14

Prairie View A&M vs. Tarleton State

TSU 38-7

TSU 48-17

TSU 49-28

TSU 42-17

TSU 44-17

TSU 45-14

TSU 28-20

TSU 44-21

TSU 44-21

TSU 35-21

Alabama A&M vs. Howard

Howard 27-14

Alabama A&M 34-30

Howard 17-10

Howard 31-28

Howard 31-24

Howard 31-28

Howard 27-21

Howard 31-28

Howard 24-21

Howard 21-14

GAMES

Weston Wertzberger

Cayden Cox

Will Thorogood

Timothy Christensen

Ryan Ruston

Marcus Mesis

Logan Cole

Ben Schatzel

TCU vs. North Carolina

TCU 34-17

TCU 31-13

TCU 35-14

TCU 24-21

TCU 38-13

TCU 28-17

TCU 38-20

San Jose State vs. USC

USC 52-7

USC 42-10

USC 52-17

USC 62-10

USC 55-24

USC 38-12

NC State vs. Virginia

UVA 28-24

UVA 27-17

UVA 32-29

UVA 31-21

NC State 31-24

Jax State vs. North Dakota State

NDSU 31-21

NDSU 21-20

NDSU 21-12

NDSU 30-10

Sac State vs. Eastern Michigan

Sac State 27-20

EMU 23-13

EMU 17-10

Hawaii vs. Stanford

Stanford 23-20

Hawaii 35-20

New Mexico State vs. Florida State

FSU 49-10

Memphis vs. UNLV

EDITOR BOARD TEAMS

STANDINGS:

Ben — N/A Cayden — N/A Logan — N/A Marcus — N/A

Timothy — N/A Ryan — N/A Weston — N/A Will — N/A

GUEST TEAM 1:

Caleson — N/A Chance — N/A Jose — N/A Kaitlyn — N/A

GUEST TEAM 2:

Andon — N/A Ashley — N/A Kalina — N/A Megan — N/A