The O'Colly, October 24, 2026

Friday, October 23, 2026

What Calls You Home...

2026 Homecoming Edition President Jim Hess’ vision for OSU BY CALESON COON

F

I

rom walking through the campus of Oklahoma State University as a student, to learning from former presidents of what a president is truly meant to do; in an interview with The O’Colly, President Jim Hess shared all that has propelled the vision he holds for OSU. Sitting on the grey couch in his office in Whitehurst Hall, Hess reminisced on the beginning of what would come to be his official term as OSU’s 20th president. The life-changing moment was met with shock and excitement as Hess entered his 44th year in higher education on April 25, 2025. “But it was a privilege of a lifetime,” Hess said. “I’ve worked for lots of OSU presidents in my time in my tenure, and worked for some great ones, so I had a lot of great examples of what good leadership is supposed to be. And so I was surprised, but felt really honored

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF and privileged that they would think of me.” Recalling some who had served in the role before him, Hess named former OSU and OSU-Tulsa presidents Jim Halligan, whom he sat with in the very office Hess now works in daily, Burns Hargus, Gary Trenopol and John Fernandez who served as “great examples of what a president is supposed to do.” “And sometimes it’s really important to remember, what I always loved about those individuals, is they never forgot why it is that they have the job,” Hess shared. “And the most important thing you can remember in this job, is the only reason you’re here is because of students. [If] students aren’t here, none of the rest of these people need to be here, and so they [the mentioned former presidents] were very, very, very good at remembering exactly why they were here, and they taught me a lot about that.”

See VISION on page 8

Page 2A Friday, October 23, 2026

O’Colly

News

Fountain dyeing kicks off Homecoming Caleson Coon

who’s going to be taking her senior photos with the foundation, and that’s when I realized that legacy can be And the countdown began…five, four, three, two so many different things.” The idea came when one for the annual Orange Kreger traveled to New York Fountain Dyeing and City for a job interview as a Royalty Coronation. student. The orange dyeing of “I was picked up at the Edmon Low Library’s airport and taken to Central fountain on Sunday is Park on St. Patrick’s Day, recognized as Oklahoma and they were dyeing the State University’s annual fountain’s green then,” kickoff to what is known Kreger shared. “And I as ‘America’s Greatest thought, ‘Why don’t we Homecoming.’ bring this back to OSU Alumna Tracie Bixler and try orange?’ It’s things Kreger, who was a part of The Homecoming Executive Board dyes the fountain every year. like that. You don’t know the Homecoming Steering where you’re going to get Commitee to implement role feeling humbled and it’s the house decs, the inspired.” the orange dyeing of the honored as she received her thousands of people that Kreger said that OSU fountain in 1999, said it come back, and you’re just crown. people can go anywhere, be a small part of that,” Kreger was a tradition they didn’t For Kuiper, being able to realize had taken off before inspired and bring it back serve in this role speaks to said. to campus, which in return seeing how meaningful it the opportunities that OSU 2026 OSU Homecoming creates the culture OSU is became. provides for students and Queen Carmen Kuiper, a known for. “This year, I have two how the university helps senior animal science and “Because it’s not just kids in college here,” Kreger agriculture business major, them grow into the Cowboy said. “So I have a daughter the fountain, it’s the signs, who stepped into the new family. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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

photo.ed@ocolly.com

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

Asst. Sports editor Cayden Cox

sports.ed@ocolly.com

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

News & Lifestyle reporters: Aliyah Young Amanda Nagode Annie Ross Caden James Delaney Waterman Keiley Ward Matt Sammon Peyton Richards Zane Abouzahr

Payton Little, The O’Colly

“I really hope to show the Cowboy spirit to embody Oklahoma State well, and to serve our community and our students,” Kuiper said.

The O’Colly Staff Sports reporters: Ana Arias Ben Schatzel Charlie Girouard Chris Scamapdo Colby Krueger Henry Savage Logan Cole Marcus Mesis Ryan Ruston Timothy Christensen Will Thorogood

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

away! e d i H inal g i r he O t t ou k ec Ch

news.ed@ocolly.com

Photographers: Anthony Byrum Bailey Schmitz Catherine Dzanski CJ Young Daisy Gower Dominyk Jones Hailey Dodson Karsten Levings Laken Chambers Matthew Miner Natalie Koepp Nathan Sogge Noah McCleery Payton Little Trey Creel

SINCE 1957,

230 S. Knoblock St. Stillwater, OK 74074

Stop in for fresh Fried Mushrooms or Pizza made to your liking!

O’Colly

Friday, October 23, 2026 Page 3A

Lifestyle

Students, alumni and Stillwater residents participate in Walkaround on Greek Row in 1990.

Courtesy OSU Yearbook

A century of orange: OSU Homecoming through the decades Ashley Yarbrough

The 1960s: The 1980s: A growing The 2000s: Themes of The 1930s: Walkarounds celebration cowboy pride Homecoming grows beginnings By the 1980s, As Homecoming entered Every fall, a sea of orange across OSU The growth of Homecoming had the 2000s, annual themes takes over Stillwater, as As Homecoming gained Homecoming over the become a major event continued to give each Oklahoma State University popularity, the celebration previous decades brought for students and alumni, celebration its own identity students, parents, expanded beyond the one of OSU’s most with the parade and house while reinforcing the alumni and Stillwater football game and alumni memorable traditions in decorations drawing university’s longstanding residents come together gatherings. the 1960s, Walkaround. increasingly large crowds. traditions. for America’s Greatest In 1930, Oklahoma A&M As house decorations In 1986, former OSU The 2001 theme, “Visions Homecoming celebration. held its first Homecoming became increasingly athlete Allie P. Reynolds of Glory,” paid tribute to Today, Homecoming is Parade on Main Street. elaborate, returning served as Homecoming the 10 members of the OSU known for its elaborate The parade stretched alumni and visitors began grand marshal. Two basketball program who pomp dec, Walkaround, the approximately a mile, and driving through the Greek years later, the university died in a plane crash earlier Sea of Orange Parade and it continues today as the neighborhood to see the introduced a student that year. a week of campus activities Sea of Orange Parade. displays. The growing volleyball tournament, a Subsequent themes and well-loved traditions. The decade also saw traffic eventually created competition that would included “Together We However, the traditions Homecoming traditions congestion around the eventually develop into Can!” in 2002, “A Universal that define the celebration that are still carried houses. the events Football Frenzy Spirit!” in 2003, “Building today began with a much on today. In 1938, Lois In 1966, OSU officials and Basketball Bonanza. a Legacy” in 2004 and smaller gathering more Falkenburg was crowned experimented with closing Football Frenzy and “Forever Orange” in 2006. than a century ago. Oklahoma A&M’s first the street so attendees Basketball Bonanza are still The familiar traditions From the first official Homecoming queen. could leave their cars and held the weekend before of decorating, the parade Homecoming in 1920 to Despite the economic walk up to the displays. The homecoming every fall and gathering for the the rise of pomping and challenges of the Great idea became the foundation semester. Homecoming football the modern celebrations, Depression, students for Walkaround, now one In 1988, the Alumni game continued to bring OSU’s Homecoming has continued to support of Homecoming’s signature Association recorded even more generations of continued to evolve as the Homecoming festivities. events. In 1969, decorations approximately 20,000 Cowboys and Cowgirls heart of its tradition has were judged for the first people attending back to Stillwater. stayed the same. The 1940s: time, with awards given to Walkaround and 26,000 Homecoming during the top houses. attending the parade, one Modern day: The 1920s: The wartime of the largest attendance ‘America’s Greatest beginning of a tradition World War II affected The 1970s: House records yet. Homecoming’ OSU’s Homecoming how Oklahoma A&M decorations lead to Today, OSU Homecoming roots date back to the organized its Homecoming tragedy The 1990s: Orange spans an entire week, with first Harvest Carnival in celebrations. As house decorations pride across campus events that bring together 1913, but the university’s In 1942 and 1944, grew more ambitious, the In 1990, the students, alumni, families first official Homecoming Homecoming activities time and work required to Homecoming theme, and Stillwater residents. celebration took place Oct. were combined with complete them increased. “Cowboy Cheers for 100 Greek life students 30, 1920. Dad’s and Mother’s Days. Students continued Years,” recognized the start pomping the second The Former Students The change reflected developing larger and OSU’s centennial year. week of school to create Association, now known wartime circumstances more detailed pomping In 1999, another notable homecoming decs, often as the OSU Alumni due to gasoline rations. displays, transforming the campus tradition was putting in hundreds of Association, welcomed 90 Due to World War II, decorating tradition into a created as the Edmon hours to turn designs into alumni back to Stillwater Homecoming was canceled major collaborative project Low Library fountain was large displays outside for a football game against in 1943. for participating sororities dyed for the first time. fraternity houses for their Texas A&M, a dinner and However, the changes in and fraternities. The tradition started in pairing. Those decorations a dance. At the time, OSU rationing materials during However, as 1999 when a member of are showcased during was known as Oklahoma homecoming led to one Homecoming decs grew, the Homecoming Steering Walkaround, when A&M College. of OSU’s most beloved safety measures became Committee first poured thousands of visitors travel The 1920s also marked traditions. During wartime, more and more needed. In safe, food-grade dye into down Greek row to view the beginning of what sororities were told to limit 1977, three Alpha Gamma the water. This tradition the displays. The week also would evolve to become their house decorations to Rho fraternity members now marks the beginning includes events such as the OSU’s most recognizable the exterior only. This later died after touching a power of OSU’s Homecoming Sea of Orange Parade, the Homecoming decoration: became the house decs of line while working on their week. library fountain dyeing and Pomping Dec. Sororities the modern day. house decorations. That same year, the the Harvest Carnival. began decorating the Once the war ended Following the tragedy, OSU Alumni Association More than a century after doorways of their in 1946, OSU broke OSU abandoned its hands- received the Council the first official gathering houses, introducing a all previous records of off supervision of house for Advancement and welcomed 90 alumni to competition that would Homecoming attendance. decs. The university then Support of Education’s Stillwater, Homecoming grow extensively over Stillwater saw a wave of implemented rules and Circle of Excellence has become a defining part the following decades. returning veterans, 20,000 regulations surrounding Award that recognized the of OSU’s identity. What started as simple alumni and what was what sororities and strength of the university’s The decs may be larger, decorations eventually at the time the largest fraternities could do for Homecoming program. the crowds may be bigger developed into large-scale parade in school history, their decorations. The recognition helped and the schedule may span displays requiring extensive featuring over 50 floats inspire the ‘America’s an entire week, but the planning and participation and six bands, marking a Greatest Homecoming’ central idea remains the of all Greek life members. significant milestone for motto that is now seen same: To bring the Cowboy OSU. across campus today. family home. NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR

news.ed@ocolly.com

Page 4A Friday, October 23, 2026

O’Colly

News

Beyond one weekend: how local businesses are preparing for ‘America’s Greatest Homecoming’ Kalina Williams

ASST. NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR

The Stillwater community provides daily support toward local businesses, but the week of ‘America’s Greatest Homecoming’ brings larger crowds and daily events that alter the way these businesses normally function. With thousands of people entering Stillwater, ranging from students and alumni to Oklahoma State University fans and families, businesses prepare ahead of time to ensure their level of customer service remains consistent. Chris’ University Spirit has been located on Knoblock Street since 1986. Dustin MacDonald, the store’s owner, shared how the Homecoming weekend is the merchandise store’s busiest weekend of the year. But with several aspects lining up, MacDonald looks forward to serving the community. “We prep heavily to get ready for this game and this weekend,” MacDonald said. “Great weather and the football team is winning now, 6 o’clock kickoff, so all the things that make a great Homecoming are coming together for this weekend.” With larger crowds coming into town, the demand for OSU apparel skyrockets and nights become busier. With this in mind, MacDonald prepares ahead of time by ordering more of the items and adjusting the store’s weekend hours. “We increase our inventory to have more stuff available to the public,” MacDonald said. “We stay open late on Friday, open early Saturday, and then we’ll have a tent set up in front of the Pike house to have merchandise available for Walkaround.” With the events held during the week come opportunities to partner with organizations, which is something that Chris’ takes part in. The store partners with the OSU Alumni Association and provides gift cards for any

Anthony Byrum, The O’Colly

Chris’s University Spirit has been located on Knoblock Street 1986. giveaways the organization has going on during the week. Another business impacted by the rush of Homecoming is 7 Open A Cafe. Located inside the Wesley Foundation, 7 Open serves various energy and coffee drinks, becoming a popular location for those who need a pick-me-up or a drink to lighten their day. Around this time of year, sororities and fraternities spend hours working on homecoming decorations, which gives 7 Open the opportunity to receive more business during all-night pomp. Aaron Harmon, owner of 7 Open A, shared that the cafe has stayed open on this night for the past four years and it continuously brings in ‘regulars’ and new customers. Although all days will be busy, the strenuous Thursday

night to Friday morning led Harmon to adjust the cafe’s schedule for his employees. “On Saturday we will close all day since, I think, the shop will be open close to 40 hours straight,” Harmon said. “Between me and my two employees, we’re all pretty spent by the end of that. So it’s a ‘Hey, let’s do this for two days… let’s close down, recoup, rest and maybe go to a football game and enjoy it.” Harmon went on to say that he appreciates the hard work put in by his employees and that the job would never get done without their determination and efforts. Harmon continued by comparing OSU’s Homecoming to other weekends in Stillwater, such as the Boys from Oklahoma concert and Calf Fry, but said

the Homecoming crowd is unlike any other. “There’s nothing like Homecoming in Stillwater,” Harmon said. “We’ve had the Boys from Oklahoma and Calf Fry, but the Homecoming is just a different animal. It brings in so many people that have graduated 30 years ago, to 5 years ago, to last year and they’re coming up to Stillwater. “It’s like the biggest culmination of alumni in the state and probably in the nation… it’s a lot of fun seeing just all the work and, like, the payoff from it, from everyone else.” These local businesses are not the only ones that provide products and become a popular location during Homecoming week.

The Tower, newly located on The Strip, is staying open 24 hours for all-night pomp and adding an exciting $100 gift card raffle for those who purchase something “after hours.” Eskimo Joe’s will also be filled to the brim all weekend as it is Stillwater’s go-to dining location. Joe’s will host its Homecoming Tailgate and provide its excellent customer service and delicious food for all visitors. No matter where you look, Stillwater’s local businesses are already preparing for the busiest weekend of the year and are sure to provide amazing experiences for all customers, no matter if they traveled near or far.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Leaving a mark: OSU students visualize Cowboy spirit on Hester Street Amanda Nagode

to fully immerse herself in the traditions she missed out on initially.​ The street outside the Spears “I actually transferred to OSU School of Business has once my junior year, so last autumn again been transformed into an was my first homecoming,” open-air gallery of school spirit. Gloria said. “I didn’t really get The annual Hester Street to participate in everything I Painting tradition brought wanted to because I was still Oklahoma State University getting acclimated to campus. students together to coat the But since it’s senior year, I asphalt in custom, handreally want to invest and try painted murals in honor of new things. Hester Street the university’s legendary Painting was one of the things I Homecoming celebration. wanted to do.” The tradition gives students This is a common a canvas on campus to leave sentiment during what is their mark and visualize their considered ‘America’s Greatest Cowboy pride. The street is Homecoming.’ The sheer scale quickly packed with chalk of the weekend festivities draws and brushes, with students, alumni, families and students families and alumni working together in a way few other side-by-side. Behind the universities can match. scenes, coordinating the “Oklahoma State massive logistics of the day Homecoming is definitely requires extensive planning the biggest Homecoming from student leaders such as celebration I have ever seen,” Homecoming University Spirit Gloria said. “I think what Director Peyton LeGrand. makes it so special is that our “As university spirit director, Homecoming is so communityI have to approve all the signs oriented. Our school has a little at the Student Union lawn,” bit more to offer than others. LeGrand said. “I also format We have a lot of flavor.” “I the lawn as well to make sure Kate Alexander, The O’Colly just think this is the pinnacle everything gets set up correctly. The Hester Street Painting will remain on the street for the whole week of Homecoming. of community right here, to For Hester Street, I order see people come together and Hester Street Painting is getting point into the massive week her array of hand-painted catering. We were able to get celebrate.” of festivities. Isabel Gloria, a designs. “My friend Connor Frio’s Popsicles, which is super to see the huge community As the paint dries on Hester senior pre-vet animal science painted this really cool cowboy Street, the murals will remain awesome. I order all the paint, we have here at Stillwater,” major, spent her afternoon shooting a buffalo because, you on display throughout the and then I prep for the day of.” LeGrand said. “All of the kids and families will come out and painting outside, using know, we want to win. We are For LeGrand, managing the week, serving as a colorful paint and have a good time the street to showcase her going to win this weekend.”​ supply orders and organizing welcome mat for the Cowboy with one another. They all look excitement for the upcoming For Gloria, participating this Football team as they look to the setup is well worth the so excited to be here and enjoy homecoming game against the fall holds a deeper personal effort once the event officially come home with a win. the fall weather with some University of Colorado Boulder.​ significance. After arriving in kicks off and the street fills popsicles.”​ “I drew the iconic ‘Go Pokes’ Stillwater later in her academic with life. For many participants, the and this huge cowboy hat right journey, this year’s street “My favorite part of the news.ed@ocolly.com event serves as a perfect entry here,” Gloria said, showcasing painting represents a chance STAFF REPORTER

O’Colly

Friday, October 23, 2026 Page 5A

News OSU students, stillwater families pack annual Harvest Carnival and Chili Cook-Off Amanda Nagode STAFF REPORTER

A sea of orange flooded the Payne County Expo Center on Tuesday, as Oklahoma State University students, Stillwater families, and children in costume lined up out the door for the annual Harvest Carnival and Chili Cook-Off. The Harvest Carnival and Chili Cook-Off is a deeply rooted OSU tradition that allows attendees to experience firsthand the exact celebration that launched the university’s legendary Homecoming legacy. Specifically created for the youth of Stillwater, the carnival is put on entirely by the OSU student body. A diverse array of student groups, including Greek houses, residence halls and campus organizations, came together to design and operate the booths. The eager crowd packed the Payne County Expo Center, hungrily waiting to sample homemade chili recipes and participate in a night of fun carnival games. The demand for the homemade recipes caught several campus organizations by surprise, as a few of the chili stands completely ran out of chili only 30 minutes into the event. Admission to the event only Payton Little, The O’Colly cost $1 or a single canned good The entrance fee for the Harvest Carnival and Chili Cook-off is $1 or a canned good to donate. per person to directly support the Harvest II Food Drive. Other campus groups used there because we are lacking TikTok,” Kizer said. “So I successful turnouts yet. The Harvest II Community the cook-off as a recruitment in student numbers.” watched this one girl’s recipe While philanthropy and a Food Drive is a recurring local shared sense of community tool to clear up campus Schliesser said the cookthat looked really good, and effort in Stillwater, to collect misconceptions. Alaina off helps break down the then I saw somebody else’s remain the primary drivers non-perishable food items and of the event, the cook-off Schliesser, a senior member perceived barriers of joining recipe where they added monetary donations. The drive also serves as a spotlight for of the Paddle People, the such an iconic campus fixture. bacon to it, and we were like, supplies local pantries and “I often get a lot of questions ‘Oh, that’s fire. I’m going to student organizations looking legendary student spirit agencies, including Our Daily to showcase their presence organization, noted that the about joining, like, ‘Oh, how do that.’ I also added brisket, Bread Food and Resource event is perfect for boosting do you get in?’ A lot of people which I have never seen in at OSU. Hayden Moore, a Center, Pete’s Pantry at OSU their roster. think it must be so secretive a chili recipe before, but it freshman representing the and the Salvation Army. “The Paddle People is to get in,” Schliesser said. “It’s was so good. Just me and my Agricultural Communicators The evening was basically an OSU spirit really not, and I think people crockpot against the world.” of Tomorrow, explained that coordinated by Robert Sierra, their specific batch was a organization. We started don’t know that. So the chili the Homecoming Harvest way back in 1999, just with cook-off is a great opportunity highly collaborative effort. Carnival Executive and an to get out there and talk with “It was a recipe that all of us a few dudes and a couple of OSU alumnus, creating a fun 2x4s knocking them onto the people about actually joining kind of added our own little and memorable experience for attributes to, so it was kind stadium and getting pretty the club.” the youth of Stillwater. rowdy during a bad season,” Schliesser’s booth partner of like a hodgepodge of what According to cook-off Schliesser said. “So we came Mallory Kizer shares how she all the members like,” Moore vendors, the overwhelming to the Chili Cook-Off to help created the Paddle People’s said. “I decided to add the attendance made this year’s paprika. It gave the chili a nice promote the Paddle People. We chili. event one of the most just want to get our name out “It’s kind of a mashup from color, and I like the spice.” news.ed@ocolly.com

New students look forward to experiencing ‘America’s Greatest Homecoming’ Kalina Williams

Aside from the activities occurring during the week, the Homecoming football game ‘America’s Greatest has also caught Robinson’s Homecoming’ at Oklahoma attention. He stated he wasn’t State University has become a into football before reaching week that students of all ages campus. look forward to it as a way of “I wasn’t a big football person enjoying time with friends until I came here,” Robinson family and to see the hard work said. “So you know, I really put in. Months of preparation enjoy the games here, so that’ll and excitement is nothing new be interesting to see how that to returning students; but for looks.” those who are new on campus, Freshmen are not the only the name might not mean students who haven’t seen what anything quite yet. Homecoming can bring to the For freshman Chandler community. Kayana Leach, a Williams, she had heard about sophomore transfer student, the festivities before reaching saw the Edmon Low Library campus, but has now been able fountain’s orange color and to see them first-hand. instantly felt the Homecoming “I’ve definitely noticed there’s spirit. a lot more people,” Williams “I think it’s really fun and said. “It’s really exciting to see cool,” Leach said. “Walking by just everything and how it’s the fountain earlier, it was, like, already busy and there’s still a 10 a.m., but it was really cool to week ahead of us.” just look over and be like, ‘Oh Zoe Van Gordon also knew that’s actually really awesome. how well-known Homecoming I’m glad I walked over here.’” was and also thought about the Leach went on to mention crowds that come with it. the sign competition and how “All I’ve heard is that OSU’s being able to look at each Homecoming is like the biggest one was a refreshing view Payton Little, The O’Colly in the nation,” Van Gordon compared to the “same old Handmade signs are displayed throughout library lawn during Homecoming week. said. “So there’s going to be trees and concrete.” a lot of people here. So I was This event-filled week what stories the long process a lot of work and Greek life in “[I’m] excited to learn about really nervous for that, because can portray. provides entertainment for the general,” Robinson said. “For everything that we do and it’s going to be really crowded entire OSU community and is Choosing to come to OSU Homecoming, they definitely why we’re, like, the biggest everywhere.” sure to leave a lasting impact from his home state of Georgia, know how to make it awesome homecoming in the nation.” Despite feeling nervous for on those seeing it for the first Elijah Robinson also heard and enjoyable.” Due to not growing up the amount of people that will about Walkaround and had time. Van Gordon added to that in Oklahoma and knowing be in Stillwater, Van Gordon is seen the hard work put in by statement saying that she’s also information about OSU, looking forward to seeing the the fraternities and sororities looking forward to Walkaround Robinson wonders if final looks for the Homecoming for the past few months. along with learning about why Homecoming will live up to its decs, stating that she’s “heard “I’ve heard that the ‘frats’ and Homecoming is so important to name and is “excited to see how so much about pomping” and sororities have been putting in so many people, it turns out.” has always been curious to see news.ed@ocolly.com ASST. NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Page 6A Friday, October 23, 2026

O’Colly

Lifestyle

Members of different fraternities and sororities pomp from 12 p.m. Thursday to 3 p.m. Friday.

Behind the scenes

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Of ‘America’s Greatest Homecoming’

weeks of the fall semester. to students depend on Carnival,” Woody said. because you really do have Carter Perkins, a the grade level, but This event has been to rely on your chapter to member of Lambda Chi normally it’s 80 rows a a huge tradition during get things done,” Jackson A long-standing Alpha and one of the week. Although the rows homecoming and is said. tradition at Oklahoma outdoor directors for their assigned to students can located right outside of Jackson pomped as a State University’s dec, said that the outdoor vary, and the hours each Stillwater at the Payne freshman and instantly Homecoming gives Greek team works a minimum week are excessive,” County Expo Center. fell in love with it. chapters the opportunity of four days a week, Woody said. “As of now, In addition to the “Since I pomped in the to show off the elaborate usually seven hours a day. we work from 5 p.m. to 11 Harvest Carnival, past, that is what made decs they spent months With the amount of p.m. every day, so that is sororities and fraternities me want to be a director,” working on. It has work it takes to create around 40 hours a week.” host a Bonanza. This Jackson said. been the standard for the decs, between Woody explains that the consists of basketball The tradition of decades, and its legacy construction, design, homecoming experience and football tournaments pomping is about the has continued to shine crafting and pomping, comes with pomping that follow, with pairings satisfaction of watching throughout the years. Perkins wishes the parties once a week to try making their teams. the screen come to life How it works is each process would be better and get as many people as “This year’s basketball, and seeing how much fraternity is paired with a appreciated. possible participating to so we have our 5v5 guys work is accomplished. sorority to work together “Before I even came get things done. and girls’ teams, and they “I enjoy being in the on the pomp. Each year to OSU, I’d come to “It’s exciting because played in a tournament pomping room with there is a theme that Homecoming a bunch of we’re all here together this past weekend,” everybody, getting to see every chapter must follow. times, but I never realized and it’s more than just Woody said. your friends and catch up However, the pairings get how much time it takes pomping,” said Woody. Rylee Jackson, head with them,” Jackson said. the creative freedom to do to put these things up and Unfortunately, students director of pomping at Again, this production their own spin-off theme, design them and build who are affiliated do not Kappa Delta proclaims of pomping isn’t paid, and which usually celebrates them and pomp them,” get paid for pomping. that the reasoning of why most of the time houses OSU’s history and culture. Perkins said. “I just came, “We actually pay out of everyone has 80 rows per are out of money from This year’s theme is homecoming. “The Code Calls.” But “At every house you can fraternities and sororities have up to $15,000 spent, like to keep their plans “My favorite part of Homecoming is just being together, so a pairing gets $30,000, for their decs a secret having your pairing and being able to do fun things as a but this comes from your from the public until group,” house’s budget,” Jackson Walkaround. said. Pomping isn’t just JOHN WOODY The money that is put planning but involves into the Walkaround lots of manual labor. An experience, which outdoor crew works on includes $30,000 from building a base out of and it was all up and our social budget to do week is because of the each house. metal pipes, known as done for Walkaround. So, Homecoming,” Woody Homecoming bylaws. “Harvest Carnival, the dec, while inside the I think that needs to be said. “Homecoming bylaws you can use $400, fraternity houses, students appreciated more.” As exciting as pomping state that you can’t require then another $400 for pomp. It is a full-time job for and tradition can be, it more than 10 hours, Bonanza and around The Students use sororities and fraternities can be just as stressful for and so that’s 80 rows another $25,000 that goes chicken wire as a frame to keep this legend afloat. the students in charge. equivalently. Overall, towards the Homecoming and stuff tissue paper in John Woody, a head “Mentally and that’s 8 rows an hour and pomping decs & supplies,” the gaps one-by-one. To director for pomping at physically it’s hard more efficient,” Jackson Jackson said. know what color paper to Sigma Chi, oversees the because I’m in charge of said. With all the strenuous use, the pompers follow house and makes sure the entire program; it’s She explained that it work and time put a unique key code that students show out for the definitely taking a toll on is easier to keep track of into creating the correlates to the design of community. me,” Woody said. what everyone is doing decs, students still the dec. “My favorite part of In addition to pomping, this way, so people aren’t consider it a rewarding Months of preparation Homecoming is just being each sorority and slacking off with what’s accomplishment. go into pomping. together, having your fraternity is responsible needed to get done. “I’ve given up a fullMembers of the paring and being able to for providing a game Working as a team is time job to do this, and fraternities and sororities do fun things as a group,” at the annual Harvest crucial to the pomping it’s unpaid, but it’s a very have to plan a budget, Woody said. Carnival. process, and it’s important fulfilling experience,” thousands of pieces Woody explained how “Each game has to to be accountable during Jackson said. of tissue paper are cut rows to pomp are given follow the rules of being the method. into squares and the to students as well as the handicap accessible and “Pomping really shows construction crew breaks outdoor crew. enjoyable for children at the sisterhood and ground just in the first few “Roles that are given the Payne County Harvest motherhood aspect of it, Keiley Ward & Zora Sutton STAFF REPORTERS

news.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Friday, October 23, 2026 Page 7A

Fountain Dyeing

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Oklahoma State Fountain Dyeing to kick off the 105th Oklahoma State Homecoming.

Payton Little, The O’Colly

The fountain stays orange for the entire week of Homecoming.

Andon Freitas, The O’Colly

Homecoming Executive pouring in the dye to turn the fountain orange.

Payton Little, The O’Colly

A homecoming tradition is to take photos with or in the orange fountain.

Kaitlyn Robertson, The O’Colly

Carmen Kuiper and Levi Balthrop won Homecoming royailty.

This is Jim Hess’ second Homecoming as president of OSU.

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Kaitlyn Robertson, The O’Colly

The Homecoming Executive Board works year round to prepare for the week.

OSU Homecoming Photo Page

Page 8A Friday, October 23, 2026

O’Colly

News

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Hess sat down with The O’Colly Editor-in-Chief Caleson Coon, on Sept. 29, 2026.

Vision

him from a freshman to kind of stay focused on that to get a scholarship to offset change the trajectory of where he sits as president whole student experience, their cost.” everything for them. And it’s Continued from 1A today. what happens from the day As some of the the absolute best part of the “And so, I thought, you they arrive ‘till the day they endowments of the “The job. Yeah, it’s actually the know, the Lord sometimes leave and beyond after their Code Calls” platform and only thing that makes the The fall of 1975 always works it out, you’re graduation, we’ll be able fundraising campaign job worthwhile.” As the Chi Omega clock supposed to be in a certain to provide what no other intended to expand In another conversation, ticks to 9 a.m. and students, university in the United scholarships, research and one with a student who who walk up the steps of the place at a certain time,” he said. States does.” facilities statewide, have stopped him on campus Edmon Low Library, rush Hess said that it was come into fruition, Hess said to speak with him, Hess to their lecture, what they may not know is that OSU’s because of his knowledge What it means for it would be a year from now learned of her appreciation when students will begin for his focus on students. president once stood in their of the college that he was students able to understand the needs to feel the effects of the He said it was simply his shoes. In regards to students on and convince the legislature campaign. job — one that he was 100% It was in the fall of 1975, campus, Hess also addressed to put money toward “But ultimately, the committed to as he’s “never during former President the recent 4.75% tuition window, the real target forgotten what it was like to Robert B. Kamm’s term, that recapitalizing it. increase for the students, “But I thought, ‘Yeah, window, is about 3 and a be a student.” Hess enrolled in his first parents and guardians God has a way of reminding half years when the full “When you’re a student, semester as a freshman at paying for the increase. effect of a scholarship sometimes you are waiting OSU. It came during a time you— life goes full circle Hess said he was not ever endowment would start to for something to happen when the Cowboys football sometimes, you end up one for raising the cost of ending right where you flow,” he said. that will cause the rest of team was ranked No. 15 in education, but spoke to the your life to begin,” Hess said. the AP Poll, but also when a started,’” Hess then said in root of the tuition increase. “And that’s when I told her, June tornado ripped through reflection of his faith. Windows of In this, he referenced the As he began to share his I said, ‘This is it. You being campus, leaving damage to number of sources who give success vision for OSU, Hess spoke here, this is what causes the several of OSU’s buildings. money to the university; Hess has his own way rest of your life to begin. It When he came to OSU, he of the student perspective one of which being the of measuring success –in that stemmed from within a starts right here.’” said it was because he had legislature that Hess said, the window of time that For him, that’s what the received a scholarship from simple question, “What does “If you went back 30 years students walk onto campus strategic plan is all about: an anonymous donor whom a student want and need?” ago, 70% of our money that between the time they leave. In every circumstance, he Staying focused on the he did not know the identity comes to the university “I love the first day of directs himself back to the measurable things OSU of. would have come from state class, I like to walk the can do to change students’ “But when I came on this root of why students come appropriations from the campus the first day of lives. It’s, Hess said, in the campus, I probably had the to OSU, which surpasses legislature today, that’s 12%, class,” Hess said in thought intentionality and purpose same feeling that all of you simply receiving an and so, all these, as you all toward where he’s seen education. that they remain focused in [students] have when you know, because of all these moments of success early on “Ultimately, they want answering the call. came to the campus: You inflationary things have in the semester. to get a great job, they “If you can’t measure it, just know when you arrive, been going on for several Hess said he went around you shouldn’t put it down as ‘This is where I’m supposed want to launch their career years now, that we had campus handing out sweets immediately after exiting the a goal,” he shared. to be,’” Hess said. stretched this rubber band to students on their first day. university, and so I decided That didn’t offset feelings about as far as it was going “And what I really wanted that one of the things that of apprehension that most Hess’ legacy to go.” to do was just to be with would be helpful for us to freshmen are accustomed Hess’ No. 1 goal when He said the university was them, because, you know, to, especially since he came focus on is — we’re calling it he returned to Stillwater, in danger of losing faculty the one thing I love about career readiness,” he said. from the small town of was to ensure the culture members who could move students is they are full of Hess voiced the details Henryetta, OK. of the university was to a different state for more hope and promise,” Hess that OSU does a great job in “So, I was really a little student-centered, so that money. said thoughtfully. “In a preparing students regarding intimidated when I first “Our conversations with world that is not often filled the “student was always technical skills and learning got here, but the culture of our Board of Regents were, with hope and promise, but foremost and first in every about what it is to become this place is so embracing decision” OSU makes. ‘We don’t want to do it, but you can look — I can look and welcoming,” he shared. the career of their desired As he comes toward his we have to,’ otherwise, what into you all’s faces and see major. But he noted the “Then, you know, a couple second-year as president, we’re going to end up doing hope and promise for the question of what OSU is of weeks, I just thought, he referenced back to the is giving people a mediocre future.” doing to help students with ‘Man, there’s just no other priority of students having experience,” Hess expressed. He referenced a the soft skills for adaptability place like this campus. “And that has worse longconversation with someone the resources of an academic within a work environment, There’s just no other place adviser, a career readiness term consequences than outside of OSU who told like it, so I was blessed, but how to present oneself and a tuition increase does, him of the worries they held counselor and an alumni I did try to find out who this how to make an impact. but I’m very sensitive to for the future. Hess was then mentor to guide students “But it can be cultivated, donor was, because I really it, because I worked my asked if he shared the same along the way, so they may right? And so, what we wanted to thank them for achieve the success they way through school. But I burden. really want is for every giving me a scholarship.” desire. know a lot of students are “I said, ‘Not at all, but And though the donor was student to have an academic But it all centers around borrowing money to go to I get to be around OSU never named, Hess ended up counselor and a career the legacy that he wants to school.” students every single day, getting a job with help from readiness counselor to leave within the foundation It was even before he was and if you’re really worried help them get ready for the his cousin, Robin Lacy. of OSU. president, as Hess said, that about the future, why don’t workforce, then an alumni “Everywhere I’ve been for one of the goals was how you come on our campus OSU, I had a single goal: To How life has gone mentor,” Hess said. to provide the best quality and talk to our students, He said it all goes back make it better than when I education while keeping because they are full of hope full circle to the responsibility of found it, and I think that’s student loan debt as low as and promise, enthusiasm. The job was in the College the institution to not only possible. And I have every confidence great advice for anybody,” of Veterinary Medicine deliver an education, but Hess said. “Anything you’re “Our median student loan that they’re going to fix shoveling stalls out when everything that follows after doing, if you can make it average is zero. So, that all the things that the past the college was the No. 1 vet that. means half of our students generation’s messed up, ’” he better for the time that you school in the nation, and the “Because, a lot of have debt and half of them said. “And so, I’m absolutely were there, if you improved experience of that seemed to universities say, ‘Well, it somehow, then you will don’t; that’s why there’s a confident about it because follow him years later. we’re just here to educate, have achieved success.” comprehensive fundraising I know they’ll do it. And “It was a great experience good luck with finding a campaign that we’ve been on so I have great, great hope for me, because life went job,’ but that’s not really to raise $2 billion,” he said. about the future, because full circle,” he said. “Fastwhat a university should A minimum of $500 my favorite part of the job is forward 50 years, and I came be focused on, they should million of the $2 billion just doing what we’re doing back almost 50 years to the be focused on preparing campaign, Hess wants to right now, and that is just day, and I knew our College them for what comes after put toward scholarships as talking to students about of Veterinary Medicine and helping them connect he said the end result is “for what the university means needed to be recapitalized.” to what comes after,” he every student who’s willing to them, how the university Hess credited his faith in said. “And, I think if we’ll to work hard and qualified can change their life and how the connection followed news.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Friday, December 16, 2022 Page 9A

Lifestyle

The man behind the bow tie

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

President Hess grew up in Henryetta, Oklahoma. Caleson Coon

solution. things aren’t going to work he later found out were her You just have to listen. out very well.” sisters, after moving 15-20 And not give them a hint Hess looked back on miles to a new town where Years before President Jim as to what you might think the great detail, which as he’d just helped build Hess stepped into the role, about it. Because if you give he calls a blessing, that a church within another he worked as a student from them a hint as to what you the foundation of his life community. a small-town of Henryetta, think about it, then they’re and character was built “So, she came in late to Oklahoma. gonna tell you what they upon humble beginnings. church one day, I thought When he came to think you want to hear.” He said it was his family she was the most beautiful Oklahoma State University And for Hess, much of who instilled within him thing I’d ever seen in on scholarship from an what he knows today goes the importance of being my whole life,” Hess anonymous donor, he back to how he listened to humble. reminisced. counted it as a blessing the family he was raised by “And they told me that From then on, Hess said as he “would not have that have helped him come life has a way of knocking he kept trying to rearrange been able to come full circle in his life. the rough edges off of you it to where he could finally otherwise.” But it was the “I was blessed by being anyway,” Hess said. meet her face-to-face. valuable lessons like his raised by people – they But it was his wife, First And as he watched her grandmother’s reminder didn’t have anything, Cowgirl Angela Hess who walk toward her car one that “God gave you two which you would consider Hess credits for giving Sunday, he parked his car ears and one mouth for a financial resources, they him the best advice he’s nearby across the street and reason” that have stayed didn’t have any of that, but received. thought she’d have to walk with him to where he is what they gave me was a “She gave me the best with him over to their cars.’ today. sense of value system about, advice about being an “So, I’m walking towards “Almost every problem first of all, knowing the administrator, she gave me my car, she’s about 15-feet I’ve ever encountered in difference between right this advice and it was really behind me, and I stopped my professional career, the and wrong,” Hess expressed. simple. and turned around, and she person who described the “But in today’s world, it’s It’s the best advice I’ve stopped, and I said, ‘How problem to me, I just listen pretty important to know ever gotten, she said, ‘Here’s are you? to them and then I ask them the difference between how you succeed as a And she just nodded her a simple question and I do right and wrong, because university administrator: head at me.’” Hess said. this in our leadership group what a lot of people end You have to figure out how “And she didn’t move, so I all the time,” Hess shared. up doing is trying to talk important it is to make walked a little further and “After they described it themselves into something somebody else’s dreams, turned around. to me, I say, ‘What do and rationalize it when they your dreams. She stopped again. So, you think we should do?’ know it’s not right. You make somebody else’s things weren’t working very Because sometimes when “And the one thing that I dreams, your dreams, it well for me. So one day, I you’re a president, people was raised to always believe all works out. It’s the best had to work on a Sunday. expect you to have all the is, if you make somebody advice I’ve ever gotten.” I knew where her car was answers to everything else’s, what they want more In admiration and based, so I went by Reasor’s that comes up. And any important than you, what adoration, Hess shared a Foods and got a single rose, president that thinks that is you want. And if you serve glimpse of how he views and I took my business either a fool or delusional or other people, your life will Angela Hess since he card, and I wrote on the both, because most people turn out really great, but first saw her sitting in the back of it, ‘I’m gonna miss who are really close to a if you make it about you, church pews, with whom the highlight of every week, problem, they’ll tell you the

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Angela Hess gave him some of the best advice he’s recieved.

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

which is watching you in church. If you have any interest in talking to me, here’s my phone number. Then I wrote P.S. Try to remember the male ego is a very fragile thing.” And that afternoon, Hess’ landline was ringing with a call from Angela herself asking for James. “And I said, ‘Well, it’s Jim, and she said, why the heck would you put James on your business card if you want to be called Jim? Just put Jim,’ I knew right then and there, I thought, ‘I’m going to marry her, because she’s already chewing my butt out, so I said, would you like to go out on a date?’” To put it simply, the rest is history as they were married a short threemonths later, and though it may have took convincing on Angela Hess’ end, Hess said he knew the minute he saw her that was he was going to spend the rest of his life with her. “I just knew,” he said. Hess describes her as “a jewel of a human being” in recognition of the person who helps him succeed in the task he holds as president of OSU each passing day.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

The Hess’ got married after only three months of dating.

Page 10A Friday, October 23, 2026

O’Colly

Homecoming Traditions

Payton Little, The O’Colly

There was OSU student body, including Greek houses, residential halls and student organizations with games and prizes in the Payne County Expo Center.

Paintings all across Hester Street.

Kate Alexander, The O’Colly

Kaitlyn Robertson, The O’Colly

Kids got to play games at the Payne County Expo Center.

Kate Alexander, The O’Colly

Students show off their creativity painting Hester Street.

The Harvest Carnival hosts annual Chili Cook-off.

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Matthew Miner, The O’Colly

Hester Street gets a new look before Saturday.

There were many diffrent types of chili for people to try.

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Homecoming Photo Page

Page 2B Friday, October 23, 2026

sports Eric Morris prepares OSU for America’s Greatest Homecoming

just to look at the buzz on campus and watch everybody make the Saturday’s football house decs. game against “So, I’m excited to Colorado isn’t just any see that Friday, the ordinary game; it’s Walkaround. It’ll be ‘America’s Greatest cool. I’m gonna be Homecoming.’ able to talk a little bit As Oklahoma State head coach Eric Morris at The Walk. Got a prepares his players to lot of family coming take on Colorado this into town Friday night to experience it and week, Stillwater will be buzzing with extra be able to go out and watch it.” energy. More people Morris is not the only will be in town for the Walkaround on Friday member of the football program experiencing This is Eric Morris’s first OSU Homecoming game as head coach. night than for the football game itself the his ��rst homecoming. Ninety-one newcomers just excited to see what homecoming at that. following night. it’s like, and excited to So, just being out there on the team will With this being his see everything.” playing for them, and I be experiencing ��rst season as head One of the players know they want to see homecoming for the coach, Morris has who had been at OSU us win. I know they ��rst time. Among never experienced for homecoming want to see us play to homecoming at OSU. those newcomers is before was cornerback our full potential and wide receiver Miles “Excited to see it LaDainian Fields. put on a show. So just Coleman. later in the week,” From Del City, being blessed to be “I’ve heard from Morris said. “Happy Oklahoma, Fields out there and play for a whole bunch of it’s a night game to them.” people that this is the knows how much see Boone [Pickens homecoming means With so many homecoming that Stadium] at night. distractions, it can be you need to be at, like to this state and this They called it university. easy for the team to ‘America’s Greatest ‘America’s Greatest look past what really Homecoming’, right? Homecoming’, and I’m “It means a lot,” matters on Saturday. just excited to see what Fields said. “... I’ve At some point this been wanting to do this Morris plans to keep week, I’ll go over and it is,” Coleman said. things as similar as “I was driving around since I was little. I’ve look at the fountain. campus yesterday and been talking about just possible so his players [Monday] night, on playing somewhere... can focus solely on just seeing everyone purpose, I got out of good playing Colorado. here late last night and here. It was all packed being at aB:10.25" “I’ll try to stick to my drove through campus and everything, so I’m homecoming, T:10" like the world’s greatest routine as much as S:9.75"

O’Colly

Ryan Ruston

STAFF REPORTER

Catherine Dzanski, The O’Colly

possible,” Morris said. “Obviously staying in The Atherton and all those things. There’s a lot of commotion going on, and I think it will be important to keep our guys focused on what’s going to make the ��nale of homecoming and make everybody go home happy that night: us winning the game against a really good Colorado team. But excited to kinda see it.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

sports

Friday, October 23, 2026 Page 3B

OSU may have a red zone offense problem Column

Ben Schatzel

STAFF REPORTER

The Oklahoma State the Cowboys’ current football team has been red zone touchdown explosive and fun to watch percentage in 2026: 2014 on offense in 80% of the (50%), 2025 (50%) and field so far in 2026; the 2020 (49%), nudging out other 20% has been less the current season. Oddly so. enough, in 2020, OSU OSU has been went 8-3 and won the consistently near the top Cheez-It Bowl during the of offensive statistical COVID-19-riddled season, charts this season, thanks while the best percentage to the arm of quarterback over this timeline (75%) Drew Mestemaker, the came in 2013, when the legs of running back Cowboys finished 10-3. Caleb Hawkins and the The most confusing part hands of wide receivers of the whole situation is Wyatt Young and Justin that this is unfamiliar to, Bowick. and unexpected by, Morris The Cowboys rank fifth and all of the North Texas in the FBS in total yards transfers he brought north per game (517.7), seventh with him. in yards per play (6.8) and Last year, Morris and 22nd in points per game Mestemaker had the (37.2) at the midway point Mean Green firing on of the season. all cylinders inside the The offense’s one flaw? 20-yard line, scoring 71 A lackluster ability to find total times in the red zone paydirt once OSU has the on 79 attempts, with a ball inside the opponent’s whopping 62 touchdowns 20-yard line. (86%). So far in head coach UNT’s 79 trips inside Eric Morris’ tenure in the 20 in 2025 is more Stillwater, the Cowboys than any OSU season have made 34 trips to the since 2011, and the 86% red-zone (5.7 per game) touchdown rate tops every and are on pace for 68 Cowboy percentage dating regular-season red-zone back to the 2003 season. trips in 2026. That number This season, in OSU’s already exceeds the 2025 two losses, red-zone season total of 28 redstruggles were prominent. zone trips (2.5 per game) In the games at Tulsa and and would be the most in Houston, the Cowboys fell a season since 2021. behind early after being That’s an improvement, stopped inside the 20. A obviously, but it only stuffed Hawkins run up matters if the Cowboys the middle against the can capitalize on those Golden Hurricane and a opportunities, and up to Mestemaker incompletion this point, OSU has not. against the Cougars, both On 34 trips inside the on fourth down, are just 20, the Cowboys have two examples of OSU’s scored points 29 times inability to capitalize this (it helps that OSU kicker season. Sam Keltner hasn’t missed Even in Cowboy this season). That is an victories this year, 85.3% clip and places the multiple opening-drive Cowboys 64th in the FBS. red-zone field goals (vs. For reference, the two Oregon and at West highest-scoring offensive Virginia) have kept OSU seasons in OSU history, from building early 2011 and 2017, finished momentum against 12th and 28th in red-zone quality opponents. scoring rate, respectively. Mestemaker, who has Even the 2024 Cowboys, thrown two red zone who finished 3-9 (0-9 in interceptions this season, Big 12 play), were 40th in expressed frustration with the category at 87.5%. the issue after the loss to Converting those UH. red-zone trips into “I guess you can put touchdowns has been it all into the same even harder for the 2026 category of not executing,” Cowboys, as only 18 have Mestemaker said. “It’s turned into six points. not like we’re not strong That comes out to a 52.9% enough to be down there. touchdown rate from It’s not like the other inside the 20-yard line. team [is] pulling out these “I think it’s probably the magical plays. We’ve just most frustrating thing for got to execute the play call me as a play caller right at the end of the day.” now is kicking the field Mestemaker and the goals,” Morris said after Cowboys sit at 4-2 overall the West Virginia game. and 2-1 in the Big 12 at “And us not being super the halfway point of the efficient inside the scoring season. OSU must find zone, which we call the ways to flip turnovers and 12 to the 5-yard line. We red-zone field goals into haven’t been good this touchdowns if it wants to year.” remain a dark-horse title Since 2010, only contender. three years fall below sports.ed@ocolly.com

The Cowboys are 3-2 in their last five Homecoming matchups.

Payton Little, The O’Colly

A look back at OSU’s last five homecoming matchups recorded 121 receiving Though the yards and two Cowboys struggled to stop future NFL star ‘America’s Greatest touchdowns against the Cowboy defense. running back Bijan Homecoming’ is It came at a time Robinson, the offense making its annual when OSU was matched wits with return. falling, entering the the Texas attack, as As the Cowboys game on a six-game quarterback Spencer prepare to face skid and finishing Sanders threw for 391 Colorado on yards and the game’s Saturday, they’ll look the season 0-9 in Big 12 play. Despite a last two touchdowns. to earn their first lengthy halftime rain homecoming win of delay, OSU couldn’t ​2021 No. 15 OSU vs. the Eric Morris era. overcome a one-score Kansas: 55-3 Win Let’s look back at halftime deficit, and Rout, drubbing, Oklahoma State’s last five homecoming the Sun Devils pulled steamrollingaway in the second whatever fancy word matchups and what half. you want to use to they could tell us describe a blowout, about Saturday’s ​2023 OSU vs. that’s what this game game. Cincinnati: 45-13 was. The Cowboys Win pummeled Kansas 552025 OSU vs. No. If any game sealed 3, led by Sanders, who 24 Cincinnati: 49-17 Ollie Gordon II’s Doak threw for 157 yards Loss OSU went into their Walker Award, it was and two touchdowns. this one. The future Dominic Richardson home game against Miami Dolphin ran also flashed from the a No. 24 Cincinnati team in a state of flux. for 271 yards and two backfield, rushing touchdowns, leading for 82 yards on 11 The Cowboys were weeks removed from OSU to a steamrolling carries and scoring a win over the Bearcats. touchdown. Sanders firing head coach Division III transfer even got in on the Mike Gundy, and Leon Johnson had fun, scoring a rushing interim head coach five catches for 149 touchdown as OSU Doug Meacham still yards, including a handled business, hadn’t won a game. 67-yard reception. and it would seem The Bearcats kept Receiver Brennan rather ho-hum for a the losing streak Presley added two team that would later going, rolling over upset Notre Dame in OSU 49-17 as receiver- touchdowns, one on the ground and the Fiesta Bowl that turned-quarterback one through the air, season. Sam Jackson IV tried The Cowboys to lead the Cowboys’ helping OSU seal the win. haven’t won a offense but threw a homecoming game 100-yard pick-six to ​2022 No. 11 OSU vs. since 2023’s rout of Cincinnati defender UC. Despite Saturday’s Matthew McDoom to No. 20 Texas: 41-34 Win tough loss to Houston, seal the game in the In a game that the hype and intrigue fourth. became a shining surrounding this team OSU running back beacon in a 7-6 season, suggest it has the Rodney Fields had a best shot at sending career night, rushing OSU would pull off a major win over ‘America’s Greatest for 163 yards on 21 the Big 12’s former Homecoming’ crowd carries and scoring a powerhouse. home happy, though touchdown. With a 41-yard only time will tell. touchdown pass to ​2024 OSU vs. Arizona State: 42-21 Bryson Green to make it 41-34, OSU’s three Loss interceptions, two It was the Cam from Jason Taylor II Skattebo show: the future New York Giant and one from Kendal running back rushed Daniels, proved the deciding factor in the for 153 yards and a Cowboys’ win. touchdown, and he sports.ed@ocolly.com

Logan Cole

STAFF REPORTER

Page 4B Friday, October 23, 2026

O’Colly

sports

OSU prepares for Colorado quarterback Isaac Wilson’s return to Stillwater Will Thorogood

STAFF REPORTER

As Oklahoma State prepares to host Colorado for the seventh time on Homecoming, a familiar face will be coming to Boone Pickens Stadium. Isaac Wilson is the Buffaloes’ starting quarterback, and he put on a fantastic performance in Stillwater with Utah in 2024. After a strong showing against his former team last week, Wilson looks to repeat that success with a different team. Cowboys head coach Eric Morris said CU has found a little offensive rhythm with Wilson under center. “Wideouts are as explosive as anybody we’ve played this year,” he said. “Three big tight ends that are all similar to each other. I think if you really study the film of them playing Texas Tech and watch the whole game, and you watch this last game of them versus Utah, that’s two really good squads that they had chances in the fourth quarter to win the game.” In the third game of the 2024 season, he stepped into the starting role for the injured Cam Rising. Wilson couldn’t have started his career better, throwing three touchdown passes against Utah State. He became the Utes’ first true freshman starting quarterback to throw for three touchdowns in his initial start. Rising was expected to start against then-No. 14 OSU the following week, but he was ruled out shortly before kickoff, giving Wilson the start against the Cowboys. The young quarterback did not have a strong start to No. 12 Utah’s Big 12 road-opener, with an incomplete pass leading to a turnover on downs on the first drive and an interception by Trey

Rucker on his first pass on the next drive. After both teams traded field goals, Wilson and the Utes offense got rolling. He found Money Parks on a 20-yard deep pass, ran for five yards on fourth down, and connected with Dorian Singer for a 13-yard pass. All three plays resulted in a first down and put Utah at the Cowboys’ 7-yard line. The Utes would find the end zone two plays later on a 1-yard run by Brant Kuithe. Two field goals later, Utah led 16-3 and looked to capitalize following an interception by OSU quarterback Alan Bowman. It would only take them one play to do so when Wilson found Kuithe on a deep pass over the middle, and Kuithe left OSU’s Kale Smith in the dust while strolling into the end zone for a 45-yard touchdown catch. The Cowboys tried to pull off a late comeback, but it wasn’t meant to be, as the Utes held on to win 22-19. Utah made history when Wilson became the first true freshman in program history to beat an AP-ranked team, but the game marked the start of a rough stretch for OSU football, which went 19 games without a conference win. A week later, Wilson threw for 280 yards against Arizona, becoming the first freshman quarterback in school history to surpass 200 yards through the air in three straight starts. Despite starting seven games that season, he didn’t start at all next season and, ironically, only saw action against CU. Wilson did little that game, with only one pass and one rush in the Utes’ 53-7 blowout against the Buffaloes. He transferred to CU after longtime Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham

Wilson threw for 204 yards against the Cowboys in 2024. announced that he would step down after 21 seasons leading the Utes. Julian Lewis was the Buffaloes’ starting quarterback this year, but his struggles led to him being benched and Wilson starting against Texas Tech. Despite opening the scoring with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Joseph Williams, Wilson’s first start was overshadowed by three interceptions. One of them came after he threw a pass from the end zone that John Curry picked off for a defensive score. Wilson and CU led 17-13 against Utah, but the Utes scored 14 unanswered to take a 27-17 lead. His late fourth-quarter touchdown pass to DeAndre Moore Jr. wasn’t enough as Utah held on for a 27-24 win. After throwing two interceptions last week, Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders said Wilson needs to be

Courtesy Colorado Athletics

himself. “One of the picks, Isaac threw a heck of a ball that was taken away from the receiver, so I’m not going to put it all on him,” Sanders said. “It is in his column of interceptions. The other one, he could do a better job. He knows better than to throw a ball like that in that situation, but he played good enough for us to win, and he didn’t get down on himself. “He didn’t cry or bicker or moan on the sideline. He just fell back and tried to get it done. That’s why we have confidence in him, but we need to do better as an offense in totality.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

OSU looks to break homecoming losing streak against Colorado

Malik Charles leads the team with 2.5 sacks this season.

File Photo, The O’Colly

Oklahoma State hosts Colorado with a two-game homecoming losing streak. Jackson Stiles

said. “Probably as good as we’ve played, just top to bottom, as far as just getting in the backfield and making plays. Tackles for loss is something that really stands out. Being This Saturday, Oklahoma State looks to able to create negatives; they blitz quite a bit, bounce back against Colorado at Boone too, these last two weeks.” Pickens Stadium after the loss to Houston. The Cowboys defense also has a main As the homecoming game, the event focus for the week: decoding the Buffaloes carries a special kind of weight compared to offense. other games on OSU’s schedule, especially The Colorado offense likes to show a lot since a win against the Buffaloes could end of “eye candy,” as some call it, with many a two-game homecoming losing streak for different formations that make players the Cowboys. commit to what they think could be a big It will also be a first-time experiance of play, only to change up the scheme with a ‘America’s Greatest Homecoming,’ for head different formation. coach Eric Morris, the staff and players on “Being disciplined with our eyes, the team, so excitement is not only all over obviously, like what coach said,” defensive campus but also in the locker room and lineman Malik Charles said. “And just training facilities. playing within the scheme of the defense “Excited to see it later in the week,” Trying not to go out of your way to make Morris said. “Happy it’s a night game to see plays if you just do your job to play as well.” Boone [Pickens Stadium] at night. They Charles has been a major asset for OSU called it ‘America’s Greatest Homecoming,’ this season, helping many adjust to the right? At some point this week, I’ll go over Cowboy lifestyle. He has 2.5 sacks this and look at the fountain. [Monday] night, season and an interception against Murray on purpose, I got out of here late last night State. and drove through campus just to look at The Cowboys hope to break a two-game the buzz on campus and watch everybody losing streak in homecoming games, with make the house decks. both losses by 20 points or more. In 2025, “So, I’m excited to see that Friday, the they lost 49-17 against Cincinnati. In 2024, Walkaround. It’ll be cool.” the Cowboys lost 42-21 to ASU. OSU also The Cowboys will have many steps to win looks for revenge this homecoming, as they this Homecoming matchup, but one of the last faced the Deion Sanders-led Buffaloes in most critical is winning the trenches. 2024, when they lost 52-0. The Buffaloes have an impressive “Right now we’re enemies,” cornerback defensive line, a unit the Cowboys have LaDainian Fields said. “… I’m trying to beat struggled against recently. Lamont Lester Jr. them. We’re trying to win.” leads Colorado with four sacks this season. This defensive line also leads the Big 12 with 53 tackles for loss. They are ranked No. 4 in the nation, averaging 8.8 tackles for loss per game. “I think this defensive line is probably just the four up there, just looking at it.” Morris sports.ed@ocolly.com STAFF REPORTER

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Malik Charles embraces unexpected role in OSU offense Weston Wertzberger

Houston (one play), giving OSU another big body to use near the end zone. The opportunity comes as Charles has continued to develop on defense. He has Malik Charles is used to making plays on become a key part of the Cowboys’ pass rush, the defensive line. leading the team with 2.5 sacks this season. Now, the Oklahoma State defensive end is Charles has also grown into playing at a getting opportunities on the other side of the heavier weight, which he said has helped ball, too. him generate more power when rushing the Charles was listed as a tight end during quarterback. his time at Western New Mexico, but he “I think the weight I gained honestly never saw game action at the position before has helped a lot with my power rush, and transferring. After moving to the defensive me being able to still run pretty quick has line, Charles built his role around getting really helped my long arm and bull rush be after opposing quarterbacks and stopping the successful,” Charles said. “A lot of guys see run. the way and just think I’m a slower person. This season, though, OSU has found But I run 20 miles an hour, almost 21. I’m still another way to use his size and strength. pretty quick. I like to think. “It literally caught me off guard,” Charles “I can still beat you off the edge with said. “[Tre Page III] comes up to me and he’s speed. But I love to bull rush. I love to power. like, ‘I heard you’re coming to offense for So, that’s basically what I’ve done this whole a little bit.’ I said, ‘Where’d you hear that? I season, and it’s been pretty successful in my didn’t hear it.’” game.” Charles said he found out about the plan Charles said he enjoys contributing on when head coach Eric Morris approached offense, but blocking is his favorite part of the him during practice. new role. “Then I was stretching, and Coach Morris “It depends on the blocking scheme, but comes over, and he’s like, ‘We have a couple I like to block; I like to hit people,” Charles of goal-line plays we want to put in with said. “That’s probably the more fun thing for you,’” Charles said. “And I was like, ‘Oh, me.” OK.’ So they pulled me over, taught me the Even with the added offensive role, Charles verbiage and what to do, and I was like, ‘OK, has no plans to leave the defensive line let’s do it.’” behind. He said he enjoys playing defensive Charles weighed 240 pounds when he first end but is willing to take on whatever arrived in Stillwater ahead of the 2025 season responsibilities help OSU win. and played around 280. This season, he’s “I told Coach Morris he’s not gonna make moved up to 290, but weighed as much as 305 me a tight end; I like playing D-end,” Charles during the offseason. said. “I think it’s really fun. It’s fun being able Morris said earlier this month that Charles’ to go out there for practice and catch a pass, size, strength and athleticism made him an block, just do whatever I can just to help the option for the Cowboys’ goal-line package. team win.” Charles has since appeared in short-yardage situations against UCF (two plays) and sports.ed@ocolly.com SPORTS EDITOR

O’Colly

Friday, October 23, 2026 Page 5B

sports A look back at five times playoff expansion would have benefited OSU

Ben Schatzel

STAFF REPORTER

No. 2: 2021, No. 5 OSU 11-1 (8-1 Big 12) The College Football Playoff is After falling to the Baylor Bears in potentially expanding to a 24-team the 2021 Big 12 Championship Game format in 2027. by a couple of inches and missing Whether expansion is seen as a four-team playoff as a result, the positive or negative, more FBS teams Cowboys easily make a 24-team field will now have a chance to win a in 2021. championship. With the new format, conference Here are five times the newly championship games are a thing of expanded format would have the past, so the loss to BU is erased. benefited past Oklahoma State teams OSU finishes the regular season at and given them a chance at a title. 11-1 (8-1 Big 12) as the No. 5 seed in the bracket. No. 1: 2011, No. 3 OSU 11-1 (8-1 Instead of the 37-35 Fiesta Bowl Big 12) victory over Notre Dame, quarterback Cowboy football team in school Spencer Sanders and the best defense history would have gotten a shot in a in school history would have had a four-team or 12-team format, let alone first-round bye and a game inside BPS a 24-team playoff. to open the playoff against either No. Instead, in a single-game format, 12 BYU or No. 21 UH. the BCS decided two teams that had played earlier in the year (Alabama No. 3: 2013, No. 13 OSU 10-2 (7-2 and LSU) needed a rematch, leaving Big 12) OSU to settle for a Fiesta Bowl berth The Cowboys entered the final week against Stanford (OSU won 41-38 in of the regular season 10-1, on a sevenOT). game win streak and ranked No. 6 in If this historic OSU team, led by the country before dropping Bedlam quarterback Brandon Weeden and to OU, 33-24. wide receiver Justin Blackmon, had As a result, instead of a Cotton Bowl gotten their shot, the Cowboys would appearance vs. Missouri, OSU misses have received the No. 3 seed, a firstout on a first-round bye but does host round bye and hosted their first game a first-round game as the No. 13 seed inside of Boone Pickens Stadium Quarterback Clint Chelf and a against either No. 19 Houston or a top-20 defense would have welcomed rematch with Bedlam rival, No. 14 the No. 20 seed Wisconsin Badgers to Oklahoma. Stillwater for the first-ever matchup

between the two (they met in the 2022 Guaranteed Rate Bowl). A second-round matchup in East Lansing, Michigan, against another Big 10 opponent, the Michigan State Spartans, would be waiting for the Cowboys.

careers with a Camping World Bowl win rather than the Virginia Tech Hokies, the duo would have a chance to salvage what was a disappointing 2017 season. At No. 19 in the final regular-season CFP rankings, OSU would play a firstround road game, the first on this list. No. 4: 2010, No. 14 OSU 10-2 (7-2 Fourteenth-ranked Notre Dame Big 12) would have hosted the Cowboys in OSU was in the driver’s seat to make South Bend, Indiana, for the schools’ its first Big 12 Championship game first-ever meeting (they met in the and a BCS bowl game headed into 2021 Fiesta Bowl). The winner would the final week of the regular season; take a trip to Athens, Georgia, to play however, OU’s 23-point fourth-quarter the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs. run in the season finale sank the If the playoff had been 24 teams Cowboys in a 47-41 loss to close out since the 2010 season, OSU would 2010. have made the field nine times. So, In the BCS format, the Cowboys whether expansion ends up being settled for an Alamo Bowl appearance good or bad for college football, against a 7-5 Arizona Wildcats team the Cowboys seem to have gained a (OSU won 36-10). But with a 24-team better opportunity to compete for a format, OSU easily makes the field championship, a luxury past OSU and hosts a first-round game. teams didn’t have. No. 14 OSU would have faced No. 19 Utah for the first time since 1945, with a possible trip to Fort Worth, Texas, to face No. 3 TCU in round two. No. 5: 2017, No. 19 OSU 9-3 (6-3 Big 12) The final spot on this list was up for grabs, but the honor ultimately goes to the 2017 Cowboys over the 2009, 2016 and 2023 seasons. Instead of decorated quarterback Mason Rudolph and wide receiver James Washington closing out their

sports.ed@ocolly.com

A 24-team CFP brings opportunity, but at what cost? Column Weston Wertzberger SPORTS EDITOR

The College Football Playoff might be expanding its branches once again. Last week, Pete Thamel of ESPN and Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported that the CFP and ESPN were close to a handshake agreement for a 24-team bracket in 2027. Less than three years after the College Football Playoff expanded from a fourteam bracket (2014 to 2023) to 12 teams, the bracket is doubling in size. We think it’s too soon to expand the bracket again, but this move could have positives and negatives.

Will Thorogood

STAFF REPORTER

Florida State, LSU, Michigan State, Oregon, TCU and Texas have tremendous honor in being among the 15 teams to make the playoff when it was four teams. But immense scrutiny from the controversial omission of an undefeated FSU team in 2023 led to the expansion to 12 teams. It was understandable, and a 12-team bracket made things fairer for Power Four teams. Over the past two years, we’ve seen other notable programs get their first playoff experience, but the scrutiny of teams being left out hasn’t decreased much. The big example was independent Pro: Teams have more access to Notre Dame being left out of last year’s compete for a national championship playoff in favor of runner-up Miami. That For a long time, the CFP felt exclusive situation has been a major driver of the to Power Five teams, especially for planned CFP expansion. schools that remained consistent as While he has mixed feelings about the top-tier programs. Now, that might be 24-team playoff, OSU defensive end Malik changing. Charles said qualifying for the 12-team Major schools that have been secondplayoff means a lot more. tier or below now have a realistic path “I feel like the 12-team playoff makes it to reaching the bracket. Teams like more important for you to win,” Charles Oklahoma State, Mississippi State, said. “If we’re just in the Top 25, we’re NC State and Wisconsin, which often basically gonna be in the playoffs is what appeared in the CFP rankings during the a 24-team playoff is. But you cut it down four-team era, would have made the 24to 12 now, it’s like, ‘Oh man, we gotta team format at least four times since 2014, actually win.’” according to Bryan Fischer and Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated. Pro: More fan bases stay invested Mid-majors, who never had a real deeper into the season chance to compete for a national title, In previous years, only a handful of would finally get one. While the 12-team teams were in the hunt for the playoffs format gives the Group of Six a chance to once November arrived. Instead of a twoearn a spot, doubling the bracket would loss team feeling like its championship also give those teams a chance to go after hopes are gone, it could still be playing an at-large spot. for a playoff spot, a better seed or a home The champions of the Power Four game. conferences (ACC, Big 12, Big Ten and A bigger bracket would give teams SEC), plus the highest-ranked Group of more to play for late in the season, Six team, would automatically qualify, as especially in close conference races. In would 19 at-large teams. the Big 12, where several teams can be With a bigger field, more teams have bunched together in the standings, more a reason to believe a strong season with games could have a direct impact on who at least nine wins can lead to something makes the playoff. That could also give meaningful. Plus, a team doesn’t have to fans more reason to tune in, even when be a preseason favorite or finish in the their own team isn’t playing. top 12 to have a meaningful postseason College football already has one of the opportunity. most passionate fan bases in sports, but expanding the playoff could give even Con: Making the 24-team playoff more fans a reason to follow the season has less merit than making the 12from start to finish. Fans would have a team playoff reason to care about standings and other When the CFP was four teams, it was games across the country, not just their a big honor to be one of those four teams own results. competing for a national championship. While the 12-team setup isn’t as Con: Conference championship prestigious, 24 teams drastically reduces games will not be as important or the prestige of making the playoffs. eliminated Teams like Alabama, Clemson, Ohio Per Heather Dinich of ESPN, the State, Georgia, Michigan, Oklahoma, CFP and ESPN have been negotiating a Notre Dame, Washington, Cincinnati, new deal for the network to remain its

The CFP is close to expanding to 24 teams in 2027.

broadcast partner. During those talks, the Power Four conference championship games are expected to be eliminated, and the regular season will start one week earlier next season. If the conference championship games were not to be removed, their importance and value would be heavily diminished. The two teams that make the game would be a lock for the playoffs, but solid teams that miss the conference championship would likely continue their seasons. That makes conference championships meaningless and lets less deserving teams make the playoffs without issue. Conference championships are supposed to be the only other way to make the playoffs, aside from a great regular season with one or two quality losses. Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark supports the 24-team playoff, but he wants to ensure there’s a replacement if the conference championship games are eliminated. “First of all, nothing has been done yet with the College Football Playoff. It’s only speculation,” Yormark said at the Big 12 basketball media day on Tuesday. “Nothing is final, so I don’t want to get too much into the details there, but tentpole events, for us, matter. Our championship game has been very valuable. And if there is a point in time where a change is made, we will look to backstop those events with other events.” Pro: Playoff games create opportunities beyond the field Making the playoff can put a program in front of a national audience and give coaches another selling point on the recruiting trail. Recruits get to see how a team performs against some of the best programs in the country. A postseason run can also build fan excitement and give a program momentum heading into the next season. For schools trying to close the gap in recruiting, resources and national attention, that exposure could help them build a stronger identity.

File Photo, The O’Colly

Indiana is an example of how a program can change its national profile. After years of struggling to compete in the Big Ten, the Hoosiers went 11-1 in the regular season in 2024 and earned their first College Football Playoff appearance. They followed that season with an even bigger breakthrough, winning the national championship after the 2025 season. Indiana’s rise wasn’t just because of the playoff, but its success shows how much a program can change in a short time. A bigger bracket would give more schools a shot at the same kind of national attention. Even if they don’t win it all, making the playoff could help put their programs on the map. Con: More wear and tear on players, which could lead to injuries While a 24-team playoff will mean more games on college campuses, the 12-game increase raises the risk of player injuries. It could jeopardize their career or hurt their NFL draft stock. Even without conference championship games, a team could still play 17 games in a season. With more games, coaches will have to adjust how much their players train and practice throughout the season. In the four-team playoff, a major injury occurred in the 2021 national championship game when Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams tore his ACL in the second quarter against Georgia. Despite fewer games, the four-team postseason still carried a high injury risk. Despite the risks more games pose to players, OSU cornerback LaDainian Fields has no thoughts on the potential postseason setup. “I don’t like to look into the future,” Fields said. “I like to just take everything day-by-day and just focus on my craft.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 6B Friday, October 23, 2026

sports ‘Professor’ Schatzel’s midseason report card for OSU football Ben Schatzel

STAFF REPORTER

The Oklahoma State football regular season is halfway over, which means the Cowboys are due for their midseason grades. After six games, the Cowboys are 4-2 overall, 2-1 in Big 12 play, and still look like a dark-horse conference title contender despite their most recent loss to the Houston Cougars. Here’s how OSU, led by first-year head coach Eric Morris and 92 new players, graded out so far in 2026.

This trio is the engine behind an explosive Cowboys offense that averages 517.7 yards and 37.2 points (22nd in FBS), which is why the next grade stands out like a sore thumb.

Red-Zone and Third-Down Offense: D The Cowboys have a red zone and third-down offense problem, and it may be here to stay. Halfway through the season, OSU has been inside the red zone 34 times, scoring on 29 attempts, but only 18 have turned into touchdowns. That is an 85.2% score rate and a lackluster North Texas Transfer Trio: A 52.9% touchdown rate. The three most hyped transfer Those points left on the board have portal acquisitions of the offseason, all forced the Cowboys to play from from North Texas, have continued to behind at times this season before dominate in the Big 12 after a year in finally coming back to bite OSU the American Conference: quarterback against the Cougars. Drew Mestemaker, running back Caleb The third-down percentage hasn’t Hawkins and wide receiver Wyatt been much better, as the Cowboys have Young. converted 34.3% of the third downs Mestemaker looks like a firstthey have faced so far in 2026, which round draft talent through six games, ranks No. 112 in the FBS. The 34.3% is completing 136 of 203 passes for 1,940 actually on pace to be lower than the yards (sixth in FBS), 16 touchdowns 2025 Cowboys’ 34.83%, a team that (10th in FBS) and six interceptions finished 1-11. (tied for 111th). He has used his legs Red-zone touchdowns and thirdsparingly but effectively, totaling 142 down conversions have remained yards and two touchdowns. an enigma for OSU; as a result, the After leading the country in total kicking game has become much more touchdowns as a freshman, Hawkins important, which leads to the next has lived up to the hype, even if he grade for the Cowboys. hasn’t found the end zone as often. The OSU running back has carried Sam Keltner: A+ the ball 123 times for 592 yards and When called upon, Keltner has been two touchdowns, while also being reliable for the Cowboys’ kicking game effective in the receiving game, with so far in 2026. 20 receptions for 200 yards and a Keltner, a sophomore who spent last touchdown. season at SMU, is perfect this year, his Young, who has been a part of a one- 13 attempts on field goal and 22-for-22 two receiving punch with fellow wide on extra points. receiver transfer Justin Bowick, has He has hit from a variety of ranges totaled 32 catches for 561 yards, five throughout the season: once from touchdowns and has scored in every 1-19 yards, six times from 20-29 yards OSU game.

and three times each from 30-39 and 40-49 yards, with the longest being a 47-yarder in the Cowboys win at WVU. Last week, Keltner was named the first-team kicker on the AP midseason All-America team and is a three-time Big 12 Special Team Player of the Week and a two-time Lou Groza Award Star of the Week in 2026. The Cowboys have needed Keltner to be clutch when the offense sputters, and he has delivered every time. Linebackers: AThe leaders of the Cowboys’ defense have been forces and tackling machines the first half of the season. A three-headed linebacking monster of Ethan Wesloski, Tate Romney and Isaiah Chisholm has combined for 146 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. The trio makes up three of the Cowboys’ top four tacklers midway through the year. Individually, Wesloski has been the leader of the defense, claiming Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week three times with 62 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. The 62 total tackles place him 16th in the FBS and 14th among linebackers. Romney (51 tackles and six tackles for loss, leads team) and Chisholm (33 tackles) have been quieter statistically but just as effective. In an age of college football where team chemistry can get messy because of the transfer portal, this trio from three different schools (Wesloski from UNT, Romney from Arizona State and Chisholm from UCLA) has given OSU stability in the middle of the field. Coaching: B A whole new coaching staff is in Stillwater, leading the Cowboys in 2026. OSU has already tied its win total

O’Colly

this season, four, with the past two seasons combined (three in 2024 and one in 2025). Those wins include the Cowboys upsetting then No. 6 Oregon and defeating WVU for their first Big 12 Conference win since November 2023. However, a season-opening loss at Tulsa and a 35-32 loss to No. 20 Houston, in which the Cowboys gave up 505 total yards, show there is still room to grow. OSU defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity has been content to keep his unit in front and not be incredibly aggressive. That game plan worked well against run-first quarterbacks; however, as soon as OSU faced a competent passer, Houston’s Conner Weigman, problems arose. Mid-game adjustments have been a key focus for Cassity, and a couple of mid-season changes could pay dividends for OSU. Head coach Eric Morris is calling the offense, and after a messy season opener, OSU has been quite good. Pre-snap movement, a plethora of wide receiver rotations and more outside zone runs have made the Cowboys one of the country’s most dangerous offenses. A couple of head-scratching fourthdown play calls, along with struggles in the red zone and on third down, raise questions at the season’s halfway point, but overall, OSU’s complete 180 from a year ago can be credited to this coaching staff. The Cowboys successfully passed the first part of the 2026 season with some highs and lows. Now it is time to see how OSU grades out during the rest of the year.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

OSU Football Roundtable

Our Staff’s thoughts on what they want to see OSU improve? O’Colly Staff

STAFF REPORT

The College Football regular season is halfway through, and Oklahoma State holds a 4-2 record just outside the AP Top 25. With six games left for the Cowboys, we asked our staff what OSU needs to improve. Weston Wertzberger: The Cowboys have shown they can move the ball early in games, but the offense needs to turn that production into points. Over six games, OSU has scored only three first-quarter touchdowns compared with eight in the second. Part of the problem is failing to convert inside the red zone; the Cowboys have scored only 18 touchdowns on 34 trips. That means OSU finds the end zone barely over half the time (52.9%) in those situations. The Cowboys have failed to convert on fourth down inside the 20-yard line a few times. So it wouldn’t hurt to avoid those same mistakes by giving Sam Keltner the chance to make more field goals, who is 13-for-13 on the season. Six of those kicks have been from 20-29 yards out. Especially in close games, taking three points instead of leaving empty-handed could be the difference. Cayden Cox: I want to see Eric Morris dial back on the aggressiveness. What I mean is, stop going for it on fourth down in Keltner field goal range. OSU has attempted seven fourth downs inside the opponent’s 35-yard line and converted only two. Sure, there’s a theory that you can’t win by being conservative, but you can lose a game by being overly aggressive. I think that was the case in both of the Cowboys’ losses. In the season opener against Tulsa, Morris left six points off the board

and turned the ball over on downs. Coincidence? Whatever is an improvement. The game against Against Houston, on the first play happening, it is leading to losses. Houston proves that early struggles of the second quarter, he passed In OSU’s games against Tulsa and are a problem for the Cowboys and up a chip shot for Keltner, and the Houston, the offense had drives will cost them more games if they Cowboys failed on fourth down. inside the 5-yard line four times. The keep happening. The Cowboys are only 18-for-34 on Cowboys scored 10 points combined touchdown opportunities in the red on those trips. Those are brutal Logan Cole: zone, but three points are better than numbers for a team likely to be in a While the red zone struggles zero. If they can’t get six, they need to lot of shootouts this season. have been frustrating, nothing has settle for three. been more vexing to me than the Ryan Ruston: secondary. Will Thorogood: This OSU team might have the best The defensive line is doing its job, The Cowboys need to improve offense in the country in between and the linebackers are doing theirs, their red-zone offense if they want the 20s. Inside the 20-yard line, they but this team’s secondary keeps to win tight games like last week’s have one of the worst offenses in the giving up big plays downfield, or against Houston. country, statistically. potential big plays. While the offense has usually When all 11 players execute their Against UCF, Knights quarterback gotten points from Keltner in the red assignment, the play call lets them Keyone Jenkins had chances zone, Morris has gambled on fourth down. When Morris draws up a downfield that he couldn’t hit, which down and failed in situations where perfect play call, one of the 11 misses should’ve been a warning sign. he should have taken the three their assignment, and the play gets Houston gave the secondary the points. The interesting part is that blown up. It is not just one issue punch in the mouth they needed; this has only happened in the team’s hurting the Cowboys in the red zone; now it’s time to put in the work. losses this season. it is a different issue every time, to If Morris hadn’t kept the offense the point that it almost feels like a Ben Schatzel: on the field on the team’s first drive mental problem. The offense has been impressive of the season against Tulsa, Keltner I’d like to see them get more so far in 2026, with the Cowboys likely would have given OSU the first creative on the goal line. Whether ranking fifth in the FBS in total yards points of the game, which could have that’s a jet sweep, a pop pass to a per game (517.7), seventh in yards changed the outcome. tight end who leaks out to the back per play (6.8) and 22nd in points Against UH, the game could have of the endzone, or maybe just lining per game (37.2) at the midway point gone to overtime if Keltner had been up Hawkins in the wildcat and of the season. However, slow starts sent out on the team’s second drive. having him barrel through the line. and red-zone struggles have plagued Instead, the Cowboys came up empty If this team wants a chance to make OSU. in both situations, and it completely it to Arlington, Texas, in December, The Cowboys have settled for early changed the game for the worse. they need to find a way to turn field field goals and failed fourth downs goals into touchdowns. inside the red zone, leaving points Timothy Christensen: on the board while letting opponents The most confusing issue for the Marcus Mesis: gain momentum. team is its red-zone struggles. Most The red zone offense gets a lot of ​In the first quarter of the five of the time, this OSU offense looks talk, but OSU’s first-half struggles are games against FBS opponents, like one of the most dominant units even more perplexing. OSU has had nine total drives that in football. The offense has come alive in the have ended with three field goals, Quarterback Drew Mestemaker second half, but it struggled to score three turnovers, two punts and a is skyrocketing up draft boards in the first half. The Cowboys have touchdown. every week. Running back Caleb gone three games without multiple An explosive Cowboys offense Hawkins has shown prowess in both first-half touchdowns. needs to start faster and seize early the rushing and passing game, and For an offense that has put out momentum for OSU to succeed in receivers Wyatt Young and Justin as many points and yards as the the second half of the 2026 season. Bowick are a lethal combination for Cowboys, the lack of first-half opposing defenses. Still, the bullet production is surprising. train has stalled in the red zone If the Cowboys don’t have to go multiple times. down early and can instead take the sports.ed@ocolly.com Is it nerves? Playcalling? lead and play with it, that would be

O’Colly

sports

Friday, October 23, 2026 Page 7B

Big 12 football games to watch in Week 8 Matthew Sammon STAFF REPORTER

There are three games this Saturday that will define the Big 12. Only three teams remain perfect in conference play. No. 2 BYU and No. 8 Texas Tech both face Homecoming crowds on the road, while No. 10 Utah takes on No. 14 Houston in a night matchup that could reshape the title race. Here’s a look at three key matchups shaping the conference this weekend:

prove themselves on the road, while quarterback Devon Dampier and the Utes try to keep their title race alive.

No. 8 Texas Tech vs. Cincinnati Cincinnati will celebrate its 100th Homecoming when Texas Tech makes its first-ever visit to Nippert Stadium on Saturday. A win for the Red Raiders would give them their fifth-ever 7-0 start in program history and their first since 2013. Tech is coming off a 53-25 rout of Arizona State, in which the Red Raider defense recorded six sacks, two No. 14 Houston vs. No. 10 Utah forced turnovers including a pick-six Houston’s 35-32 win over Oklahoma from linebacker Ben Roberts. State was its fourth-straight home win Cincinnati’s 622-yard offensive against a ranked opponent at TDECU production last week still wasn’t Stadium. The Cougars’ only loss this enough to capitalize against West season came against Texas Tech in Virginia, 45-42. JC French IV had a game that went down to the wire, an impressive outing, putting up 28-26. A loss to Utah would put UH a career-high 389 yards with three Anthony Byrum, The O’Colly behind three other unbeaten teams touchdowns and running for a fourth. College GameDay will be in Salt Lake City for Utah verses Houston. with just five weeks left in the season. This game marks the start of a First-year head coach Morgan tough stretch for Cincinnati, who Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, biggest wins in program history last Scalley has led the Utes to an open against Texas Tech this weekend running back LJ Martin, remains out. week, but now must travel 2,000 impressive 6-0 start after former and then face Utah and UH back-toThe UCF Knights have now lost miles from home and hope to avoid head coach Kyle Whittingham left back. two straight games. They will host an upset loss to a team with nothing for Michigan. Utah barely survived the highest-ranked team ever to play to lose. against Colorado last week, winning No. 2 BYU vs. UCF at the Bounce House in Orlando, 27-24. BYU’s 28-24 win against Notre Florida, for their Homecoming game UH quarterback Conor Weigman Dame gave them their best this weekend. BYU won last year’s and the Cougars head to Salt Lake ranking since their 1984 National meeting 41-21 in Provo. City for a 9:15 p.m. kickoff, hoping to Championship season. The reigning sports.ed@ocolly.com The Cougars secured one of their

OSU looks to fix secondary struggles against Colorado Logan Cole

the backup missed the throws and gave OSU another chance. Even against Oregon, dropped Three hundred and passes saved what could’ve forty-three yards. Five been big plays against a touchdowns. boom-or-bust secondary. Houston quarterback The Cowboys have Connor Weigman picked one of the nation’s most apart Oklahoma State’s high-powered offenses, secondary Saturday, but a struggling secondary exposing a weakness the forces them into shootouts, Cowboys must address putting more pressure on before facing Colorado. both sides of the ball. It’s The Cowboys started even made Morris question slowly on offense and his defensive backs’ couldn’t match the firepower downfield until confidence and the team’s defensive scheme. it was too late. Though it “They have to have seems OSU head coach confidence in what they’re Eric Morris and the fan base agreed on one thing: doing out there, right?” “We earned the right to Morris said. “… I think that for us and figuring defend the pass,” Morris said. “And we just didn’t.” out, are we doing the right things technique-wise? The Cowboys made plenty of mistakes in their Are we putting them in 35-32 loss to the Cougars, positions to make plays?” Morris discussed but most post-game fingershrinking the depth chart pointing focused on the at cornerback, something defense, especially the he seemed hesitant to do secondary. at the start of the season, Cornerback LaDainian as the competition for the Fields picked off an interception in Saturday’s CB1 spot was up in the air. “Do we need to play a game, but all five of couple guys and not so Houston’s touchdowns many out there?” Morris came through the air, said. “And so, there’s a including a 48-yard shot bunch of different things that put the Cougars up two scores and ultimately that I think we’ve looked at and studied throughout sealed the deal. The loss is the first since the course of this week, OSU’s devastating Week 1 but at the end of the day, I mean, you look all over defeat against Tulsa, and college football, we got to it presents a hurdle for a team that seemed to have have some people that can defend some one-on-one all the momentum NIL routes down the field.” money could buy. The man most likely to Saturday’s game wasn’t be tabbed CB1 is Fields, a an aberration; it was part veteran leader on a remade of an alarming trend. defense, who’s trying to Against UCF the week prior, quarterback Keyone ignore the negative noise heading into Saturday. Jenkins had plenty of “Next play mentality,” chances to throw to open Fields said. “[You have to] receivers downfield, but STAFF REPORTER

OSU gave up five touchdowns verses Houston.

have a short memory as a corner, just take it to the next play, is what it is… got to keep working. There’s a lot of stuff that we can work on, and just taking accountability for what we did and having a short memory and just playing.” Fields has been solid on the boundary for OSU, leading the team in interceptions and pass breakups, and is tied for the defense’s fourthleading solo tackler. However, Fields gave up 126 yards and two scores to Houston receiver Amare Thomas, and the defense as a whole allowed the Cougars to convert over half of their third downs. Despite the issues, the team’s head is still up. “I love how we’re responding,” Fields said. “Nobody’s pointing fingers; we’re all just buying in, taking the coaching, taking what we messed up and taking it on the chin, going about business.” While it may be business as usual for the secondary, they’ll face heavy scrutiny from the coaching staff, media and fan base, not to mention the coach on the other sideline, a Hall of Fame defensive back. “I used to watch [Colorado head coach Deion Sanders] when I was in middle school, growing up, watching highlights and stuff,” Fields said. “Now that I get to play against them and show them I have my own skills, I feel like that’s a check off the bucket list.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Anthony Byrum, The O’Colly

Oklahoma State now plays a 5-3-2 shape.

Ben Schatzel, The O’Colly

Consistent formation helps Cowgirls find their identity on the field Marcus Mesis

better platform to go win the game,” Carmichael said. “So we’ll stick with it. I mean, we’re tweaking bits and In soccer, the right shape is as pieces within it. But I think that base important as the right players. system suits our personnel the best.” The Cowgirls spent the early Keeping that shape consistent part of the season searching for has helped the team as conference that shape, but head coach Colin Carmichael has found it. Oklahoma play has ramped up, with less to State now plays a 5-3-2 shape, which worry about. For Moorman, it has allowed the team to become more the coaching staff believes best comfortable playing together. utilizes the players. “Playing in a shape that we can “We went to a 5-3-2, and we’ve start to get comfortable in, I think tweaked at little bits and pieces, is really good for us, especially now but it’s been quite consistent,” coming into Big 12 play,” Moorman Carmichael said. said. “And as we continue to work Figuring out the shape has also on this shape, I feel like it’s only up helped the coaching staff manage from here.” injuries. It has identified the core Even with a consistent shape, the players who are always in if they team still needs to adapt to what the aren’t hurt, while other positions change based on injuries and who is opponent does and how they need to play together or against them. playing well. Defender Chloe McHugh is used to The Cowgirls have been playing in the shape since Mississippi State, teams adapting, as she captained the and they didn’t lose in the five games Liverpool Under-21 team. “When we’re playing different that followed. It didn’t keep them teams, the shape is gonna change on undefeated in that shape, but it helped the Cowgirls play better than what we can use, what people strive in, like, Sonora [DeFini] wants to earlier in the season. hold the ball up; we need to do that There are two different coaching by getting one play around her, one philosophies when it comes to shapes in soccer: one idea is that the underneath from a field,” McHugh coach has a shape and will run it no said. “So just using our players in matter who is on the team. The other that shape is what’s gonna get us to win games.” is that each game will be a different McHugh isn’t the only one who shape depending on the opponent, but this can confuse the team about recognizes the importance of adaptability; Moorman sees it as a what to do. “I’ve just found when you do that, strength. “One thing I would say our team it just adds confusion,” Carmichael is really good at is being adaptable said. ”It’s hard for the kids to grasp and being fluid and whatever we do,” what their roles are. We’ve kind of Moorman said. “He’s thrown a lot of tried to have a system that works.” stuff at us, asked us to step up a lot The season started with OSU of times, and I feel like we have, and playing a 4-3-3, then a 4-4-2 we’ve tried our best.” diamond, but neither formation Carmichael has found the shape worked. Then the coaching staff that works for the team. The team experimented with three defenders is left to put the pieces together and deep and two wider, which helped deliver the results Carmichael wants. the team the most. “Then we sort of, not stumble, but sort of, by default, went into this back three with the wing backs and it just seemed to give us a little bit sports.ed@ocolly.com STAFF REPORTER

Page 8B Friday, October 23, 2026

O’Colly

sports ‘This is our home’

Colin Carmichael reflects on 30 years building OSU soccer

Collin Carmichael has been the Cowgirls head coach for 30 years. Marcus Mesis

Anthony Byrum, The O’Colly

Carmichael to decide to come years where we thought we come here now, and they see youth to work themselves up here, since he wasn’t from might not be retained.” Neal Patterson Stadium, and to the national team. the United States and was That all changed in 2003 they see all the accolades on “That experience was Signing a contract to play on a student visa; he needed when OSU won the Big 12 the wall. They weren’t here, phenomenal,” Carmichael professional soccer close to a work visa to continue his conference tournament and or they don’t understand how said. “Allowed me to work home. coaching career. He told got its first piece of hardware. hard we had to work to get with some of the best youth For most people that would Hancock that if she could get A few years later, in 2008, the there and how many people players in the country, and not be a dream, for Oklahoma him a work visa, he would Cowgirls went on a run that were involved in that process.” gonna lie, probably helped State soccer head coach Colin come to OSU with her. made the program a national More than soccer keeps a little bit with recruiting Carmichael, it was reality. At With the coaches leaving threat, and they won a Big 12 Carmichael here; his family on some of them. But 16, he graduated high school South Alabama, the school title from 2008 to 2012. plays a big role, too. His wife phenomenal experience, great and signed with Doncaster wanted Carmichael to “Everybody knew we were and kids have been a driving coaches, learned a lot from all Rovers, a professional soccer step into a bigger role. The good,” Carmichael said. force in keeping him in the coaches I worked with.” club in England that had uncertainty about whether “We’d been nationally ranked, Stillwater. Carmichael loves to build recently beaten Arsenal and his visa would be approved that type of thing. But then “I mean, gosh, if I try to connections with players that Manchester City to win the and where he would end up that sort of run from away move my wife now, I don’t extend even after they leave FA Youth Cup. stressed him out. onwards, I think people think that would go down the program. So when one of It was a dream come true “It was very stressful,” went, ‘Okay, that’s an elite well,” Carmichael said. “And them does something good in when he moved to America as Carmichael said. “But program.’” my kids are so happy growing soccer, Carmichael is one of a child, shortly after signing probably in May or June, One thing that has helped up here, and I have grandkids the first to repost it on X. with an academy club, but he Karen reached out and said, the program become so good here now, so nowadays, that “I do retweet that a lot, had to leave it behind. Despite ‘Hey, it’s all approved, but I it that Carmichael isn’t, as motivation is very much because I’m very proud of the dream coming true, need to know, ‘cause if you’re assistant coach and former family.” those kids and you hope you Carmichael lasted five or six not coming, I gotta hire player Grace Yochum says, a Before Carmichael had a played a small part in that months before coming back somebody else.’ And South “used car salesman.” Instead, family, he still considered development,” Carmichael to America. Alabama had kind of dragged he has tried to build real Scotland his home and said said. “I went for, I don’t know their toes, or dragged their connections with the players, he was traveling home. The connections he has how long, probably five or six feet a little bit, and weren’t as not surface-level ones. “I would go back to made go beyond OSU, and he months, I think, at Doncaster, far along in the process. “Arguably one of the most Scotland,” Carmichael said. has impacted people’s lives and just realized how hard it “And I thought, I can’t take genuine, real coaches and “I always felt like I was going outside the university. was and what the grind was that risk, that it doesn’t get those two words don’t go home, because my family He helped coach his soccer like, and I was not prepared approved, so I fell about, so I together,” Yochum said. was there, my mom and dad, team, where he met Austin for that,” Carmichael said. ended up here.” That has stopped, and my cousins, my sisters, their Utley, who played on the “And those guys, for them, it’s He came to OSU at the start the team can now see even families. So it always felt like team. Utley was hit on his make-or-break. If those guys of the soccer bike by a car and was at don’t make it in soccer, you program, and the Bethany Children’s don’t know what their life’s the facilities Rehabilitation Center when gonna be. For me, I probably looked nothing his dad had the idea to set a “He’s always joking around,” Moorman said. “He’s wasn’t as motivated. I didn’t like they do Guinness World Record. always, like, saying something funny, saying something need it as much. I wasn’t as now. Instead of It would be the slick. But at the same time, he’s also able to be serious hungry.” Neal Patterson most people juggling a That brought Carmichael while also being empathetic and sympathetic to Stadium, soccer ball at once, and back to America, and he it was the Carmichael made sure he whatever is going on.” then got a scholarship to play Cowgirl Soccer was there. JADA MOORMAN soccer for the University of Complex, “I wouldn’t have South Alabama. During his which missed it for the world,” time there, he started his started as an Carmichael said. “Coach coaching career. intramural [Seth] Condley, the high He was a graduate assistant field. players who have been here going home. I think probably school coach, was there, and at South Alabama, and More than just the coaches only a few months, like Jada when I had a family is when it a bunch of the players were that’s where he met Karen came from South Alabama to Moorman. flipped and it was more. there, and random people Hancock. She was the OSU; players transferred as “He’s always joking Well, I’m coming home from Oklahoma City showed assistant women’s coach, well. around,” Moorman said. “He’s here. This is our home. This is up who just loved soccer,” and Carmichael worked with “I pulled into Stillwater, always, like, saying something where we’ve made our home.” Carmichael said. both the men’s and women’s like, 20 minutes before the funny, saying something slick. In his 30 years at OSU, It was a powerful moment teams, with an emphasis on first preseason meeting, with But at the same time, he’s Carmichael has many for Carmichael seeing the the women’s team. everything I owned in my also able to be serious while memories he looks back on. community rally around After working with her car,” Carmichael said. “Just also being empathetic and One soccer memory he thinks someone like that. for two years, Hancock packed up. And we had five sympathetic to whatever is about is Nikki Wojtowicz “It was just a way to support was offered the OSU job or six transfer players from going on.” scoring the game-winner him and his family, and it was and offered Carmichael a South Alabama that came That jump to an elite against Missouri in 2003 to amazing,” Carmichael said. coaching role there. with us, and so it was great to program had him getting win the Big 12 title. “It was very emotional. But, “Great, awesome get them here.” recruited to coach at other “I mean, golly, what a yeah, it was pretty cool. Just relationship, great person,” It wasn’t all smooth sailing schools. Wisconsin and SMU moment we went from one of to be part of that and see all Carmichael said. “Based on for the program; after a couple were among the programs the worst teams in the league those people age, showing the success we had, Karen of successful seasons, the that wanted him. But staying to winning it in a couple of support for Oz [Utley], [Hancock] was offered the transfers graduated, and the at OSU was the most fulfilling years and that was really supporting the community in job at Oklahoma State. program started to struggle. option. special,” Carmichael said. “I which we live. I mean, it was And this, you know, she’s “The first couple of years, “But, you know, there’s was so happy for that team.” pretty powerful.” from Tulsa, this was, like, a we did well,” Carmichael said. something a little more Outside of coaching OSU massive opportunity. She said, “But I think a lot of that is, we special when you do [win] soccer, Carmichael also ‘Hey, will you come be my had those transfer kids, and at a place where you’ve been worked with the Olympic assistant?’” then they graduated, and then a huge part of building it,” development program, which It wasn’t easy for we had a couple of really lean Carmichael said. “And people used to be the premier way for sports.ed@ocolly.com

STAFF REPORTER

O’Colly

Friday, October 23, 2026 Page 9A

Cougars vs Cowboys

Anthony Byrum, The O’Colly

Caleb Hawkins leaps over a Houston defender

Ayo Adeyi celebrates after scoring a touchdown.

Anthony Byrum, The O’Colly

Anthony Byrum, The O’Colly

Justin Bowick prepares to catch a pass in the end zone.

Eric Morris gestures toward an official.

Drew Mestemaker throws the ball.

Anthony Byrum, The O’Colly

Anthony Byrum, The O’Colly

OSU at Houston Photo Page

Page 10B Friday, October 23, 2026

O’Colly

sports

THE O’COLLY SPORTS PICKS - COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 8 TEAM 1

TEAM 2

Caleson Coon

Ashley Yarbrough

OSU 49-20

OSU 31-21

OSU 41-21

Army 20-17

Army 27-21

Tulsa 26-21

Army 24-17

Auburn 35-32

LSU 38-31

LSU 34-21

LSU 29-21

LSU 31-28

TCU 45-28

WVU 52-49

TCU 41-38

TCU 34-21

TCU 34-28

GAMES

Weston Wertzberger

Cayden Cox

Will Thorogood

Timothy Christensen

Ryan Ruston

Marcus Mesis

Logan Cole

Ben Schatzel

Oklahoma State vs Colorado

OSU 41-17

OSU 37-13

OSU 35-14

OSU 35-20

OSU 52-24

OSU 42-21

OSU 41-21

Army vs Tulsa

Army 34-31

Tulsa 24-23

Army 30-22

Tulsa 27-21

Tulsa 24-17

Army 24-21

#18 LSU vs Auburn

LSU 34-24

LSU

28-24

LSU 27-23

LSU

35-28

LSU 38-35

TCU 38-34

TCU 36-30

WVU 49-46

WVU 30-20

WVU 48-38

TCU vs West Virginia

#11 Tennessee South Carolina vs South Carolina 27-24

Tennessee 27-17

Tennessee South Carolina South Carolina Tennessee 20-10 24-21 28-24 27-24

Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee 27-21 24-17 27-24 34-24

K-State 44-20

K-State 28-24

K-State 33-22

K-State 28-26

K-State 35-33

K-State 31-14

K-State 31-17

K-State 27-24

K-State 38-21

K-State 34-24

Iowa 28-18

Iowa 21-17

Iowa 22-13

Iowa 27-15

Iowa 17-13

Iowa 32-24

Iowa 17-7

Iowa 18-14

Iowa 23-21

Iowa 22-15

Ole Miss

Ole Miss

Ole Miss

Texas

Ole Miss

Ole Miss 28-21

Ole Miss

Ole Miss

Texas

Ole Miss

Kansas State vs Arizona State #15 Iowa vs Minnesota #7 Ole Miss vs #19 Texas

North Dakota State

vs New Mexico

27-21

33-26

38-31

38-35

38-24

33-24

36-31

45-36

24-21

28-24

NDSU 24-21

Utah 41-38

Houston 37-33

Utah 50-47

Utah 45-42

Houston 45-38

Utah 28-24

New Mexico New Mexico New Mexico New Mexico New Mexico

#14 Houston vs #10 Utah

EDITOR BOARD TEAMS

STANDINGS:

Marcus — 58-22 Timothy — 57-23 Ben — 56-24 Logan — 52-28

Will — 52-28 Cayden — 51-29 Ryan — 48-32 Weston — 48-32

31-27

30-23

29-21

31-21

New Mexico New Mexico

24-21

31-27

NDSU 38-21

New Mexico

Houston 38-35

Utah 45-38

Utah 24-21

Houston 45-35

GUEST TEAM 1: 53-27

Chance — 17-3 Jose — 14-6 Kaitlyn — 12-8 Caleson — 10-10

21-17

GUEST TEAM 2: 44-36

Ashley — 12-8 Megan — 11-9 Kalina — 11-9 Andon— 10-10

SELECT THURSDAYS IN OCTOBER

Like us on

6PM-9PM

821 W. Freeman Ave Perkins, OK 74059

YOU COULD BE SELECTED TO WIN ONE OF EIGHT DRA OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE IOWA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

FOR A CHANCE TO PICK A PUMPKIN & WIN FREE PLAY, GIFT CARDS, PRIZES OR UP TO

$3,000 IN CAS RECEIVE 1 ENTRY FOR EVERY 20 POINTS EARNED BEGINNING OCTOBER

CimarronCasino.com OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE IOWA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma invites you to play responsibly. If you think you have a gambling problem, call 1-800-522-4700. Management reserves all ri Must present a valid government-issued photo ID and be at least 18 years of age.