The O'Colly, February 12, 2026.

Friday, February 13, 2026

Cowgirls eye return to OKC for WCWS

Parker Gerl

CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kenny Gajewski has made playing softball in June the expectation at Oklahoma State.

That’s why after the Cowgirls’ 2025 season ended abruptly in Regionals, Gajewski took it upon himself to look in the mirror and reflect on the results. He and OSU simply had higher expectations for themselves.

“We just never really clicked right,” Gajewski said. “And I just look right at myself (for that).

That’s where it’s at.”

Now, as Gajewski enters his 11th season, the Cowgirls are eyeing redemption and embracing a fresh slate as they look to return to Oklahoma City come May and June for the Women’s College World Series.

Heading into 2025, OSU was picked first in the preseason Big 12 poll and tabbed a top 10 team by most national outlets. The Cowgirls had the All-Americans, they had pop in the lineup and brought in experienced pitching. Everything was in place for a deep run, and Gajewski said it was the “most talented” team he’s ever had.

But as Gajewski said, things just never clicked. OSU finished 35-20, lost in the first round in the Big 12 tournament and was eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at the Fayeteville Regional. And most significantly, their five-season streak of playing in the Women’s College World Series was snapped.

It was a tough pill to swallow for Gajewski and co., but it helped make returning players and coaches stronger ahead of the 2026 season. They were able to hit the reset button and

explore ways to adapt.

“Last year was a disappointment for a lot of us,” Gajewski said. “We didn’t meet the standards that we’ve been used to… (But) there actually was a lot of growth in that; a lot of painful growth. I think that’s

“This team has a chance to be really good, and it’s gonna be a fun journey to watch them grow.”

KENNY GAJEWSKI

where some of your best growth is, when it hurts the very most.”

For Gajewski, self-relection has helped him adapt for this season. He said at the team’s media day he messed up by anointing last season’s team as the “best” he’s had before they earned it, and emphasized that every team has to carve their own path without skipping the necessary steps.

To make sure that happens, Gajewski said he’s “getting back to team one guy.” The OSU coach doesn’t want to fast-track anything, even if he thinks the team could potentially handle it.

“It won’t be unfair, but we’re getting back to every single thing matters,” Gajewski said. “(Down) to the color of socks that you’re gonna wear when we lift weights. If they’re not the right socks, (we will) send you home.

“... As your coach, I need to do a good job of making sure you

Meylan anchors revamped staff

Parker Gerl

CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

One day after Oklahoma State’s 2025 season ended in Regionals, Ruby Meylan shared a message with Cowgirl softball fans on X.

The star pitcher’s 116-word post included multiple thank yous to the OSU fanbase, with Meylan saying she “can’t thank God enough for allowing this program to be in his plan for me.”

The last five words of the message weren’t a thank you, though. They were Meylan tapped into the fiery version of herself she often carries into the pitching circle, prepared for the next set of challenges ahead.

“We have some unfinished business.”

Now Meylan can look to finish that business.

With the Cowgirls’ 2026 season underway, Meylan is back in the ace role for a revamped pitching staff, leading OSU’s push to return to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.

Meylan is coming off a season in which she went 21-10 with a 1.81 ERA after transferring to OSU from Washington. Meylan was also a second-team All-American and finished top 10 in the country with 238 strikeouts.

It was an all-around dominant debut season in Stillwater for Meylan, but getting the opportunity to play for a championship still remains No. 1 on the agenda list. Meylan wanted to assure Cowgirl fans when posting that message that she and OSU are set on doing whatever it takes to reach that goal.

“Even though the season didn’t end the way we wanted it to, like I’m just so proud to be here,” Meylan said. “… I think just letting everyone know that I’m here to stay, and this is where I want to be and I’m all in.”

Meylan worked tirelessly in the offseason to refine her pitches. She also visited with and got some pointers from Michele Smith, the former Cowgirl All-American pitcher, whom Meylan called a “freakin’ legend.”

OSU coach Kenny Gajewski also said Meylan still has “so much room to still grow,” and that she’s dangerous for opposing hitters when she’s sharp.

“If she misses over the plate, we can hit her,” Gajewski said. “And she knows that. But when she throws these pitches to the corners of the plate, we got no shot. And neither does anybody else in the country.”

So far, Meylan is 1-2 and has 22 strikeouts. Meylan and RyLee Crandall — the Cowgirls’ other returning pitcher — have had the two biggest workloads and are the two arms Gajewski and Co. can lean on, given their experience.

Crandall transferred to OSU from Baylor last season and had an up-and-down year while battling a lower-body injury. She finished the 2025 season 7-4 with a 4.55 ERA and 37 strikeouts, and picked up a pair of wins at the Fayetteville Regional in the NCAA Tournament.

understand you can get anything that you want. You just got to earn it.”

The same goes for the players. They don’t care for preseason rankings and went into the 2026 with a clean slate.

OSU has become a Women’s College World Series regular, but both returning players and fresh faces are focusing on doing everything required to set themselves up for their own postseason run. They want to play care free and relaxed, rather than with unnecessary weight on their shoulders.

“I think coming into this year, there is no expectation for us,” Cowgirls third baseman Rosie Davis said. “We’re just going out there and playing like we’re 8 years old again.”

Now, it’s all about blending impactful returners with the newcomers Gajewski brought in both through the transfer portal and from high school recruting.

After a stellar offensive season in 2025, Davis moved from second base to third base. Karli Godwin is back at first. Star ace Ruby Meylan still headlines OSU’s pitching staff. Tia Warsop and Claire Timm are back in the outfield.

Freshmen Jayelle Austin and Aubrey Jones are off to strong starts, too, giving the Cowgirls some extra pop in the batting order.

It’s a new-look OSU squad, but it has what it needs to compete for the Big 12 title and chase a deep postseason run. Now it’s just up to the Cowgirls to forge ahead.

“This team has a chance to be really good, and it’s gonna be a fun journey to watch them grow,” Gajewski said.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Now that Crandall is healthy, though, she has an easier path to mirroring her strong production at Baylor, where she posted a combined 33-15 record in two seasons (2023-24) and ranked in the top 10 in the Big 12 in multiple categories.

The ups and downs of last season were hard for Crandall to overcome, Gajewski believes, but the ability to reset in the offseason helped Crandall become re-energized heading into this season.

“(Crandall has) really grown,” Gajewski said. “ I think she thinks she is good enough to be here. I think that last year, when she got off to a bit of a rough start, she questioned that right from the start and never really got back.

“... She’s good. She’s got to be good. She’s gotta really help us out.”

Meylan and Crandall’s experience is key, given that OSU’s other three pitchers — Madison Hoffman, Preslee Downing and Makala Smith — are each freshmen.

Downing and Hoffman have already gotten opportunity, with Downing having pitched more than five innings and Hoffman pitching against Stanford. Both will have important roles and could give the Cowgirls an early boost when they have several games in small windows during nonconference play.

Before the season, Meylan expressed confidence in the pitching newcomers, too.

“I think they’re going to surprise some people,” Meylan said.

COWGIRLS REMAINING SCHEDULE

Friday vs. Texas A&M

Friday vs. UCLA

Saturday vs. Duke

Feb. 19 vs. Kansas City

Feb. 19 vs. Texas State

Feb. 20 vs. Brown

Feb. 20 vs. Colorado State

Feb. 21 vs. Brown

Feb. 26 vs. Nebraska

Feb. 27 vs. Southeast Missouri State

Feb. 27 vs. Southeast Missouri State

Feb. 28 vs. Nebraska

March 1 vs. South Dakota State

March 1 vs. Nebraska

March 4 vs. Missouri State

March 6-8 vs. UCF

March 11 vs. Wichita State

March 13-15 at Arizona State

March 17 at Grand Canyon

March 19-21 vs. BYU

March 25 at Tulsa

March 27-29 at Utah

April 8 at Wichita State

April 10-12 at Iowa State

April 15 vs. Oklahoma (Devon Park)

April 17-19 vs. Arizona

April 22 at Texas

April 24-26 at Baylor

April 29 vs. Tulsa

May 1-3 vs. Kansas

May 7-9 Big 12 Championship (Devon Park)

Godwin fueled for bounce-back, focusing on new plate approach

Parker Gerl CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Karli Godwin can be honest with herself.

And when it comes to her 2025 season, Godwin will be the first to tell you she wasn’t herself.

After Godwin put forth perhaps the best freshman season in the Kenny Gajewski era in 2024, the first baseman entered her sophomore season with expectations through the roof. She went on to hit .316 with seven home runs, a dropoff from her freshmen season when she hit .340 with 15 homers (a freshman Oklahoma State record).

Many would take those numbers, but Godwin had higher expectations, and on occasion, voiced frustrations throughout the season when she couldn’t get going at the plate.

“Obviously, I know the numbers weren’t bad or terrible last year,” Godwin said. “But it just wasn’t my game.”

Now, Godwin is in position to return to the dominant offensive player she’s shown she can be. She spent the offseason “resetting” and fine-tuning her swing, and is ready to give OSU

the consistent, dangerous power bat many have come to expect.

Godwin worked tirelessly to readjust mentally. The root of some of her previous struggles were allowing frustrations from previous at-bats to carry over to her next at-bats. But after Godwin did extra mental performance work, Gajewski said for the first time, he’s seen Godwin “at a point where she just doesn’t care about the next pitch or the last pitch. She cares about this pitch.”

So far, it’s served well for Godwin, as she’s hitting .444 with four RBI. Gajewski also said Godwin was “scary good” in fall ball.

“I think I may be seeing the greatest growth I’ve seen in her in her time here,” Gajewski said.

Unlike in 2025, Godwin didn’t enter this season carrying preseason Big 12 honors and wasn’t tabbed a preseason AllAmerican. But that actually helped Godwin take a deep breath and not have to carry extra weight on her shoulders, she said.

Now Godwin has an easier time of playing free and only managing her individual goals.

“(It allows me to) kind of just focus on myself and not what all

the expectations are,” Godwin said.

Make no mistake about it, though — Gajewski has watched Godwin all offseason and believes the first baseman is quietly using the lack of preseason noise as fuel. The Cowgirls’ 11th-year coach said he thinks Godwin is “probably a little pissed off,” and that he’s also “pissed.”

But if Godwin is playing angry and with a chip on her shoulder, that may just be a bonus for OSU. Gajewski certainly thinks so.

Why?

“People play good when they’re pissed,” Gajewski said.

Godwin can swing any game for the Cowgirls and she is perhaps the most important offensive weapon they have at their disposal. Few hitters in the Big 12 have her combination of patience and power.

And when she’s at her best, so is OSU. A locked in Godwin makes the Cowgirls feel different and raises their ceiling.

Godwin is already off to a good start, and her teammates and coaches believe the best version of herself is on the horizon.

“She’s gonna have a really good year,” Gajewski said.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Can Oklahoma State return to the College World Series?

Weston Wertzberger STAFF REPORTER

The expectation at Oklahoma State is never just to compete — it’s to play in Omaha.

That standard, however, has proven difficult to meet in recent history.

Despite its reputation as one of college baseball’s most consistent programs, OSU has reached the College World Series only once since 1999. That appearance came in 2016, during Josh Holliday’s fourth season as head coach.

Since then, the Cowboys have remained a fixture in the NCAA Tournament, but completing the final steps to Omaha has been elusive.

OSU has failed to advance out of a regional in each of the past five seasons, including three postseason exits at O’Brate Stadium.

For a program accustomed to hosting and advancing in June, those results have sharpened expectations rather than lowered them.

Unlike recent preseasons, OSU enters this year with less focus on who is arriving and more scrutiny on what must change when postseason play begins.

The Cowboys are coming off a 30–25 season that ended in the NCAA Athens Regional final and finished seventh in the Big 12 with a 15–12 conference record after being the preseason conference favorite in 2025. While the season again stopped short of Omaha, Holliday said the way his team finished revealed something meaningful.

“It was probably one of the most rewarding feelings I’ve had at the end of the year,” Holliday said last week at media day. “To just look at what a bunch of kids overcame and still held their heads high, competed exceptionally well at the end. (They) did so on behalf of their program.”

That resilience, Holliday believes, has carried over into this year’s roster.

OSU enters the season with 26 newcomers — 16 freshmen, seven junior college transfers and just three Division I transfers — reflecting an emphasis on internal development rather than heavy reliance on the transfer portal.

Among the additions is UC Santa Barbara transfer Hudson Barrett, a pitcher with freshman All-American honors in 2023, who could factor into the starting rotation immediately. Holliday described this year’s team

as “a blue-collar group,” noting its current form is ahead of teams he has coached in the past.

The Cowboys also return a core built on experience. Four position players — Colin Brueggemann, Kollin Ritchie, Brock Thompson and Alex Conover — started at least 30 games last season, while veterans Aidan Meola and Avery Ortiz return after missing significant time due to injury.

Brueggemann anchors that group.

A three-time All-Big 12 performer, the Senior has played in 156 career games, slugging 35 home runs and 35 doubles while driving in 140 RBIs. His versatility provides flexibility defensively and within the lineup, a trait that becomes critical in postseason play.

On the mound, the picture is less settled after losing two experienced pitchers during the offseason.

Junior pitcher Hunter Watkins will miss the 2026 season due to a knee injury suffered during fall camp.

Sophomore right-hander Matthew Brown is expected to miss significant time, if not the entire season, after suffering an undisclosed injury in the fall.

Those absences underscore the importance of depth and adaptability.

The Cowboys return experience in arms such as Mario Pesca, an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 selection who made 22 appearances last season, along with veteran lefthanders Drew Blake and Brennan Phillips. Several sophomores are also expected to take on expanded roles.

That depth will be tested immediately.

OSU opens the season at the Shriners Children’s College Showdown at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, facing No. 7 Arkansas, Oklahoma and No. 23 Vanderbilt over three days.

Facing three SEC opponents in the opening weekend provides an early measuring stick, though the results will not define the season. With three months of regular-season baseball to play, development will determine whether OSU is positioned for postseason success.

“We’re basically playing in a regional tournament on opening weekend, and that’s going to be fun,” Holliday said. “That’s going to grow you no matter what the result is, and the process is going to be sound.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

OSU leaning on depth, buyin entering 2026 season

Weston Wertzberger STAFF REPORTER

Depth, competition and buy-in.

Those three values are what define Oklahoma State baseball as the Cowboys prepare to open the season this week.

“I’m excited to get started. It’s been an awesome group to work with so far,” OSU coach Josh Holliday said.

That optimism stems less from set lineups and more from what Holliday has seen daily in practice.

OSU returns veteran contributors while welcoming an influx of newcomers, creating an environment where roles must be earned rather than assumed.

“I’m very thankful to have back some of the kids that are here, especially some of the veteran kids that we get to coach for four or five years,” Holliday said. “I’m also excited about our newcomers.”

The Cowboys added nearly two dozen new players, including 16 freshmen and multiple transfers, reshaping their competitive landscape.

Rather than overwhelming the clubhouse, Holliday believes the depth has elevated it.

“Our practice levels are up,” Holliday said. “Our competitiveness inside those practices is very good. We’re welcoming the newcomers. Those are just all good indicators for me that this team already has an idea that it’s going to take all of us to be successful.”

That mindset has been echoed by players, particularly those stepping into leadership roles.

Senior infielder Aidan Meola said competition has been evident from the start of preseason workouts, with no shortage of talent across both position players and the pitching staff.

For Meola, who underwent surgery for a torn labrum and spent months rehabbing before returning to full strength, the depth provides both challenge and reassurance.

“I think there’s talent from the freshman class to the fifth years; A lot of talent,” Meola said. “I think it’s a really good problem to have. We will be deep position-wise and pitching staff-wise. It makes for very competitive scrimmages and practices.”

Depth has also allowed Holliday

to move players around defensively and experiment with different combinations.

Sophomore Garrett Shull has played “a little bit of everywhere,” Holliday said. Freshman such as infielder Terrance Bowen and utility player Sebastian Norman have already begun to stand out.

“Terrance is a talented player,” Holliday said. “He’s a very nice hitter, versatile athlete, smooth game and hard worker. He’s only getting better every day, certainly as he gets stronger.”

“Sebastian’s a true freshman, and he opens our eyes daily. Strong, powerful kid. He runs like a college middle linebacker. He’s skilled. He’s a graceful baseball player.”

While youth brings upside, Holliday emphasized that development across the entire roster remains the priority.

“The depth is huge,” Holliday said. “The development of players throughout your roster is always something you have to be really committed to doing, and it’s going to take everyone that is here. What we’re most determined to do is to get the most out of each other every single day.”

That commitment extends beyond talent and into accountability — a standard reinforced by veteran leaders throughout the offseason.

Junior infielder Avery Ortiz, who battled injuries last season, said time away from the field reinforced the importance of being present for teammates.

“I would say it’s just the group of guys that are here, the culture that’s established, and then the coaching staff,” Ortiz said. “They do a tremendous job of just providing for us, being good role models, good leaders.

“The guys here are great, they’re like my brothers. They’re just guys that I can count on.”

For Holliday, that culture is rooted in a personal connection to OSU that has never faded.

“I don’t think I’ve had a bad day in 14 years since I’ve been back,” Holliday said. “I know I never had a bad one as a kid, and never in the four years I got to play here. It’s a joy.

“You love something. You care about it. You work at it. You pour yourself into it.”

“really impressed” with pitcher Pesca’s

preperation

OSU baseball looking to regain control in Big 12

Two years ago, Oklahoma State had climbed the Big 12 mountain top.

The Cowboys defeated Oklahoma in the Sooners’ final Big 12 game, taking home the 2024 Big 12 championship.

With OU and Texas departing the conference and OSU returning as defending conference champions, the Cowboys were tabbed as the team to beat in the preseason.

But OSU’s season went differently than expected, finishing 30-25 and seventh in the Big 12 at 15-12.

While the Cowboys stumbled, Arizona submitted its name atop the conference, taking home the league championship in its inaugural year in the Big 12 and being the conference’s lone representative at the College World Series in Omaha.

With the addition of UA and Arizona State, the competition level in the Big 12 didn’t fade.

led the conference with a .319 team batting average last season, and reshaped their roster via the transfer portal as they look to return to the Big 12 tournament.

“Teams like UCF and Cincinnati, these teams are better than I think people probably thought they would be coming into (the Big 12),” Holliday said. “They’re getting some players that maybe started out at other schools in state that came to them ready to play.”

West Virginia, TCU, Kansas State and Kansas have also had stellar seasons in 2025. The Mountaineers finished the regular season in first last season, the Horned Frogs advanced to the Big 12 championship and is the preseason favorite this season. K-State was ranked at times last season and KU earned the No. 2 seed and knocked the Cowboys out of the Big 12 tournament.

Mario Pesca didn’t have the junior year he wanted.

The Bronx native transferred to Oklahoma State after spending his first two seasons at St. John’s.

In his first season in a Cowboys uniform, Pesca looked to build on his successful 2024, where he took home All-Big East First Team honors, but instead settled for an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention selection as he rotated between the bullpen and the starting rotation.

“He took what I thought was a very gutty junior year last year and he’s built on it,” OSU coach Josh Holliday said. “I think he’s focused and knows what it’s going to take to have an even better year.”

Pesca, who listed at 273 pounds last season, set himself the goal of using the facilities and nutrition at OSU to prepare for his senior season.

On the Cowboys’ 2026 preseason roster, Pesca is listed at 236 pounds and prepared his body better for his senior season.

“Mario is in amazing shape,” Holliday said. “I tip my cap to him. He made a commitment to be in the best shape of his life. He wanted his senior year to be one in which he put it all on the table.”

After a disappointing 2025 for the Cowboys, Pesca wants to be the change for the Cowboys in 2026. When doing his offseason training, he put his team first and wanted to become the best player he could be for OSU.

“I want to give everything I can to my teammates and the program,” Pesca said. “I wanted to look into the mirror and say, ‘What could I do to really further that?’ I thought the best thing I could do at that time was just get in the best shape possible and hopefully play a good part in winning some ball games.”

Pesca’s offseason turnaround impressed not only his coach, but also served as a role model to his teammates He put his mind to bettering himself for his team.

“He’s been a great example to his teammates; if you want to make changes and elevate your game, you can do it,” Holliday said.

After posting a 3.39 ERA in 63.2 innings, making eight starts and 16 relief appearances, Pesca looks to earn a permanent spot in the starting rotation.

In his eight starts, Pesca impressed Holliday, including his outing in game one of the Athens Regional when he took the ball 15 minutes before first pitch after Sean Youngerman was unable to go.

In Athens, Pesca was the backbone of the OSU pitching staff and left it all on the line, as he appeared in both of the Cowboys’ contests against Duke.

“This kid has the courage, he has the guts, he has an ability to perform on behalf of his team,” Holliday said. “He has a tremendous amount of makeup that’s really going to serve him well this year and in life.”

Pesca has had no problem with change. He is now on his third pitching coach with Blake Hawksworth assuming the role for OSU. Pesca worked with George Brown in his time with Red Storm and Rob Walton last season, but now gets to work with Hawksworth, who led Oregon to a Big Ten-best 4.10 ERA last season.

“It’s an honor that I was able to attain two great pitching coaches,” Pesca said. “(Hawksworth) has been tremendous. Our relationship with him, just as a staff, and how he preaches his philosophies, is awesome. It’s so process-oriented. We just give into the process, the results will follow, so it’s a pretty good mentality for the staff this year.”

Working with a new pitching coach and his tremendous work ethic, Holliday has been pleased by Pesca’s work in the offseason as the senior looks to make his final year his best.

“He’s been welcoming and open to learning and making his pitches better, all while being a great role model to his teammates,” Holliday said. “I’ve been really impressed and respect the work he’s put in.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

“We lost two teams who I thought had really good baseball rosters in OU and Texas,” OSU coach Josh Holliday said. “But I don’t think what people saw was the quality of the rosters at Arizona and Arizona State. Those two teams have brought an immediate depth of talent and tradition and baseball pedigree.”

Like UA, ASU shone in its first year in the conference. The Sun Devils finished fifth in the conference and had the second-best offense in the Big 12 with a team average of .314 and leading the 14-team conference with a .521 slugging percentage.

ASU has also had a ton of success historically. The Sun Devils have won more national championships (five) than they have losing seasons (four). They have also produced the most major leaguers out of any school and most recently developed 2020 No. 1 Overall pick, Spencer Torkelson.

Utah and BYU don’t have the historic factors that the Wildcats and Sun Devils do, but the Utes and Cougars have updated the facilities in recent years. In 2018, the Cougars installed a new turf field at their ballpark that overlooks the Wasatch Mountain Range. The Utes just completed a new $35 million facility that they are set to debut this season.

With Utah’s new ballpark updates, Holliday believes the Utes are on the rise as a program.

“They’ve upped their investment in baseball and their determination in baseball is higher than it once was,” Holliday said.

UCF has also made a splash in the Big 12. The Knights haven’t had the results yet, but their bats have exploded. They

The Mountaineers were picked fourth in the Big 12’s preseason poll a season ago, while the Jayhawks were tabbed ninth. With their rise to the top, Holliday believes the depth across the conference is strong.

“I think it’s much better than we anticipated,” Holliday said. “I don’t think anyone saw (the) emergence of some of those teams.”

OSU has finished first in the regular season twice, has seven second-place finishes and two Big 12 Tournament titles under Holliday.

To regain control in the conference, OSU will need to turn its offense around. The Cowboys had a conference worst onbase percentage of .360 and the second worst team batting average (.257).

With one of his best lineups, Holliday’s team fell well short of expectations a season ago, but this season could be different.

The Cowboys return Kollin Ritchie and Collin Brueggmann both of whom had stellar 2025 seasons. OSU also returns Aidan Meola and Avery Ortiz, who each missed significant time with injuries last season. With key pieces returning, the Cowboys have what it takes to turn their offensive numbers around.

While OSU has the pieces it takes to make a run in the Big 12, so do multiple other programs.

With the upward trajectory of the schools in the Big 12, Holliday believes the conference is being disrespected.

“I would say (the conference is) under-appreciated,” Holliday said. “I think that’s part of reforming your identity as a conference and then people saying ‘Gosh, they’re pretty good at baseball, This is a little better than we thought.’”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

COWBOYS REMAINING SCHEDULE

Friday vs. Arkansas

Saturday vs. Oklahoma

Sunday vs. Vanderbilt

Feb. 19-22 at Grand Canyon

Feb. 24 vs. Central Arkansas

Feb. 27-March 1 vs. Sam Houston

March 3 vs. Missouri State

March 6-8 vs. Gardner-Webb

March 10 vs. Dallas Baptist

March 13-15 at UCF

March 17-18 vs. South Dakota State

March 20-22 vs. Baylor

March 24 at Missouri State

March 26-28 at BYU

March 31 at Dallas Baptist

April 3-5 vs. Cincinnati

April 7 vs. Oral Roberts

April 10-12 at Kansas State

April 14 vs. Oklahoma (ONEOK Field)

April 17-19 vs. Kansas

April 21 vs. Wichita State

April 24-26 at Texas Tech

April 28 vs. Oral Roberts (ONEOK Field)

May 1-3 vs. TCU

May 8-10 at Arizona State

May 12 vs. Oral Roberts

May 14-16 vs. Arizona

May 20-23 Big 12 Championship (Arizona)

Cowgirl tennis regroups ahead of season-opener

Gina Foster STAFF REPORTER

The No. 12 Oklahoma State women’s tennis team is battling illness and injury as it regroups before its home-opener next weekend.

The Cowgirls’ 4-0 wins over both Wichita State and Texas Tech punched the team’s ticket to the ITA Indoor National Championship. After the season-opening tournament, the team suffered illnesses that caused OSU to cancel the matchup versus No. 4 ranked Auburn, resulting in a loss.

Just a week later, the team was in Evanston, Illinois, competing for the indoor title. With a loss and win under their belt, the Cowgirls faced No. 11 Tennessee in a close battle. After an intense matchup, the Cowgirls lost 3-4 to end their tournament stint.

Not only did the Cowgirls lose the match, but history closely repeated itself.

Redshirt junior Lucia Peyre lost her first set 1-6. Not a point was on the board in the second set when the match was retired due to an injury. In the 2024 Sweet Sixteen matchup against the volunteers, Peyre suffered a knee injury early on in the first set, giving her redshirt status last season. No. 68-ranked Peyre, once again, had suffered a season-ending injury against UT.

She injured her right Achilles tendon and will have surgery that will keep her from competing until the end of 2026, according to Peyre’s Instagram post.

“I do not know how to start,” Peyre wrote. “Sometimes we do not understand why these things happen, and no matter how much we try to find a reason, there are no clear answers. In the end, all we can do is accept what we cannot change and find the strength to move forward. We will come back stronger.”

While this means lineup changes will occur before the next match, those changes are unknown.

UCF transfer Olivia Lincer and freshman Luca Udvardy join returners Anastasiya Komar, Rose Marie Nijkamp, Marcela Lopez, Gracie Epps and Melisa Ercan this spring. Lincer and Udvardy have both played in each of the five spring matches. Lincer is undefeated in her spring matches, while Udvardy is 2-1 in her finished matches.

As they add to the team’s depth, the season is hopeful with coach Sergey Avdeyev and assistant coach Maggie Kane’s fresh leadership.

The team will take the courts at the Greenwood Tennis Center for their Feb. 21 home-opening matchup against No. 17 Michigan at 11 a.m.

Norman, Stillwater mayors encourage legislation to restore Bedlam football

Bryson Thadhani CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Bedlam football series may not be finished.

At least not if Stillwater and Norman’s mayors have their way.

Norman Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman revealed during Tuesday’s Norman City Council meeting that he and Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce co-authored proposed legislation that would require the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University to play an annual home-and-home football game for economic development purposes.

“The mayor of Stillwater and I got together and co-authored a piece of legislation that for economic development purposes under state law to require OU and OSU to play a football game every season, home and home,” Holman said during the meeting.

Holman said the measure passed the Norman council unanimously and will move to the Oklahoma Legislature for consideration.

“It passed the body unanimously with no debate, so it will go to the legislature for consideration, whether it actually happens or not,” Holman said.

The proposal follows the end of the annual Bedlam football series in 2023, Oklahoma’s final season in the Big 12 Conference before joining the Southeastern Conference.

The Sooners hold a 91-20-7 all-time advantage in the rivalry. OSU won two of the final three meetings, including a 27-24 victory in 2023.

economic development issue.

“A nonconference game against OSU would be much more beneficial to the local Norman economy than playing New Mexico or UTEP,” Holman said.

He said the same would apply to Stillwater.

“Same thing for Stillwater,” Holman said. “It would be much more beneficial for their local economy to have OU come visit every other season.”

High-profile football weekends historically generate significant economic activity in both cities. Hotels fill, restaurants extend hours and alumni return in large numbers. Bedlam games routinely sold out Boone Pickens Stadium and Gaylord Family–Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

Oklahoma State’s 2026 nonconference schedule includes home games against Oregon and Murray State and a road game at Tulsa. While matchups such as Oregon are expected to generate revenue and national attention, the proposed legislation would ensure a consistent in-state rivalry game each season.

Efforts to preserve historic rivalries through legislation are not unique to Oklahoma.

In Florida, lawmakers have introduced measures aimed at protecting the annual FloridaFlorida State matchup. Political pressure has also surfaced in Iowa regarding Iowa-Iowa State and in Kentucky involving Louisville and Kentucky.

and culturally significant. Whether Oklahoma’s proposal would carry enforceable authority remains uncertain. Athletic scheduling is typically determined years in advance and shaped by conference agreements, television contracts and long-term nonconference commitments. Oklahoma’s move to the SEC altered its scheduling framework, while Oklahoma State remains in the Big 12. Neither university has publicly committed to resuming the annual football series.

While there are no football matchups scheduled, the schools have continued competing in other sports. Men’s and women’s basketball met in December at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Baseball and softball matchups are scheduled at neutral sites this spring and the teams have continued to compete in wrestling.

Stillwater leaders have long emphasized the financial impact of major football weekends. Beyond ticket sales, game days drive business across the city’s hospitality and retail sectors. Whether the proposal advances in the Legislature remains to be seen. Even if introduced, questions remain about enforcement authority and university autonomy.

Holman framed the effort as an

Not all proposals have resulted in binding law, but they reflect how state leaders have intervened to attempt to preserve rivalries viewed as economically

For now, the mayors’ effort signals that in both Norman and Stillwater, Bedlam football is viewed as more than a rivalry game. Local leaders see it as an economic driver and a piece of Oklahoma’s sports identity worth preserving.

sports.ed@ocolly.com sports.ed@ocolly.com

sports

Who gets the nod at 133?

OSU facing critical postseason descision

Weston Wertzberger STAFF REPORTER

Oklahoma State wrestling faces a critical decision as the postseason approaches.

The Cowboys’ 133-pound weight class has become the program’s most important question heading into March, with multiple starters, redshirt implications and a rapidly rising freshman all factoring into the equation.

The season began with Richard Figueroa and later shifted to Ronnie Ramirez, but neither might see the mat in March.

Freshman Jax Forrest’s midseason arrival has since shaken things up, forcing OSU to balance performance with redshirt strategy — a decision that gained urgency last Friday against Little Rock.

Despite Forrest being available, it was Ramirez who got the call at 133 pounds, marking his fifth date of the season. One more appearance would burn his redshirt. Meanwhile, Forrest has wrestled four dates, meaning he can compete once more and still preserve his redshirt year.

Taylor said the decision was less about finality and more about opportunity.

“We have a lot of guys on our team and just giving guys opportunities to wrestle,” Taylor said. “Ronnie wanted to wrestle this week. He texted me last week like, ‘Hey, I wanna wrestle.’ Wanted the opportunity to wrestle here at home. Obviously, he’s a big part of that young group that we have, and it was really cool of him to want to wrestle.”

Taylor did not name a long-term starter at 133 and said the staff will continue evaluating week by week. Still, the question looming over the Cowboys is unavoidable: who is the best fit to ride with in the postseason?

Since arriving in Stillwater last month, Forrest has looked like the answer OSU has been searching for at 133 pounds.

The true freshman is undefeated in eight collegiate matches, earning five technical falls and two pins. Perhaps most striking, Forrest has allowed just a single takedown.

His rapid ascent has not gone unnoticed nationally. Forrest is ranked No. 10 at 133 pounds by InterMat and could face his first Top20 opponent of the season if he gets the nod Sunday against sixth-ranked Virginia Tech freshman Aaron Seidel.

Forrest’s dominance also comes with a strategic complication. Using his fifth date this weekend would preserve his redshirt but push the final decision back another week — a move that could buy time but delay clarity.

Ramirez, meanwhile, has seen limited action since January. The freshman is 7–3 overall but just 3–3 in dual competition, with a 2–3 record against ranked opponents. His most recent appearance came last Friday, when he earned a technical fall against the Trojan’s Dillon Cooper in his first home dual. That performance showed flashes of his upside, but consistency and availability remain key.

With postseason lineups due soon, the Cowboys must balance immediate production with long-term development.

Forrest’s results suggest he is ready now, but Ramirez’s experience and willingness to step in still matter. And the redshirt math ensures every decision carries consequences beyond a single dual.

Whether the answer comes this week or next, the Cowboys’ choice at 133 pounds could shape their March ceiling.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

‘We need to put it together’

Oklahoma State has had zero difficulty bouncing back from a loss this season.

The Cowgirls are 6-0 following a defeat, and have been dominant in those contests, with a margin of victory of 27.

Following a disappointing loss to Kansas State, OSU has an opportunity to bounce back in a major way when it hosts No. 16 Texas Tech on Saturday.

“We haven’t lost two in a row,” Cowgirls coach Jacie Hoyt said. “That could be a little bit of scheduling, but this is a team that is hungry. They want to win. They have really high expectations for themselves.”

Both the Cowgirls and Red Raiders have top five offenses in the Big 12. OSU is averaging 84.2 points and TTU scores 73.7 points per game.

While the Red Raiders have the ability to light up the scoreboard, they have found success on the defensive end. They give up 56.7 points per game, the second-best in the conference, and have the thirdhighest turnover margin, trailing West Virginia and OSU.

On the defensive end, TTU is led by junior Jalynn Bristow, who is averaging a Big 12 best 2.23 blocks per game, Gemma Nunez and Denae Fritz also wreck havoc for the Red Raiders. They each average 2.2 steals and are a big reason the Red Raiders average more than 10 steals.

have a balanced scoring attack, with five players averaging seven or more points, and no player averaging more than 15.7 points.

Bailey Mauphin has had a breakout senior year for the Red Raiders, averaging a career-best 15.7 points and 3.9 rebounds. While she started the season slow, Mauphin has heated up as of lately. She has scored 20 points in consecutive games for the first time this season and will provide the Cowgirls with a challenge defensively.

A win on Saturday would not only boost the Cowgirls in the Big 12 standings, but will also benefit OSU’s tournament resume.

OSU is currently fifth in the conference and lacks a statement win. If the Cowgirls defeat the Red Raiders it will be OSU’s best win and will put the Cowgirls back in position for the double bye at the Big 12 tournament.

With a 23-3 team coming to Stillwater after the Cowgirls struggled against the Wildcats, Hoyt is hoping her team can flush those mistakes and bounce back.

“We need to put it together for 40 (minutes),” Hoyt said. “Tech is really great, they’re having a great season. Win or lose, you just have to pick yourself up. You have to move on and that’s going to be really important for us. We made a lot of mistakes (against K-State), but gotta learn from it and pick ourselves up for a really tough Tech team.”

For now, the only certainty is that the competition isn’t over. sports.ed@ocolly.com

Like the Cowgirls, the Red Raiders

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR SUMMER AND FALL SEMESTER 2026

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF THE O’COLLY

Applications for Summer Semester and Fall Semester 2026 Editor-in-Chief of The O’Colly will be accepted from now until 12 p.m. (noon) Monday, March 9, 2026

Applications are now available in the Paul Miller Journalism and Broadcasting Building, room 106. Applicants must return their completed applications to room 106 no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) Monday, March 9, 2026.

To be eligible for Editor-In-Chief, the applicant must be a student on the Stillwater campus of Oklahoma State University, be in good academic standing (i.e., not on academic probation), have a grade point average of not less than 2.5, and have completed at least 60 hours toward a degree.

Applicant must show evidence of having worked one semester in an editor position on The O’Colly. Students serving as an Editor-in-Chief may take up to 6 credit hours of independent study in consultation and approval of their major advisor.

An internship on a newspaper in a newsroom capacity may be substituted for one semester of service on The O’Colly. The internship must meet the requirements of the School of Media and Strategic Communications’ current internship course.

Our best photos from OSu-UCF

Friday, February 13, 2026

Valentine’s edition

Valentine’s Day in Stillwater

Budget friendly date ideas for everyone

Marcus Mesis STAFF REPORTER

The season of love is here, capped off with Valentine’s Day on Saturday.

Stillwater offers plenty of options

for places to go and things to do. From restaurants to hangout spots, there is something for everyone.

The forecast for Valentine’s Day looks cool and rainy, so outdoor plans may not be ideal for some. That doesn’t mean options are limited — it just means they may look a little different.

Staying inside with the person

you’re spending the holiday with, still offers plenty to do. Kay Kelly, an Oklahoma State student, plans to spend the day indoors with the person he is currently talking to.

“You just get to have some snacks, and then we go to our place and chill and watch whatever she want to watch,” Kelly said.

Bryson Thadhani

On Wednesday, Oklahoma became the first state in the nation to join “A Home for Every Child,” a federal initiative aimed at increasing the number of foster homes and reducing the number of children entering state care.

Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the partnership alongside federal and state officials at the State Capitol, calling it a step toward strengthening families and improving child welfare outcomes.

“In Oklahoma, we now have 3,500 fewer kids in foster care than just a few years ago,” Stitt said. “That’s demonstrating Oklahoma’s unmatched commitment to our children.”

The initiative is led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration for Children and Families. It focuses on recruiting and retaining foster families while expanding prevention programs to help families remain together when possible.

According to state data, Oklahoma had about 4,281 licensed foster homes in 2023, down from nearly 5,000 in 2021. At the same time, about 6,000 children remain in state care, creating a shortage that officials say has sometimes forced children into temporary placements.

Alex J. Adams, assistant secretary for family support at ACF, said the shortage is a nationwide issue.

“If we have 100 kids going into foster care, we only have 57 homes to care for them,” Adams said. “We can do better, and we must do better.”

Adams said the initiative aims to increase the ratio of foster homes to children in care, while reducing federal red tape and allowing states to tailor solutions to their communities.

“We want to have homes waiting on kids, not kids waiting on homes,” Adams said.

Oklahoma Human Services officials said the state has focused in recent years on prevention and family preservation, which they credit for reducing the number of children entering foster care.

Your Valentine’s Day Watchlist: 9 Romance Picks

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the best date night is at home.

The pressure of reservations, packed restaurants and last-minute budgeting can disappear with the click of a button. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, spending time with friends or enjoying the night solo, a movie marathon is an easy way to make Valentine’s Day feel special. If you’re tired of endlessly scrolling through streaming platforms, here are nine romance picks organized by mood.

Romantic Comedies

If you’re in the mood to laugh, romantic comedies offer the perfect balance of heart and humor.

“Crazy Rich Asians” delivers glamour, family tension and undeniable chemistry. Rachel Chu, played by Constance Wu, travels to Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young (Henry Golding), only to discover he comes from one of the wealthiest families in the country. As Chu navigates judgment, tradition and high society, the film blends cultural commentary with classic rom-com charm. It’s streaming on Prime Video.

Michael Williams, director of child welfare services for OHS said community partnerships will be central to the program’s success.

“It’s going to require very authentic and strong community partnerships,” Williams said. “We have to change the image of who we are in the

communities that we serve so people feel comfortable coming forward.” Williams said the agency is also working to improve support systems for foster families, including better access to information and services.

With movies like “Iron Lung,” “GOAT” and “Wuthering Heights” released this year, there is no shortage of films to choose from. If TV shows are more appealing, recent releases such as the fourth season of “Bridgerton,” the second season of “Fallout” and the fifth season of “Stranger Things” provide even more options for a cozy night in.

But staying inside isn’t the only plan people have.

“We’re gonna get matching pajamas,” said Peyton Jones. “I got him a gift basket. We’re gonna exchange gifts. And I want to watch ‘Wicked: Part One.’”

Some prefer a more relaxed Valentine’s Day — shopping somewhere local and grabbing food or coffee afterward. Maria Salud, an OSU student, said that would be her ideal plan.

“I’d go to Barnes & Noble and then to a coffee shop after that,” Salud said.

While Stillwater does not have a Barnes & Noble, there are local alternatives. Bliss Books & Bindery offers a mix of new and used books. Reviews describe it as a cozy place to browse and read, and customers often mention the store’s dog, Bliss.

After picking out a book, several coffee shops around Stillwater offer a place to unwind. Aspen Coffee is one of the most well-known shops and is frequently praised in reviews for its service and convenient location near other stores.

If Aspen isn’t the right fit, there are other options, including national chains like Starbucks and Dutch Bros, as well as local spots like Balanced Coffee Co. No matter the preference, there is a place to grab a cup.

For those not interested in shopping, another classic Valentine’s Day tradition is going to the movies. While there may not be many romance films currently in theaters, a horror movie with the right person can still make for a memorable night. Dinner remains a popular choice for couples going out. Though Jones plans to stay in, she said Sakura would be her choice for a Valentine’s Day dinner if she decided to go out.

Others already have specific restaurants in mind. “I go to Asian Dragon or Miso,” said OSU student Jack Geer.

Reviews of Miso frequently highlight its service and sushi presentation, including dishes served on boats with dry ice for added effect.

If the weather turns warmer and drier, outdoor plans may return to the table. Stillwater’s lakes and scenic spots often become popular destinations.

“I’m definitely going to go outside — we’ll go to the lake, chop it up, probably go to the movies after we go to the lake, and then go home,” Kelly said. No matter the plan — staying in, going out or something in between — Stillwater offers options for a Valentine’s Day that fits nearly any style.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Lucky Tea Boba House Arrives

for the shop in Stillwater.

From Tulsa, Oklahoma to Stillwater, Lucky Tea Boba House has moved in just over a mile from Oklahoma State University.

Whether it’s studying, hanging out with friends or sipping some boba, Lucky Tea Boba House offers students and members of the community a new go-to spot.

Owner of the shop and alumnus of OSU with a degree in management information systems and finance, Aaron Chambers, said he was looking to pivot into something different from his remote consultant analytics job.

He began throwing ideas around while spending his time at the boba house in Tulsa when the idea came to him–‘What if I just open one of these in Stillwater?’

“At first it was a joke,” Chambers said. “And I was like ‘it doesn’t have to be a joke.”’

And as luck would have it, a fraternity brother of Chambers is a franchisee of the Lucky Tea Boba House in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

“So, I talked to him–I had always wanted a boba shop in Stillwater,” Chambers said. “I was like ‘Oh, this would be great, to fulfill the thing that I wanted when I was here.”’

Chambers then got in contact with the original owner of the shop, Lucky, to pitch the idea of the franchise potentially coming to Stillwater.

“I don’t think he’d ever been to Stillwater once,” Chambers said.

Chamber’s time as a cowboy gave him insight when planning

TIME OF GOD’S FAVOR!

“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

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)

He began with a business plan detailing why it would be good with the audience, population, financials, location and beverage shops in Stillwater.

His unique perspective gave ideas for details such as outlets and warm lighting for the shop that customers have complimented on, and the idea to attempt longer hours that contrast to the majority of shops in Stillwater.

Research led him to realizing that Stillwater didn’t have a dedicated tea place.

Being proactive with all the details and planning made it easy for Lucky to say yes, Chambers noted.

The shop had its soft opening on Jan 27. to Feb. 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Chambers said the soft opening was important for learning many things before the grand opening.

“It’s a whole different piece, I will say, to have the only dedicated boba shop in a town that has a population of like 40 to 50,000 people when students are here,” Chambers said.

Especially when comparing one boba shop to a city with 20 boba shops, Chambers said it was a completely different ball game.

The soft opening was held only a day after Stillwater gained 8 inches of snow, but was still overwhelmed with the amount of customers that showed up.

“I was like ‘it’ll probably not be like a great day, but it’ll be a simple start, and people showed up,” Chambers said.

On Feb. 5, the shop had its grand opening, and extended its hours to 11 p.m., which will remain until

further notice.

Julia Harris, a future cowboy coming up this fall, attended the grand opening.

“I grew up in Stillwater, so I was here when Orange Leaf and all that kind of stuff was here,” Harris said. “So, I was excited that we were having boba again.”

Although Harris had tried boba before, she’d tried it at an airport and it didn’t leave her impressed, however her opinion seems to have changed.

“I’ve actually been here four times since they opened,” Harris said. “It’s become my new addiction.”

Harris thinks being so close to campus will be a positive thing for the boba house.

“I think it stands out because it’s not coffee,” Harris said. “This close to campus and having like an area where you can come and just like sit and work, I think helps a lot.”

While planning for the opening in Stillwater, Chambers said his thought process was thinking ‘How can we be different?’ or ‘How can we get something that would make people want to come out?’ Eventually, Chambers would like to be a go-to option for OSU and the many clubs. He said back when he was a student, boba would have been a nice option.

“I would say we definitely have something for everyone,” Chambers said.

Chambers also agrees with everything the cowboy character stands for.

“I would say we’re digging into that here,” Chambers said. “Reinforcing it with the community, for sure.”

Continued from 1

“13 Going on 30” remains a comfort classic. Thirteen-year-old Jenna Rink (Jennifer Garner) wishes she were “30, flirty and thriving” — and wakes up exactly that. As she adjusts to adulthood, she reconnects with childhood best friend Matt (Mark Ruffalo). The movie mixes fantasy, nostalgia and sweetness in a way that makes it endlessly rewatchable. It’s available on Tubi.

“Love Don’t Cost a Thing” stars Nick Cannon as Alvin Johnson, a high school student trying to boost his social status. Christina Milian plays Paris Morgan, who agrees to help him transform his image. What begins as a calculated arrangement slowly turns into genuine connection. The film leans into early-2000s energy while still delivering a classic message about authenticity. It’s streaming on Prime Video.

“Rye Lane” offers a more modern take on romance. Set in South London, it follows Dom (David Jonsson) and Yas (Vivian Oparah), two strangers recovering from breakups who spend a chaotic, colorful day together. The film’s fast pacing, vibrant visuals and sharp dialogue give it a fresh feel. It’s streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

Dramatic Romance

If you’d rather lean into something emotional, these picks offer depth and sincerity.

“Past Lives” tells a quiet, reflective story about connection and timing. Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) were childhood friends separated by distance and time. Years later, they reunite and confront the possibility of what their relationship could have been. The film explores identity, fate and longing with subtlety and restraint. It’s available on Max and Hulu.

“La La Land” blends romance with ambition. Mia (Emma Stone),

an aspiring actress, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a jazz musician, meet while chasing their dreams in Los Angeles. Their love story unfolds alongside their careers, forcing them to consider what sacrifice means. With memorable music and striking visuals, the film balances hope and heartbreak. It’s streaming on Prime Video.

Nostalgic Romance

Some movies feel like revisiting an old friend.

“10 Things I Hate About You” remains one of the most beloved teen romances. Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles) is fiercely independent, while Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger) enters her life under questionable circumstances. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic unfolds with humor and sincerity. It’s streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

“Stomp the Yard” centers on DJ (Columbus Short), who transfers colleges and joins a competitive step team. Amid rivalry and pressure, he develops feelings for April (Meagan Good). The film mixes romance with music and movement, building toward an energetic finale. It’s streaming free on Pluto.

Anti-Valentine’s Day

Not everyone wants roses and candlelight. For those avoiding the traditional love story, there’s another route.

“Heart Eyes” combines romance with horror. A mysterious killer targets couples in a small town, turning Valentine’s Day into something far more dangerous. When Ally McCabe (Olivia Holt) starts developing feelings for a colleague, they become potential targets. The film offers suspense with a Valentine’s twist. It’s streaming on Netflix. No matter how you’re spending the 14th, there’s a movie to match the mood. Whether you want lighthearted laughs, emotional depth, nostalgic comfort or something darker, a night in with the right film can be just as memorable as any reservation.

news.ed@ocolly.com

January movie recap: What’s worth watching

world and continuing the grounded, realistic tone the franchise aims to maintain.

With February already underway, January’s movie releases may feel like old news.

Before the next wave of films takes over theaters and streaming platforms, here’s a look back at the biggest movies that kicked off 2026 — and which ones are actually worth your time.

The first movie of 2026 was “Primate.” “Primate” is about a girl named Lucy visiting her family on their tropical island when suddenly their pet chimpanzee gets rabies, and it’s up to the family to survive.

Overall, “Primate” is a fun ride if you’re just expecting a typical horror movie — just with a monkey.

Is it the best horror movie that came out in January? Definitely not, but it’s certainly not the worst. Another standout element is that the dad is deaf and mute, so the movie includes a good amount of sign language, which adds an inclusive touch.

On the 16th, audiences got Netflix’s second-screen thriller “The Rip” and “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.”

“The Rip” is a movie that doesn’t seem to value your time. It constantly reminds viewers of the plot, almost as if it assumes you’re scrolling on TikTok while watching. It tries to win the crowd over mainly because Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are on the screen.

On a better note, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is a strong addition to its series. It carries off from “28 Years Later” and makes a bold move by shifting more focus to Ralph Fiennes’ character, Dr. Ian Kelson.

Even though it was a risky move on paper, it pays off by expanding the

On the 23rd, Amazon released “Mercy,” about a detective accused of a crime who must clear his name while an AI judge determines if he’s truly innocent. The film doesn’t do much to draw viewers in. Chris Pratt’s performance feels lackluster, and much of the movie consists of him sitting in a chair staring at screens. It never quite reaches the edge-of-yourseat tension it tries to create.

To close out January, two of the month’s biggest releases were “Iron Lung” and “Send Help.”

“Iron Lung” is an indie adaptation of the 2022 horror game of the same name, directed by YouTuber Markiplier. It’s a fresh and creative concept that leans heavily into abstract storytelling. If you’re a fan of the game or experimental horror in general, it’s worth checking out — just know it’s going to get strange.

While it’s a tough competition for the best movie of January, Sam Raimi’s “Send Help” stands out. The film follows a boss and an employee stranded on an island who must figure out how to survive.

It takes a simple concept and makes it soar because it knows when to make you laugh and when to build tension. With Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien’s strong on-screen chemistry and a score by Danny Elfman, “Send Help” feels like the most complete and satisfying release of the month.

Even as February’s films begin to roll out, January’s lineup still has a few titles worth revisiting — especially if you’re catching up on what you may have missed.

Shop new vinyl at Velvet Fudge

Ashley Yarbrough STAFF REPORTER

Before Velvet Fudge had a storefront, Henry Ramsay had an overgrown record collection and an idea that stayed with him.

As his collection grew, Ramsay began to notice what Stillwater was missing in an age of digital media.

“I started collecting too many records,” Ramsey said. “At some point, it became too many, and I was thinking, I like to buy records, and there’s not a place in Stillwater where you can buy new records. We were lacking a place where you can get anything. I feel like I’m providing a service where you don’t have to go to Amazon or to these online places. You can just come here and tell me what you’re looking for.”

Ramsay recently graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in entrepreneurship, hoping one day to open his own storefront.

Velvet Fudge is his answer to Stillwater’s lack of a curated store dedicated new to physical media.

“Velvet Fudge is all I’ve been working toward for five years,” Ramsay said. “Just to have the store finally be here is so special to me.”

The name Velvet Fudge originated from Ramsay’s music taste and the energy he hopes to cultivate in the Stillwater music community.

“I was looking for a psychedelic, ’60s, ’70s-feeling name that encompassed that whole vibe. I got some inspiration from two bands,

Vanilla Fudge and the Velvet Underground,” Ramsay said. “So I took a little piece from each of those bands and melted them together.”

Those closest to Ramsay watched the idea develop from crates of vinyl at local events to a permanent storefront. Ramsay’s girlfriend, Zoe Boyd, has seen the journey firsthand.

“Henry has been doing popups for Velvet Fudge since 2021,” Boyd said. “Opening a record store is something that he has always wanted to do.”

Velvet Fudge sells records, CDs, cassettes, 8-tracks and music merchandise. Ramsay plans to keep the inventory fresh.

“We’ll always have new releases as soon as something comes out,” Ramsay said. “We’ll have your Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, but I’d really like to bring more of a curated, unique style because you don’t want to walk into the same record store every time.”

In addition to the classics, Velvet Fudge promotes upand-coming Stillwater artists by showcasing their CDs and cassettes. The event space in the back of the store, formerly known as The Bait Shop, will serve as a concert venue.

“It’s cool to be able to go to a show in Stillwater and then pick up that band’s CD, and it’s just made in Stillwater all the way through,” Ramsay said.

For local musicians, having physical copies of their music sold at Velvet Fudge is a major opportunity.

Stillwater-based grunge band Peoria was selected by Ramsay to

perform at Velvet Fudge’s grand opening party last Saturday. Lead singer Logan Jones said the experience meant a great deal to the band.

“We have never had anything like this. Henry contacted us as soon as we started making CDs. He was like, ‘Hey, I want your band in my store,’” Jones said. “It really helps local artists like us with our physical media being more attainable to our fans.”

Peoria guitarist Parker Fjeldsted said the store strengthens Stillwater’s alternative music scene.

“Five or 10 years ago, the big thing around here was country and big names,” Fjeldsted said. “Places like this bring more of an underground scene where people can show up and be part of a bigger community.”

Onyx Wannebo and Connor

Game Development Club encourages aspiring creators

Marcus

Mesis STAFF REPORTER

Making a video game can feel overwhelming, especially when there is no clear place to start.

The Oklahoma State University Video Game Development Club is working to change that. The club is open to students of all majors and skill levels, aiming to create a community for anyone interested in video games or learning how to make one. When developing a game, questions and roadblocks are common. Club leaders say providing support during those moments is a core part of their mission.

The organization is free to join and welcomes beginners and experienced developers alike.

“If you have an interest in games, how they’re made or the people that make them, this would be a great place to start,” vice president Christopher Knowles said. “There’s not many places around Stillwater where you can do game development in person. Most of it’s online. This is one of the few places you can physically come and interact with people who share your interests.”

Knowles said the club’s primary goal is building a space where students can connect, collaborate and develop their skills.

“Our goal is really to create a community — a space where anyone who has an interest or passion for game making, or games in general, can come in and interact with others like them,” Knowles said. “We also want to help them develop their skills or at least give them resources to grow on their own.”

One upcoming opportunity for students is a game jam Feb. 23–26 in collaboration with the Association for Computing Machinery and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. A game jam challenges individuals or teams to create a game based on a given theme within a set amount of time.

Member Leon Edwards said he is considering participating, depending on the theme.

“If I join, I just need it to be a theme I think I can work with,” Edwards said. “I would actively have to relearn a lot of things, but I think I would do it.”

President Dillion Eckley said the group is in the process of securing a

computer lab to make workshops more accessible.

“We’re trying to get a computer lab so we can do workshops for beginners,” Eckley said. “The software will already be on the computers, so students can just come in and follow along as we teach.”

The club includes members with a wide range of experience. Some are just starting out, while others are already earning money through their work.

“One member is part of the staff for a Roblox game and has actually gotten paid from it,” Eckley said.

Not all members focus on coding. Some are interested in other aspects of game creation, such as art and design.

Nikole Ewing said she hopes to create art for video games and sees the club as a way to collaborate with programmers.

“I know how to make art,” Ewing said. “But making art for a game that works with code is a whole different thing. I want to learn how to create assets that function within a game.”

Club leaders emphasize students do not need experience to join, just curiosity.

For many members the biggest benefit is having a physical space in Stillwater where game development can happen face-to-face rather than online.

“This is one of the few places you can come and interact with people who have similar interests,” Knowles said.

For students unsure where to begin, the club hopes to provide that first step.

How

Edens of the Stillwater band China Blue have seen the importance of physical media firsthand.

“When I first started my band in 2023, there were only a couple of bands, and there weren’t many places to play,” Wannebo said. “Now there are all these venues, and hundreds of people are showing up for shows. People want to go buy vinyl.”

Edens said owning physical media offers a different experience for fans.

“To be able to own physical media, it’s a completely different experience because you own that music forever, and you don’t have to worry about it going off streaming,” Edens said. “It better supports the artists. I think it’s a different appreciation of the artists entirely.”

Ramsay believes Velvet

Fudge can help restore a deeper connection to music that streaming services cannot replicate.

“We lose a piece of humanity when we’re not physically looking at the music,” Ramsey siad. “You hear all the little scratches in it. I think it’s important to slow down and really appreciate the music.” What began as an overflowing record collection has become a space for Stillwater’s music community — something Ramsay once imagined and is now living.

“I’m living the dream, just getting to hang out with cool people and listen to music all day,” Ramsay said. “I’m still pinching myself, thinking I’m going to wake up tomorrow and it’s all gone.”

‘FutureSex/LoveSounds’ reshaped modern pop music

Justin Timberlake’s 2006 album reshaped mainstream pop production and helped lay the framework for the modern pop sound.

Today’s pop music often follows an engineered song structure, with artists carefully selecting precise instrumentation and tightly quantized rhythms. Mainstream music places heavy emphasis on structure and narrative technique. Booming low-end bass is central to production. Snappy, programmed percussion continues to dominate the charts. Vocals are frequently treated as rhythmic instruments rather than serving only melodic purposes.

Digital production is clean and deliberate, with artists using negative space to create fuller, more dynamic sounds. Choppy phrasing in both vocal performances and digital instrumentation pushes sonic boundaries.

In contrast, 2006 radio hits sounded noticeably different. The emphasis was on fuller arrangements rather than spacious, minimal sound design. Choruses followed melody-first formulas, and producers leaned into polished digital textures. Rhythm was incorporated in a minimalist way that challenged the need for organic instrumentation to achieve chart success. Timbaland’s production style, particularly his tight, locked-in drum programming, left a clear imprint on the pop landscape. The sound of 2006 was engineered first, often moving away from traditional production techniques.

On Sept. 12, 2006, “FutureSex/ LoveSounds” was released and normalized a production language that would shape modern pop music. Timberlake worked closely with boundary-pushing hip-hop producer Timbaland, which elevated his musical credibility (“Leading Man, Miles Beyond the Boy Band,” The New York Times).

Earlier that year, on July 7, Timberlake released the album’s lead single, “SexyBack,” which immediately disrupted the contemporary music scene. The track took a creative risk that some radio programmers considered overly engineered and manufactured. Coming off the more conventional sound of 2002’s “Justified,” this pivot could have commercially failed. Instead, “SexyBack” shook up

dance and club culture with its unconventional synth programming and mechanical, beat-driven structure. The song emphasized processed vocals, distorted textures and intentional negative space. Timberlake and Timbaland highlighted a production style that few mainstream artists were incorporating at the time.

“SexyBack” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for seven consecutive weeks. According to Billboard, “FutureSex/LoveSounds” sold more than 650,000 copies in its first week. For comparison, John Mayer’s “Continuum” sold about 300,000 copies during that same period. Timberlake’s artistic risk paid off, cementing Timbaland and him as major cultural forces.

The influence of “FutureSex/ LoveSounds” can still be heard in today’s music. Modern artists such as The Weeknd, Drake and Charli XCX incorporate similar digital vocal manipulation and synthetic textures.

The Weeknd’s recent work often relies on minimalist arrangements with sub-heavy low end and synth-driven atmospheres. His use of space and restraint mirrors the negative-space production approach Timberlake and Timbaland helped popularize.

Drake, a known collaborator with Timberlake, also builds songs around rhythm-forward phrasing and uses his voice as an instrument rather than solely a melodic vehicle.

Charli XCX embraces glitchy, experimental textures, as heard on her 2024 release “BRAT,” where stuttering vocals and synthetic sound design take precedence over traditional instrumentation. What once sounded ultra-processed now feels standard. Modern pop music frequently follows the unconventional production formula that “FutureSex/ LoveSounds” helped normalize. Audiences became more open to risk, and experimentation became more commercially viable.

Producers are now viewed as cultural architects alongside artists. Pop music remains influential because of its willingness to evolve. If 2006 proved that risk could innovate mainstream sound, then the 2020s will depend on artists who continue to challenge the formula and redefine what popular music can be.

Bad Bunny’s culture-driven performance at 2026 Super Bowl sparks controversy

Kalina Williams STAFF REPORTER

Bad Bunny took center stage Sunday night at the 2026 Super Bowl, delivering a halftime performance that sparked both controversy and celebration.

Held in Santa Clara, California, the game drew more than 70,000 fans in person with millions watching at home. But for many viewers, the halftime show was the main attraction.

Bad Bunny, known for blending Latin rap, salsa and pop, has risen to the top of streaming charts and earned multiple Grammy Awards. Performing at one

of the biggest sporting events in the United States marked another milestone in his career. The show lasted less than 13 minutes and featured several of Bad Bunny’s most popular songs. He performed alongside celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, while Cardi B, Jessica Alba and Pedro Pascal appeared in the background. Since his announcement as the halftime performer in September, reactions have been strong. Some celebrated the decision, while others criticized it. After months of anticipation, Sunday was the moment

audiences had been waiting for.

In addition to the excitement surrounding the performance itself, several controversial topics in the U.S. over the past few months helped shape the message behind Bad Bunny’s show.

The performance highlighted elements of Puerto Rican culture, showcasing settings and moments meaningful to the artist. A nail salon, a boxing match, food stands and even a wedding were included, all contributing to the central theme of love.

At the end of the show, Bad Bunny displayed a message that read, “The only thing more powerful than hate

is love.” He also referenced several countries during the performance and concluded by bringing performers together holding flags from around the world. Despite backlash from some viewers, the performance became the fourth most-watched halftime show in history, drawing 128.2 million viewers. Next year may bring similar debate, but there is little doubt that millions will tune in again — not just for the game, but for the halftime show at one of America’s most-watched events.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Ranking ads from 2026 Super Bowl

It was a weak year for Super Bowl commercials, with a lot of Artificial Intelligence running the show and making some… interesting commercials, to say the least (looking at you, Svedka).

There were some weird ones too, like the Manscaped commercial, but there were also some good ones and a few genuinely hilarious spots that stood out. Here are the top eight.

8. State Farm: Keegan-Michael Key will always be one of the funniest comedians working and that is a core reason this commercial stands out. The “Halfway There” remix paired with the “Halfway There” insurance bit made it even stronger.

7. Xfinity: “Jurassic Park” remains one of the most iconic movie franchises, and this commercial played on that familiarity effectively. The tie-in to the product campaign worked well, and with how popular “Jurassic Park” is, it likely caught a lot of viewers’ attention. While humor tends to carry more weight in Super Bowl ads, this was still an enjoyable watch.

6. Uber Eats: The ongoing “football is there to sell food” bit continues to be one of the stronger recurring themes in recent Super Bowl advertising. There were multiple versions this year, but the interrogation room scene with the mascot stood out. Matthew McConaughey’s delivery carries the joke, keeping it simple but effective.

5. Dunkin’Donuts: “Good Will Dunkin’” was star-heavy, featuring names like Jennifer Aniston and Tom

Brady among others. The commercial leaned heavily into nostalgia with music and production quality that felt intentionally old-timey and classic.

4. Hellmann’s: Even for those not particularly fond of mayonnaise, Andy Samberg’s rendition of “Sweet Caroline” was unexpectedly catchy. Compared to many other commercials during the broadcast, this one felt more cohesive and memorable.

3. Kellogg’s Raisin Bran: The repeated wordplay around “Will Shat” fully embraced silly humor — and it worked. “Will Shat where?” and “Will Shat on the car!” leaned into immaturity, but that kind of straightforward joke often makes commercials more entertaining and more memorable.

2. Budweiser: A strong commercial built around a simple but effective emotional arc. The horse and the bird storyline was charming. The final shot, with the bird grown and spreading its wings as “Free Bird” played, created a visually striking moment that elevated the ad.

1. Novartis: The most effective commercial of the night tackled prostate exams in a way that was both humorous and meaningful. Bringing together some of the best tight ends in NFL history, along with Bruce Arians, for a “relaxed tight ends” theme was a clever approach. Rob Gronkowski as a central figure added to the humor while reinforcing an important health message. It was the most well-rounded and impactful commercial aired during the Super Bowl.

Was it actually J. Cole’s fall off?

One of rap’s most anticipated albums is finally here.

J. Cole first planted the seed for “The Fall-Off” back in April 2018 with the reveal of his album “KOD” and the outro being labeled “1985 (Intro to The Fall Off).” With the constant teasing and reshaping of the album for years after he showed the initial roadmap in December 2020, and with him treating it as his last album and farewell, it only left a constant growing of restlessness yet also tension among fans. There was an internal push and pull of fans wanting the album but not wanting to deal with the outcome of its release.

Every tiny detail, ranging from the release date being a reference to his hometown and the disc names representing his age, while the music gives insight into his mentality at those points in his life, it is clear that this album was constructed with intention; that he has put immense thought and work into this album’s release.

“Disc 29 tells a story of me returning to my hometown at age 29,” said Cole in a statement published to Instagram. “A decade after moving to New York, accomplishing what would have seemed impossible to most, I was at a crossroads with the three loves of my life: my woman, my craft and my city. Disc 39 gives insight into my mindset during a similar trip home, this time as a 39-year-old man.”

His lack of transparency when it came to “The FallOff” also highlights that, with

the constant state of flux this album was showing, it wasn’t solely to keep the fans on their toes, but he didn’t want to rush his last attempt at making his best art. Not only can you see the effort, but you can also hear it. This is by far one of his best albums when it comes to storytelling, if not the best. The only rival in my eyes is “4 Your Eyez Only.” It feels wrong to try to choose songs from “The Fall-Off” to give an example, simply because of the number of songs you could provide. It’s like choosing between a favorite child. Cole puts you in his thoughts and situations masterfully. One song, he’s rapping his life backwards from death to birth, then on a different track, he’s rapping from the point of view of Biggie Smalls and Tupac. Even with all of its success in storytelling, there is one small thing that feels missing.

For an album framed as a culmination and possible farewell, I was hoping for a bit more collaboration. My only real critique of “The Fall-Off” is its lack of features, or more specifically, who was missing. Artists like JID, Bas or 6LACK feel like natural fits within this world, especially 6LACK, given the album’s reflective tone at times. On the flip side, Cole has never relied heavily on features for his own projects, and perhaps adding more voices would have taken away from what makes this album so compelling — its deeply personal storytelling.

With all that being said, storytelling isn’t the only strength on the album, and the features issue is not major at all. Cole’s usual elite lyricism and flow are still there, and one of the

best examples is “Hit the Gas,” “Quik Stop,” “Safety,” “I Love Her Again”— and that list could go on. This whole album also feels like a culmination of all the styles J. Cole has used in his music. In his whole discography, you can find songs that fill certain moods or that give off certain vibes. Whether you’re feeling reflective, ambitious, sad, introspective, conflicted,

happy or even hype, it’s all there. The best way I can explain it is “The Fall-Off” feels like a melting pot of his sound. That is what makes this album phenomenal.

Finishing “The Fall-Off” felt a little surreal. Especially with the way “Ocean Way” closes the album. It feels like the last book of a series. Whether this truly is J. Cole’s final album or not, it plays

like he’s taking a final look at his journey, his growth and his legacy. If this is the end, Cole nailed the concept he was going for, his first project coming full circle. And if it isn’t, then “The Fall-Off” stands as a reminder of why Cole has remained one of rap’s most thoughtful and consistent voices for well over a decade.

news.ed@ocolly.com