The O'Colly, September 4, 2026 by The O'Colly

2026 Football Preview

Page 2A Tuesday, September 4, 2026

O’Colly

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Eric Morris brings his blueprint heading into OSU’s season opener

2026 OSU football schedule Sep. 5 Sept. 12 @ Tulsa Oregon

Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Murray State

Ben Schatzel, The O’Colly

@ West Virginia

Eric Morris looks to bring his championship mindset into Saturday’s season opener versus Tulsa Chris Scamardo

O’COLLY CONTRIBUTER

Eric Morris made it clear what was important to him during his inauguration speech on Dec. 8, 2025, as he decided on his next home. “I always like to start with two questions,” Morris said. “... Does this align with my values and who I am as a person? And ultimately, is it a place where I want to live? ... Can we win a championship there?” That’s the question Morris asked himself before committing to Oklahoma State as head coach. But OSU had to answer its own question first: why him? The search for a new head coach came under difficult circumstances after OSU fired Mike Gundy three games into his 21st season, ending a two-decade tenure after the Cowboys’ worst season since 1991. Athletic Director Chad Weiberg needed a new leader to rebuild the culture of OSU football. After playing wide receiver under Mike Leach at Texas Tech, Morris climbed the coaching ranks as an offensive assistant, returning to Lubbock in 2014 as offensive coordinator to help

develop future NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes. His head-coaching track record proved he could turn programs around fast. After taking over a 1-10 Incarnate Word program in 2018, Morris immediately led the Cardinals to a Southland Conference title and left four years later as the school’s winningest coach. He replicated that success at North Texas, guiding the Mean Green from back-toback losing seasons to a school-record 11-win campaign in 2025 and an American Conference championship berth. That resume explains what Morris has done. However, the answer to why OSU chose him can be traced in part to a connection made over a decade earlier, when Weiberg worked with Morris at Texas Tech. Weiberg saw firsthand how Morris built a program, ran an offense and led his players. After the search for a new head coach was complete, Weiberg laid out exactly what the Cowboys saw in Morris before introducing him at his introductory press conference. “An accomplished coach with a track record of winning games and building programs,” Weiberg

said. “A leader who creates a culture young men want to be part of… A genuine relationship builder with players, former players, donors and fans. A recruiter familiar with Oklahoma, Texas and the Big 12. And a fit, which is difficult to define, but more of a gut feeling or instinct. “Coach Morris checked every one of those boxes and more.” Morris runs an Air Raid-based offense built on tempo and quarterback reads. His track record of quarterback development helped attract Drew Mestemaker and a group of 19 UNT recruits who chose to follow Morris to OSU rather than stay in Denton. Even behind the scenes, of the 42 new staff members Morris brought into his operation, 35 followed him from UNT. Morris was handed a full rebuild; he was tasked with reconstructing the roster and staff while instilling his own culture. Morris leaned heavily on the transfer portal to speed up the process. But Morris isn’t approaching the rebuild as if he has all the answers. “As a coach, you get to this point,” Morris said during his weekly press conference on

Tuesday. “And now I’m in Year 8 as a head coach. I think you’re kind of ready for everything. You want to see what you do well and what you can build upon. There’s going to be some stuff we don’t do very well, and there’s going to be some adversity that hits us, and just how we handle that.” Morris brought a piece of Denton to Stillwater. Now he has to prove that combination can get the Cowboys back into the mix for championships. That question gets its first real test on Saturday when Morris leads OSU onto the road for his Cowboy debut against Tulsa. “Winning college football games on the road is hard,” Morris said. “I don’t care where you’re at, who you’re playing, it’s going to be hard for us to win this game.” Before Morris can answer whether OSU can compete for championships, he has to build the habits that can get it there. “Tulsa has our full attention,” Morris said. “One of my great mentors used to say, ‘Respect everyone and fear no one,’ and I believe in that in this sport.”

Oct. 10

@ Houston

Oct.24

Oct. 31

Colorado

@ Iowa State

Nov. 7 Nov. 14

@ Kansas State

Texas Tech

Nov. 28

Kansas sports.ed@ocolly.com

Oct. 17

UCF

Nov. 21

@ Arizona State

O’Colly

Friday, September 4, 2026 Page 3A

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Column

OSU football has gone from despair to championship dreams stadium as the coach did the ceremonial O-S-U hand signs for what would turn out to be the final time. Four days later, on Sept. 23, what was seen as unthinkable finally happened. Gundy was fired. The man who was once 40, who had led OSU through thick and thin and become an OSU lifer, was now without a job. That was it — the end. The Cowboys would finish their season at 1-11, but that was overshadowed by what would come next and the questions that loomed over everyone from the highest decision-makers to the fans on the ground: Who would be the next head coach? And how do you replace a coach like Gundy? OSU would search for its new leader in the ensuing months, names flying in from all directions. When the Cowboys hired North Texas’ Eric Morris to lead the program, there Chance Marick, The O’Colly was something in the air in Stillwater that OSU looks to turn a difficult 2025 into championship dreams in 2026 hadn’t been there in nearly two years: excitement. He said all the right things. Morris talked emphatically about While the Cowboys started the 2025 how the administration aligned with his Logan Cole season with a 27-7 win over UT-Martin, values, how everyone involved wanted to STAFF REPORTER the walloping in Eugene seemingly take OSU to the next level and how the flushed 20 years of goodwill down the town of Stillwater itself made him feel drain. comfortable taking the job. When the clock hit zero on that fateful It was a warm night at Boone Pickens “[Stillwater] is absolutely the perfect fit fall night, the hook-and-ladder came up Stadium on Sept. 19, 2025, the energy for me and my family,” Morris said at his short and gave Tulsa its first win over undimmed by the Cowboys’ 69-3 loss to introductory press conference on Dec. 8, the Cowboys since 1998, and its first in Oregon the previous weekend. 2025. “So, number one, big check mark. Stillwater since 1947. It had been a rough stretch for As it relates to professional, can we win a The 49,000-strong crowd had a message Oklahoma State football, to say the least. championship? My answer to that is hell After starting the previous season 3-0, the for the man who’d led OSU to its longest yes.” Cowboys would go winless in Big 12 play era of sustained success: He talked about winning “Fire Gundy!” to finish 3-9, their worst record under championships, about wanting to bring head coach Mike Gundy since his first glory back to a storied program, even The chant rang out through the season in 2005.

about bringing back OSU’s most storied rivalry game. “I’d love to get on the phone with anybody that we know that can help us get that game back [Bedlam],” Morris said. “And if they’re asking if Coach Morris welcomes that game, I welcome it with open arms.” Once the portal opened, Morris brought in all the right faces. He grabbed 15 of his former players from North Texas, including quarterback Drew Mestemaker, running back Caleb Hawkins and receiver Wyatt Young, who made up the three-headed monster that has now moved up I-35 to Stillwater. He brought an entirely new defense, too, including in-state corner Mo Horn and UNT linebacker Ethan Wesloski, who’s expected to be the on-field defender who communicates with the coaches. All that’s to say, the last nine months at OSU have felt like a rebirth. The Cowboys enter the 2026 season with enough unwanted stats to fill a separate column. OSU hasn’t won a game against a Big 12 foe in almost a thousand days, and hasn’t beaten an FBS opponent in almost two years. America’s brightest orange had dulled, yet a calendar year later, Stillwater is pulsing with hype. Every day, it seems, OSU is the topic of an expectation-raising headline, and betting markets are bullish that the Cowboys could recreate Indiana’s rise under Curt Cignetti. The standard was raised over the past 20 years. Now, it feels higher than ever, with OSU fans hoping Morris can get the Cowboys over the hump and fulfill his championship promise.

The Turnpike Classic

Timothy Christensen

sports.ed@ocolly.com

How OSU vs. Tulsa has become a real rivalry

Boone Pickens Stadium, beating OSU 19-12. The loss ended any optimism that the Cowboys Oklahoma State football’s would rebound from their trip to Tulsa this week has more lackluster 2024 season, and OSU meaning than it ever has before. decided to fire the program’s The “Turnpike Classic” head coach of 20 years, Mike between the Cowboys and the Gundy. Golden Hurricane has never After the game, Lamb was received the attention that other adamant about how much the in-state rivalries garner, despite win meant for him in his first the two schools competing 77 season as head coach. times over the last 111 years. “That’s a huge win for our However, OSU fans have had program,” Lamb said. “It’s a their eye on another for most of statement win for me and our that history. staff and our administration. For years, Oklahoma was I told the team, ‘New Tulsa’s circled by everyone involved back,’ and I told the ESPN at OSU athletics. Fans would guys, ‘We don’t want to be on always tune in to Bedlam the second page of the paper.’ football, regardless of either … I can’t tell you how big this team’s record. is for us in this state, being As OU transitioned to the SEC, the Cowboys and Golden the little brother, and we play Hurricane found it mutually with a chip on our shoulder.” beneficial to ramp up their own Despite TU finishing 4-8 rivalry, eventually leading to in 2025, the statement win contracts in place for the teams provided hope for a Lamb-led to play annualy until 2031. Despite the Turnpike Classic rebuild in Tulsa. For OSU, the loss marked a becoming the only Division I turning point. After finishing football rivalry left in the state, the game lacked appeal among the year without Gundy, the Cowboys turned toward Eric general fanbases. TU had not beaten OSU since 1998, leading Morris to lead them into the some Cowboy fans to look past next era of Cowboy football. the Golden Hurricane each year. The team experienced TU head coach Tre Lamb took significant turnover during notice. the offseason. On Sept. 19, 2025, TU stunned STAFF REPORTER

A SPECIAL PEOPLE! “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Pet.2:9-10 NIV) The apostle Peter is writing to a people who previously had no real relationship with God, but as they came to Christ, to trust and follow him all things changed. They are now special people, a pure people, chosen to be a special group who were taken from spiritual darkness. They are God’s people! If you have come to Jesus, and received forgiveness of your sins; this is also your new condition. The Apostle Paul said it this way; “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;

While the Cowboys likely already had increased hostility toward his team, Lamb added fuel to the fire over the offseason. When hyping up the crowd at a TU basketball game in February, Lamb vehemently declared, “We’ll beat their a-- again,” in reference to the orange and black. The risky quote is perfect material to create bad blood between the two teams. OSU defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson was in Stillwater for the loss last season. He was asked on Tuesday whether the team heard Lamb’s statements. “We heard, we heard,” Johnson said with a smile on his face. “We ain’t gonna say too much, but we definitely File Photo, The O’Colly Tulsa beast OSU 19-12 last September. took notice of it.” Lamb’s bravado does Coach Morris is a really good it be history, proximity or not come without respect, evaluator of talent, him and vengeance, there certainly however, and he spoke highly his staff, Raj [Murti], their GM. will be an added weight to this of the new-look Cowboys. They’ve done an unreal job of year’s Turnpike Classic. “This is the most talented bringing good players in, and team we’re gonna play,” we know what’s in front of us.” Lamb might be trying to Lamb told News on 6 on bring down the temperature Aug. 26. “That’s just what I told the guys. I do feel that way. I think they have a firstround quarterback. I think

old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Co.5:17 NIV) We are the people of God and we have sto ry to tell. We can proclaim it clearly and sincerely to all. This happened to me in Japan, November, 1956. I heard the good news of Christ and things begin to change in my life. Jesus became real and began leading my life. It has been an adventure, learning to fellowship and walk with the Lord. I have made many mistakes, but the Lord keeps encouraging me to keep following Him. The God, who has started a good work in me and you (fellow believer) will finish it with eternal consequences. All through the ages to come we get to experience life with Christ. If you have not yet put your trust in Him and begin following him. I urge you to do It now. He is faithful to lead your life into the best (sometimes difficult) things and will glorify Himself and produce lasting blessings. It’s open to al!.

now, but players like Johnson already see this upcoming game as “personal.” Whether

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Page 4A Friday, September 4, 2026

O’Colly

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From walk-on to QB1 Drew Mestemaker’s rise to OSU

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Drew Mestemaker gets ready to lead the Cowboys adter a breakout 2025 capaign at North Texas. Will Thorogood

STAFF REPORTER

Before walking onto North Texas with zero FBS offers in 2024, Drew Mestemaker did not start a varsity game at quarterback at Vandegrift High School in Austin, Texas. Two years later, he is the starting quarterback for Oklahoma State, preparing for the Cowboys’ 2026 season opener Sept. 5 against Tulsa. “This is what you dream of; this is a position I want to be at,” Mestemaker said about preparing for a higher level. “But I can’t go out and do anything crazy or different than I haven’t done in the past because obviously, these teams are better, but also our team’s better, too. You can’t really change your process. You gotta stick to your process and just work at it.”

In the 21st century, OSU has seen talented quarterbacks such as Zac Robinson, Brandon Weeden and Mason Rudolph take the field at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mestemaker now has a chance to add his name to that list after a breakout redshirt freshman season at UNT. He spent the 2024 season as a backup to Chandler Morris, appearing in five games and starting one. Mestemaker finished with 30 completions for 462 yards and two touchdowns, adding 87 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. He made his mark in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl in Dallas, Texas, against Texas State, throwing for 393 yards and two touchdowns on 26 completions in UNT’s 30-28 loss. Last season, Mestemaker took off as the Mean Green’s starter, leading the FBS in

completions of at least 10 yards (168), 20 yards (67), 50 yards (11), 60 yards (eight) and 70 yards (five). He also ranked second nationally in passing touchdowns (34), third in points responsible for (240) and fourth in passing efficiency (168.7). Linebacker Ethan Wesloski, who has gone up against Mestemaker many times in practice, talked about the quarterback’s growth over the last few years. “Really it’s just been as a leader, as a human being,” Wesloski said. “He’s able to take on a role and lead his offense those days when they’re in a lull, but he’s able to kind of regroup them and recenter them, remind them of their mission, and they’ve been able to flip the switch on him.” Now at OSU, the mental part of preparing for a higher level of

college football has not changed for Mestemaker, according to Cowboys head coach Eric Morris. “He’s handled preparation so good, and I think that’s what [quarterbacks coach Sean Brophy’s] done good for so long,” Morris said. “I think just building confidence in those guys, and the way he builds the meeting room and allows these guys to see it. And then two — just having a good working relationship with Drew, as he gets older, and around the game and smarter.” While Brophy has been a crucial part of Mestemaker’s growth, the quarterback also gave large credit to Morris, whom he has learned a lot from over the past two years. “Just the way he calls the offense helps you get up to speed,” Mestemaker said. “I feel

like the way he views offenses and where offenses are trying to attack, I feel like that’s helped me grow as a quarterback.” While UNT played Tulsa back in 2024, Mestemaker did not appear in the Mean Green’s 52-20 win over the Golden Hurricane. Now, as the starting quarterback for the Cowboys, he will get that opportunity come Saturday. “They’re a good team, and they got a bunch of transfers and they play fast on defense,” Mestemaker said. “I feel like their defensive structure is sort of similar to ours. They like keeping those two high safeties, and then letting their guys play free. They don’t try to scheme us up too much until third downs, but they put their players in position to succeed and let them go play fast.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Gundy’s first year vs. Morris’ first year: What’s changed at OSU?

with 1:37 remaining. After that game, Gundy gave his famous “I’m a man, I’m 40” rant at his press conference, which is still talked about almost 20 years later. As Gundy took the Cowboys to the next level, Morris transitioned from playing to coaching, making stops at four schools as an assistant before taking his first head-coaching job at Incarnate Word in 2018. While Morris was garnering success at North Texas, Gundy’s tenure at OSU was approaching the end. After a 19-12 loss to Tulsa on Sept. 19, Gundy was fired three Chance Marick, The O’Colly games into the 2025 season on Eric Morris prepares for his first season at OSU Sept. 23, ending his 21-year run as the Cowboys’ head coach. Will Thorogood STAFF REPORTER “Mike is a legend around here,” head coach. OSU led 17-0 midway through Morris said. “What he was able After the season on Jan. 2, the third quarter before Texas to build here and the longevity AS Eric Morris enters his first 2005, Miles was named the head Tech rallied to tie the game early — you think that was kind of season, Oklahoma State and coach of LSU, becoming the 32nd in the fourth. After trading punts the start of [building a great college football are very different head coach in program history. A and turnovers, the Cowboys program].” from what they were when Mike day later, Gundy was promoted regained possession with 6:43 left The early opening gave OSU a Gundy took over in 2005. to be the head coach of OSU, and drove down the field, with head start in its coaching search, Gundy was beginning his first beginning a long and successful quarterback Al Pena scoring on with Morris emerging as one of head-coaching gig while Morris tenure with the Cowboys. a 1-yard touchdown run with 23 the prominent candidates. was playing wide receiver at Texas Gundy’s first season was seconds remaining to seal the Morris was hired on Nov. 25, Tech. The two would first be on interesting, to say the least, as 24-17 win. and 19 players on North Texas’ opposite sides that season when he dismissed 11 players from Morris and Gundy were also 2025 roster followed him over to OSU and TTU faced off Nov. 12 the team in the offseason. That on opposite sides of another Stillwater. This created a lot of at Boone Pickens Stadium, and proved costly for the team’s depth, memorable matchup in 2007, buzz and excitement for the new again in 2007. as OSU went 4-7, with only one when OSU escaped with a era of Cowboy Football. Before Gundy’s first year as Big 12 win. 49-45 win. Morris recorded Unlike Gundy in 2005, Morris head coach of the Cowboys, Les That lone conference win came two receptions for 16 yards, enters his first season with Miles was the head coach of OSU against No. 13 Texas Tech, putting including a 12-yard touchdown familiar faces, considerable depth and Gundy was the offensive Gundy and Morris on the field at from Graham Harrell that tied and much higher expectations. coordinator. Over four years in the same time. the game at 28 in the second While OSU was not viewed as a Stillwater, Miles improved the Morris did not record any stats quarter. Brandon Pettigrew later top-tier program in 2005, Morris’ program, leading the Cowboys to in the game, but he ended up on caught the game-winning 54-yard Cowboys enter 2026 looking to a bowl game in every season as the losing side that day. touchdown from Zac Robinson

return to that level. Morris talked about how much the program and game have changed from 2005 to 2026. “I think just college football in general has just changed so drastically since then,” Morris said. “I think Mike was being able to slowly build it and build it off of high school players predominantly, and that’s how you did it back in the day. … This isn’t me or an excuse or anything; it’s just changed so much.” Not only does Morris have the tough task of keeping the program at a high level, but the players do as well. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker talked about what college football is like when OSU is a good team. “I feel like college football is better whenever this place is winning,” Mestemaker said. “You grow up watching all the games and all the New Year’s Six bowls that this team’s in, and you kind of feel that, not pressure, but like expectation of what you win when you’re here.” Linebacker Ethan Wesloski spoke on living up to the high expectations inside the program. “This is a winning program where these guys have won championship after championship,” Wesloski said. “It’s what Stillwater deserves; they deserve a winning football team. We believe we are more than capable to play with anybody in the country on any given day.”

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O’Colly

Friday, September 4, 2026 Page 5A

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‘OSU has potential to complete Indiana-like turnaround’ A new name sits at the college football mountaintop. Cayden Cox

ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

For a long time, Indiana was the all-time losingest team in college football history, but then one hire changed the Hoosiers’ immediate trajectory. After a 3-9 season in 2023, IU brought in former James Madison head coach Curt Cignetti. In his first season, he led the Hoosiers to their first 11-win season and a College Football Playoff appearance. Last season, IU went 16-0 and won the National Championship. The once bottom-feeders of college football are now entering the season as the team to beat. Oklahoma State enters 2026 in a similar spot as Indiana was before Cignetti’s arrival. The Cowboys have historically been a successful program. OSU is one of 14 schools. that have produced a Heisman Trophy winner and a Biletnikoff Award winner. But, in recent years, OSU has struggled. OSU has dropped its last 20 games against FBS opponents and is 4-20 across the last two seasons. Those results led to a change in Stillwater. Out is Mike Gundy. In is Eric Morris. Morris, the former North Texas coach, has a head coaching timeline nearly identical to Cignetti’s. Cignetti’s first Division I head-coaching job was at Elon, where he spent two seasons. In his first season there, he inherited a Phoenix squad that had missed the playoffs in seven straight seasons. He led them to the

playoffs both seasons that he was there. As for Morris, his first job was at FCS Incarnate Word. The Cardinals had never been to the FCS playoffs before Morris’ arrival. In his first season in San Antonio, Texas, he led them to the playoffs. Cignetti stayed in the FCS ranks, but Morris transitioned to the FBS level. James Madison was Cignetti’s next stop. Under Cignetti, JMU made one FCS national championship appearance, then moved from the FCS to the Sun Belt Conference at the FBS level. After a year as the offensive coordinator at Washington State, Morris was named the head coach at UNT. He spent three seasons in Denton, Texas, and last season led the Mean Green to an 11-2 record and their first finish Chance Maric, The O’Colly in the AP Top 25 for the first Oklahoma State looks to make the same turnaround as Indiana did with head coach Curt Cignetti. time since 1959. Mestemaker, running to them about linebacker, lost to both, they ranked When Cignetti made the ‘When the [defensive] end higher in the preseason SOS transition from JMU to IU, 13 back Caleb Hawkins, wide receiver Wyatt Young and does this or the safety does than the Cowboys. former Dukes followed him linebacker Ethan Wesloski this, how does this affect us?’ OSU’s SOS ranks 51st, to Bloomington, Ind. Seven are amongst the former You normally don’t get that but the Cowboys have coaches also followed him. Mean Green players who are with some of these other three ranked teams on On IU’s championship now Cowboys. groups, but it’s been such their schedule (Sept. 12 vs run in 2025, wide receiver A long with them, all three a great time. They all trust No. 2 Oregon, Oct. 17 at Elijah Sarratt, a former each other and believe in No. 23 Houston, Nov. 14 JMU player, hauled in three coordinators (Sean Brophy, Skyler Cassity and Drew each other. It’s been really vs No. 12 Texas Tech). As touchdowns in the College Svoboda) as well as several fun and really easy to be a for OSU’s Big 12 slate, it Football Playoff. Cornerback part of when you transition” faces six teams that finished D’Angelo Ponds was another position coaches made the transition from UNT to OSU. Aside from the coaches in the bottom half of the JMU player who starred for R ather than building a and players following their conference last season. IU in the CFP. He kickstarted head coaches, ‘24 IU and ‘26 In a conference with no the Hoosiers’ 56-22 win over new system from scratch, OSU can utilize what Morris OSU also rank similarly in true favorite and a recordOregon in the semifinals and Co. built at UNT, and their preseason strength of setting 91 of newcomers, the with a pick-six. Wesloski said that is a benefit schedules. Cowboys have what it takes OSU is now positioned to Despite many negative to complete a turnaround make an Indiana-like run in of rolling over the system. “ It’s huge,” Wesloski said. comments surrounding the similar to the Hoosiers’. ‘26. “It’s such a cohesive group. Hoosiers’ schedule, they Twenty-one players are following Morris from UNT, They work so well together. ranked 43rd in the preseason I’m able to go to coach in strength of schedule. and in total, 91 newcomers Malone, coach G Rich (Greg While the Hoosiers faced are coming to Stillwater. Richmond), and I can speak only two ranked teams and Quarterback Drew sports.ed@ocolly.com

Former Cowboys prepare for 2026 NFL season commanded by McCarthy will heavily involve the former Cowboy.

Bears before signing with the Cleveland Browns in the spring of 2025. Jenkins was a critical figure in Justice Hill Cleveland’s frontline last season, Hill is entering his seventh appearing in all 17 regular season with the Baltimore season games. He played 324 Ravens. snaps, allowed no sacks and The Tulsa native put up 93 committed no penalties. rushing yards, two rushing An unexpected and touchdowns, 169 receiving yards unidentified injury caused and one receiving touchdown Jenkins to miss the majority for the Ravens in 2025. He also of early camp practices this managed 188 return yards on summer. His status for Week 1 seven kickoff returns. remains a mystery. Hill did not play in the Here’s what Browns head preseason but remains a healthy coach Todd Monken told veteran, set to be a solid RB2 reporters at a morning press behind workhorse Derrick conference Saturday. Henry. “I think Teven has the advantage, obviously, as the Malcolm Rodriguez veteran player, but we still Veteran linebacker Alex have this week,” Monken said. Anzalone is out in Detroit, and “We still have today and a few the competition to fill the void practices to really finalize. I’d has been a priority for Rodriguez. give Teven the lean, but I don’t Rodriguez had a productive think it’s done yet.” Tribune News Service 2025 season for the Lions despite Jenkins did not practice Former Cowboy Mason Rudolph is entering the season as the backup quarterback for the Steelers. initially missing the first 10 Tuesday. Although his roster games of the season recovering spot is secure, it remains to be two interceptions and a 73.1% developments in the Steelers’ Matthew Sammon from a torn ACL suffered in seen who will be starting at right completion rating in five games. offense is the rise of Warren as O’COLLY CONTRIBUTER the 2024 season. In total, he guard for the Browns in Week 1. For the Steelers, Rudolph only he enters his fifth NFL season. produced 12 tackles in seven played in one preseason game He is one of four running The 2026 NFL season is on the games. Chuba Hubbard and had some mild success. On backs in the NFL — Jahmyr horizon as the final preseason The Lions recently signed Notably absent from preseason Aug. 13 against the Green Bay Gibbs, Bijan Robinson and games came to a close last Packers, he posted 93 passing Breece Hall — to put up 300-plus All-Pro linebacker Devin White, reps this summer was sixth-year Saturday. and that has turned the weakside running back Hubbard. yards, completing 10 of 11 pass receiving yards and 500-plus Despite not having any rookies An injury scare to his attempts with no interceptions. rushing yards in each of the past linebacker spot into a battle. in the 2026 draft class, a few Rodriguez split first-team reps hamstring on Aug. 12 led the Rudolph has secured the three seasons. notable former Cowboys are Carolina coaching staff to play QB2 spot in new head coach Out of caution, Warren played with White through the end of making an impact throughout August. it safe with their backfield star. Mike McCarthy’s offense and nine snaps with five carries for the league. Hubbard officially returned to will remain a solid veteran and 17 yards during the preseason. Here’s how they stack up: Teven Jenkins practice Tuesday and is expected insurance backup to the 42-year- He is sharing the backfield with After being drafted by Chicago to begin the season fully healthy. old Aaron Rodgers. Rico Dowdle and Pittsburgh Mason Rudolph in the second round of the native Eli Heidenreich. In 2025, the veteran QB 2021 NFL Draft, Jenkins spent Jaylen Warren The opportunity for extra and OSU alumnus put up 310 One of the most exciting carries in a new dynamic offense his first four seasons with the passing yards, two touchdowns, sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 6A Friday, September 4, 2026

sports EA Sports predicts Cowboys’ football season

O’Colly

Cayden Cox

ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

EA Sports released a new College Football video game, and that means a The O’Colly tradition is back. Simulating Oklahoma State’s season in EA Sports College Football 27. So, I booted up my PlayStation, set the quarter length to 15 minutes, turned the difficulty to Heisman, and watched as the game projected the Cowboys’ season. Here’s the week-by-week results: Week 1: at Tulsa Result: OSU wins 65-3 OSU record: 1-0 The Cowboys were up 43… at halftime. In a 3-3 game with 7:13 left in the first quarter, the Golden Hurricane was deep in OSU Oklahoma State went 11-3 in the EA Sports College Football 27 Simulator. territory and had held OSU in they proved that video games Mestemaker struggled with K-State cut the lead to two check offensively. Then, Mo are unrealistic at times. six turnovers (four interceptions with just over a minute left Horn gave the Cowboys the Hawkins had a field day in and two fumbles). Those and got the ball back after a wake-up call they needed. He the first quarter. He ran for 102 turnovers were too much for Mestemaker interception, but jumped a comeback route and the Cowboys to overcome as the came up short on 4th down as returned it for a 76-yard pick-six. yards and three touchdowns, as OSU built a 49-0 lead after Cougars picked up their first OSU survived. Drew Mestemaker exploded the first 15 minutes. Donovan conference win and handed for 515 passing yards, Wyatt Green was a problem for the OSU its first conference loss. Week 11: Texas Tech Young had 20 catches, Horn FCS defense. He hauled in 17 The loss also knocked OSU Result: OSU wins 30-27 recorded three interceptions, passes for 271 yards and added out of the Top 25. OSU record: 8-2 Sam Keltner went a perfect No. 5 Texas Tech and No. 13 10-for-10 on field goals and the three touchdowns. Week 8: Colorado OSU met in the Game of the Cowboys cruised past their inWeek 4: at West Virginia Result: OSU wins 62-45 Week (EA’s version of College state rival to open the season. Result: OSU wins 31-20 OSU record: 5-2 Gameday). OSU record: 3-1 The Cowboys built an After a slow first half, Week 2: Oregon Mestemaker had his first early 21-0 lead, which nearly Horn gave the Cowboys the Result: OSU loses 58-24 turnover-free game of the vanished when CU scored 17 momentum to start the second OSU record: 1-1 half as he recorded his second After the 62-point shellacking season. He threw for 351 passing unanswered, but Hawkins yards and three touchdowns. All ensured that wouldn’t happen. pick-six of the season and gave against Tulsa and a couple of three of those touchdowns went He ran for 208 yards, had OSU a 20-10 lead. Week 1 upsets elsewhere, the to Young, who was named the an additional 57 receiving OSU’s defense forced four Red Cowboys entered the contest Big 12 Offensive Player of the yards and scored five total Raider turnovers, and KD Jones ranked No. 25. Week for the third time on the touchdowns, as OSU picked iced the game with a 12-yard However, the ranked up a homecoming victory and touchdown run with 2:11 left as Cowboys were no match against season. Despite not having any sacks, reentered the Top 25. OSU handed TTU its first loss of the Ducks. OSU’s defense held WVU’s the season. On the opening drive of the dual-threat quarterback Michael Week 9: at Iowa State game, OSU faced a 4th and Result: OSU wins 49-30 Week 12: at Arizona State inches from the Oregon 20-yard Hawkins Jr. to -2 rushing yards and survived a late comeback OSU record: 6-2 Result: OSU wins 51-16 line. Morris elected to go for attempt from the Mountaineers. What was a back-and-forth OSU record: 9-2 it. Mestemaker threw a bubble game turned the Cowboys’ It was all Cowboys in this one. screen to Miles Coleman, who Week 6: UCF way halfway through the third They were up 21-3 after the first was tackled just short of the Result: OSU wins 68-35 quarter when ISU quarterback 15 and took a 35-9 lead into the first-down marker. Later in the OSU record: 4-1 Jaylen Raynor left the game locker room. first quarter, the Cowboys had Following the bye week, the with an injury. Mestemaker threw for 196 the ball at the Ducks’ 1-yard line Cowboys entered this contest OSU outscored the Cyclones yards and two touchdowns, and and once again were stopped on 4th down, as Caleb Hawkins once again ranked, this time as 23-10 over the final 20 minutes the OSU defense intercepted the No. 22 team. and clinched bowl eligibility. ASU quarterback Cutter Boley was unable to cross the goal OSU faced an early deficit three times. line. but outscored the Knights 38-7 Week 10: at Kansas State Mestemaker threw two in the second quarter, taking Result: OSU wins 26-24 Week 13: Kansas interceptions, while the control of the game. OSU record: 7-2 Result: OSU wins 37-14 Cowboys had no answer for The Cowboys forced four The Cowboys defense thought OSU record: 10-2 Oregon quarterback Dante it got the stop it needed. The Cowboys’ defense held Moore, who threw for 580 yards turnovers; Mestemaker accounted for three touchdowns With 3:39 left, the Wildcats the Jayhawks to 305 yards and and five touchdowns. (one passing, two rushing) as had the ball and the opportunity 4-for-16 on third down while the Cowboys picked up their to go on a game-winning drive. OSU’s offense found its footing. Week 3: FCS Midwest first conference home win. Facing a third down, K-State Hawkins ran for 113 yards, (Murray State) quarterback Avery Johnson Mestemaker ran for two Result: OSU wins 146-13 Week 7: at Houston fired the ball over the middle, touchdowns and Miles Coleman OSU record: 2-1 Result: OSU loses 62-40 and Tate Romney intercepted it. caught two touchdowns on The CFB27 game only OSU record: 4-2 OSU was able to drive into three receptions. features FBS teams, so in place After defeating UCF, the field goal range, and Keltner After defeating the Jayhawks, of Murray State, the Cowboys’ Cowboys moved up to No. 18, converted on a 38-yard field goal OSU clinched a spot in the Big Week 3 opponent is 51 overall that made it a two-score game. 12 conference championship FCS Midwest. With a 51 overall and the Cougars entered the contest looking to snap their However, the Wildcats weren’t game. team opposing the Cowboys, three-game losing streak. done yet.

eaway! d i H l ina g i r he O t t ou k c e Ch

SINCE 1957,

230 S. Knoblock St. Stillwater, OK 74074

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

Chance Marick, The O’Colly

Postseason: Texas Tech (Big 12 Championship) Result: OSU loses 66-20 OSU record: 10-3 The Red Raiders and Cowboys met again, this time at AT&T Stadium with a College Football Playoff berth on the line. TTU jumped out to a 31-0 lead in the first half, and that hole was too big for the Cowboys. The Red Raiders had 687 yards of total offense. Quarterback Will Hammond threw for 508 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Cameron Dickey added 170 yards on the ground to go along with five rushing touchdowns. Postseason: Air Force (Independence Bowl) Result: OSU wins 31-13 OSU record: 11-3 The Cowboys entered the Big 12 championship as the No. 9 team, but after losing by 46 to TTU, the EA CFP selection committee was faced with a tough question. Do you punish a team for a loss in its conference championship? Ultimately, that loss did matter as No. 13 OSU missed a spot in the CFP. OSU, however, got an invitation to the Independence Bowl where it faced Air Force. Mestemaker once again struggled as he threw four interceptions, but the Cowboys’ defense held the Falcons at bay. OSU closed the game by scoring 17 unanswered points and ended its season with a bowl win.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

O’Colly

Friday, September 4, 2026 Page 7A

sports

‘It definitely feels like home’ Weston Wertzberger

Jacob Sexton finds a fresh start at OSU

first career start against Florida State in the Cheez-It Bowl. He made four starts at right tackle Coming out of Deer Creek in 2023, started Oklahoma’s High School in Edmond, Okla., first eight games in 2024 before Jacob Sexton saw Oklahoma an injury ended his season, State as a place he could call then started at left tackle in the home. Sooners’ 2025 season opener The Cowboys were among before missing the remainder of multiple Power Four programs the season. pursuing the consensus Class “Those injuries were big of 2022 four-star recruit, who moments that took away a lot was ranked among the top of playing time,” Sexton said. 10 prospects in the state of “So, just hopeful this year to be Oklahoma. able to put it all together and When Sexton made the trip put together a great piece of to Stillwater, he said he felt work and be happy with a great connected. However, the timing season.” wasn’t right, and he ultimately Those injuries once decided to take his talents to represented lost opportunities Oklahoma. during his four years in Four years later, after injuries Norman. Now, Sexton is more interrupted his time in Norman, focused on what he can control. Sexton found himself back in “Just being content with Stillwater. This time, the feeling myself, knowing that that’s part was different. of the game, and not necessarily “It’s really exciting,” Sexton taking it personally, and being said. “Coming out here out able to move on from it,” Sexton of high school and seeing said. “Because it’s one thing the facility and everything, it that happens, and you’ve got to was amazing. Really enjoyed be able to move on from it. You everybody here. I felt a great can’t stick in the past.” connection, loved Stillwater, When Sexton entered the and in my high school transfer portal, he didn’t have to decision, didn’t feel like this look far for a familiar place. He was necessarily home at the transferred to OSU in January time. But a second trip around, and quickly rediscovered it definitely feels like home, the comfort he felt as a high and everybody here has been schooler. amazing to me.” “I just felt like home,” During his four years with the Sexton said. “It was the first Sooners, his time on the field place I visited out of the was repeatedly cut short. portal. I felt like there were Sexton played in 10 games great connections, and it was as a true freshman in 2022 somewhere that I had been out before getting injured on his of high school. I already knew SPORTS EDITOR

HEISMAN

Weston Wertzberger: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

everything around. It’s an easy move from Norman, an hour drive, move all my stuff, super easy. So, it just felt like home.” Sexton has spent 997 offensive snaps during his career with only 404 coming at left tackle, which is where he will start for the Cowboys. Playing at multiple spots on the offensive line has helped shape his versatility, and he’s realized that. “I’ve learned so much because of that,” Sexton said. “It’s tough at first because there are so many different Courtesy of Devin Wilbur things that you Jacob Sexton is playing his final college football season in Stillwater. have to know, but it’s also helped just by playing one knowledge of multiple spots returning to OSU as a recruit position now, being able to with him. deciding where to play. He’s focus on that. I’ve learned a ton “It’s a very experienced here as a senior with one about what the guy next to me offensive line,” Sexton said. more opportunity to make the is doing, and so knowing and “There’s a lot of older guys that most of the game that injuries understanding that gives me a have played a lot of ball, and repeatedly took away from him. great opportunity to do better at then a lot of guys that have “Just every opportunity we my job.” played together even still. So have on the field, I’m going to Sexton joins an experienced just that connection and that bring juice and be excited to go offensive line that includes time on the field is going to be ball,” Sexton said. “So, no matter Johnny Dickson III, Ashton huge for us.” where it’s at, doesn’t matter Lepo and Joseph Hanson, with After years of injuries and a where in the country, man, those three combining for 89 move across the state, Sexton I’m excited to go play football games played, including 46 finally has the opportunity to again.” starts. With Sexton fully healthy, put everything together. he’s now able to focus on his This time, though, he isn’t own position while bringing sports.ed@ocolly.com

OSU OFFENSIVE MVP

OSU DEFENSIVE MVP

Cox: WR Wyatt Young

Cox: DL James Williams

Thorogood: RB Caleb Hawkins

Thorogood: DE Jaleel Johnson

Wertzberger: WR Wyatt Young

Cayden Cox: Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, QB, Cal Will Thorogood: Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State

Christensen: QB Drew

Timothy Christensen: Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State

Wertzberger: DE Jaleel Johnson

Christensen: DE Jaleel Johnson

Mestemaker

Ryan Ruston: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

Ruston: QB Drew Mestemaker

Logan Cole: Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State

Cole: WR Wyatt Young

Cole: CB LaDainian Fields

Marcus Mesis: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

Mesis: RB Caleb Hawkins

Mesis: DE Jaleel Johnson

Ben Schatzel: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

Schatzel: QB Drew Mestemaker

Schatzel: DE Malik Charles

Wertzberger: BYU Ruston: BYU

Ruston: CB LaDainian Fields

BIG 12 CHAMPION Cox: BYU

Thorogood: BYU

Cole: Texas Tech Mesis: Utah

Christensen: Texas Tech Schatzel: Texas Tech

Page 8A Friday, September 4, 2026

O’Colly

sports

A look back at the last five times OSU football has traveled to Tulsa Ben Schatzel

A No. 13-ranked OSU squad improved to 3-0 after a dominant performance over When the Oklahoma the Golden Hurricane. The State Cowboys travel to Cowboys led 28-0 at halftime H.A. Chapman Stadium on and 38-0 at the end of the Saturday, Sept. 5, for their third quarter before ultimately season opener against the closing the door with a 45-10 Tulsa Golden Hurricane, it will victory. be the 78th meeting all-time OSU quarterback Alan and the 40th hosted by TU. Bowman was the catalyst for While OSU leads the the Cowboys, completing 24 series 44-28-7, the Cowboys passes for 396 yards and five have struggled on the road, touchdowns. managing just a 16-21-2 at H.A. Chapman Stadium. 2019: OSU 41, Tulsa 20 However, since 1998, OSU The first game after the is 4-1 against the Golden death of billionaire booster T. Hurricane in Tulsa. Here is a Boone Pickens, and the Golden look back at those five most Hurricane had no answer for recent matchups between the Cowboy running back Chuba two schools. Hubbard. Hubbard ripped off 2024: OSU 45, Tulsa 10 touchdown runs of 75 and 30 The last win against an FBS yards in the first four minutes opponent for the Cowboys of the game en route to a before the current 20-game then career-high 256 yards losing streak, and oh what a and three scores. These two game it was. scores helped OSU jump out STAFF REPORTER

to a quick 17-0 lead before TU responded and eventually led at half, 21-20. A 90-yard touchdown reception by Cowboy wide receiver Tylan Wallace in the third quarter was part of 21 unanswered second-half points for OSU and gave the Cowboys the 41-20 win.

ever, garnering 543 total yards and 30 first downs to outpace the Golden Hurricane in a game that did not end until 3:35 a.m.

traveled to Tulsa and came out with a loss was the 1998 matchup between the two schools. The Golden Hurricane jumped out to a 35-0 lead and 2000: OSU 36, Tulsa 26 led 35-7 after three quarters. The Cowboys opened up TU held off a semi-rally from the season at the Golden OSU in the fourth to win 35Hurricane in 2000 and grabbed 20. The Cowboys compiled their first win in Tulsa since 12 penalties for 101 yards, 2011: OSU 59, Tulsa 33 1993. had four turnovers and were The infamous battle between OSU jumped on top quickly outgained 439-353. the two schools didn’t begin thanks to two TU fumbles A fun fact: later in the until after midnight. OSU and led 21-0 at the end of one season, OSU won the Bedlam waited out a three-hour quarter. From there on, Tulsa rivalry over Oklahoma, 41-26. rain delay before ultimately would outgain (435-413) and Losing to Tulsa but beating blowing out TU, 59-33. outscore the Cowboys (26-15), OU in the same season has After the Golden Hurricane but overcoming the deficit happened only once since 1950 took a 3-0 lead, the Cowboys proved too much, as OSU (1995). went on a 31-3 run to close would win 36-26. The Cowboys will look to out the first half, leading 31-6. OSU running back Reggie extend their winning streak at The second 30 minutes seemed White ran for 197 yards and H.A. Chapman Stadium to five more of a sleepwalk for OSU, two scores, while quarterback in a row this Saturday as they as TU scored 27 points and Tony Lindsay completed 11 open up the Eric Morris era ended the game with 365 passes for 166 yards and three against the Golden Hurricane. rushing yards. scores. However, the Cowboy 1998: Tulsa 35, OSU 20 offense was as impressive as The last time the Cowboys sports.ed@ocolly.com

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

TEAM 2

Kaitlyn Robertson

Kalina Williams

OSU 45-24

OSU 35-17

OSU 38-21

Oregon 41-21

Oregon 41-17

Oregon 40-21

Oregon 49-17

Auburn 28-21

Auburn 20-13

Auburn 27-21

Auburn 14-7

Auburn 21-17

Duke 28-17

Duke 28-14

Duke 34-17

Duke 31-20

Tulane 35-21

Duke 27-17

Texas 56-7

Texas 52-13

Texas 50-21

Texas 52-14

Texas 47-20

Texas 50-17

Texas 49-14

LSU 33-14

LSU 35-10

LSU 35-24

LSU 35-10

LSU 17-7

LSU 24-6

LSU 21-7

Clemson 17-14

Cal 28-27

UCLA 35-31

Cal 31-28

Cal 34-28

UCLA 34-31

Cal 31-28

UCLA 24-14

UCLA 21-17

GAMES

Weston Wertzberger

Cayden Cox

Will Thorogood

Timothy Christensen

Ryan Ruston

Marcus Mesis

Logan Cole

Ben Schatzel

Oklahoma State vs Tulsa

OSU 38-13

OSU 45-17

OSU 49-21

OSU 45-17

OSU 48-24

OSU 42-24

OSU 42-21

Boise State vs #2 Oregon

Oregon 45-17

Oregon 41-20

Oregon 40-15

Oregon 50-10

Oregon 41-13

Oregon 40-25

Baylor vs Auburn

Baylor 27-24

Baylor 31-27

Auburn 24-20

Auburn 20-17

Baylor 31-24

Duke 31-20

Duke 23-20

Duke 30-13

Duke 30-19

Texas State vs #5 Texas

Texas 59-7

Texas 49-10

Texas 63-10

Clemson vs #11 LSU

LSU 34-27

LSU 31-13

Cal 28-21

Cal 31-27

Tulane vs Duke

UCLA vs Cal Wisconsin vs #4 Notre Dame

Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame

31-24

31-10

35-10

40-15

38-17

35-10

28-7

38-13

24-21

28-21

#24 Louisville vs #9 Ole Miss

Ole Miss 34-20

Ole Miss 30-24

Ole Miss 17-14

Ole Miss 38-35

Ole Miss 35-17

Ole Miss 28-7

Ole Miss 21-10

Ole Miss 34-17

Ole Miss 35-28

Ole Miss 31-28

#19 SMU vs Florida State

SMU 28-20

SMU 38-27

SMU 25-22

FSU 24-21

FSU 28-24

SMU 28-24

SMU 45-14

SMU 28-20

FSU 42-35

EDITOR BOARD TEAMS

STANDINGS:

Timothy — 9-1 Ben — 9-1 Marcus — 8-2 Weston — 7-3

Will — 7-3 Logan — 7-3 Cayden — 6-4 Ryan — 6-4

GUEST TEAM 1: 7-3

Caleson — 7-3 Chance — N/A Jose — N/A Kaitlyn — N/A

GUEST TEAM 2: 5-5

Andon — 5-5 Ashley — N/A Kalina — N/A Megan — N/A

Friday, September 4, 2026

Students, Locals plans for Labor Day. Keiley Ward

O’COLLY CONTRIBUTOR

While many Oklahoma State University students are looking forward to a long weekend away from classes, Levi Lowery will be spending his Labor Day working at

Barnes and Noble. However, for Lowery, working on Labor Day is nothing new. “Most retail jobs that I have worked at have never been closed for Labor Day,” Lowery said. “I have never spent Labor Day not

actually having to do labor.” open this weekend,” Lowery said. After the opening of Barnes and “But I look forward to having a lot Noble in Stillwater last month, of people here.” Lowery expects the bookstore to be packed Labor Day weekend. “We have already had about 10 See LABOR DAY on page 2 or 15 calls asking if we will be

Eskimo Joes celebrated 51 years with a full week of anniversary events, giveaways, and live entertainment.

Courtesy Kendra Burtrum

OSU Students share concerns, thoughts amid six-month U.S. and iran conflict.

Caleson Coon

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Some Oklahoma State University students have grown concerned about the impact the continued conflict between the United States and Iran has on the economy, while others believe there is an urgent need for more awareness of its effects on the country. Senior English major Tynli

Nickell admitted she hasn’t been too active on campus, but feels a need for more awareness and understanding on various opinions surrounding the conflict.

See IRAN on page 8 Ben Schatzel, The O’Colly

University Counseling Services is located in room 320 in the Student Union.

Someone to lean on: Suicide Awareness Month Delaney Waterman

students so that they do not have to suffer. Cowboys Care, a mental One in every five college students health-first initiative fueled by First Cowgirl Angela Hess, was struggles with suicidal ideation, launched in 2025 to connect according to InsideHigherEd. It is the second-leading cause of students, faculty and surrounding members of the university with the death in college-age individuals with approximately 1,100 fatalities help they need. each year. Here at Oklahoma State University, there are multiple resources readily available to See AWARENESS on page 2 STAFF REPORTER

Students feel a need for more awarness on campus.

Courtesy Creative Commons

Page 2B Friday, September 4, 2026

O’Colly

lifestyle The O’Colly’s guide to an OSU football gameday. ASHLEY YARBROUGH &AMANDA NAGODE STAFF REPORTERS

Game day is quickly approaching at Oklahoma State University, leading to prepare students and fans preparing for another season of Cowboy football. Soon, Hester Street will be flooded with a sea of orange, Boone Pickens Stadium will be packed to the brim and Bullet will make his debut of the season. Whether it’s your first game day, or you have been attending for years, here is what you need to know before heading to the stadium. Tailgating There are plenty of places to tailgate on campus, but if you want to create the perfect setup, you must ensure you are tailgating the right way. Setting up tents and chairs begins the day before the game at 11 a.m., and tailgate areas are first-come, firstserved. Be respectful of your fellow tailgaters and do not take another’s claimed location. If you choose to tailgate, shelter from the sun is a must. Make sure you are looking for spots with good shade, or even better, pack a pop-up canopy. You can find a map and the OSU tailgating guidelines on the website. The Hester Street walk and the Hall of Fame Block Party The Hester Street walk

Fans display spirit for OSU

is one of OSU’s pregame traditions. About two hours before the game begins, the football team, the Cowboy Marching Band and the OSU Spirit Squad make their way to Boone Pickens Stadium. You can follow the parade over to the Hall of Fame Block Party, a free pre-game event held on the North side of Boone Pickens Stadium. The block party includes live music, inflatables and the chance to meet the local hooved celebrities, BB and Bullet.

File Photo, The O’Colly

Seating If you win the battle for the limited, first-served student sports pass, you will be able to sit in the student section of the stadium. Students fill the entire the North side of the bowl. Forget any seat cushions; fans in the student section usually stay standing for the entire game. It’s important to stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes to keep up with the rest of the crowd. The stadium runs from east to west, meaning the North side of the student stands is

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Design editor Jose Brito

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Design editor Kaitlyn Robertson

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

Photo editor Chance Marick

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

Sports editor Weston Wertzberger sports.ed@ocolly.com

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

Asst. Sports editor Cayden Cox

sports.ed@ocolly.com

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

perfect for night games. The student gates open 90 minutes before kickoff, so make sure to arrive a little early to snag a spot in the shade and don’t forget to wear sunscreen.

Freddie’s are other options. Standard stadium food generally ranges in price from $5 to $12, while specialty eats can be a little higher. Be aware that lines will typically be long during halftime. Must-have Eats Grabbing a bite to eat before Boone Pickens Stadium has the game starts or waiting plenty to offer for concessions, until timeouts are your best from classic game-day treats bet to avoid the queue. to Stillwater restaurant collaborations. Popular spots include Pokey’s BBQ and The Curty Shack. If you are craving a sweet treat rather than something news.ed@ocolly.com savory, Frios Popsicles and

Payton Little, The O’Colly Chance Marick The O’Colly Banana fans roaring loud at Boone Pickens Stadium Fans at the football game with coach

Editorial board Editor-in-Chief Caleson Coon

Payton Little, The O’Colly

Fans look to pack Boone Pickens Stadium again heading into the 2026 season.

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

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

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

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

O’Colly

Friday, September 4, 2026 Page 3B

Stillwater Water Lantern Festival