Oklahoma State University football begins a new chapter this weekend as the Cowboys travel to Tulsa for their season‑opening matchup. The game, set for 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, marks the first contest for head coach Eric Morris, who took over after the program’s 1‑11 campaign last year.
Local fans get a first look at the Morris‑Mestemaker partnership
Coach Morris arrived in Stillwater after a rapid rise at the University of North Texas, where he transformed a 5‑7 team into a College Football Playoff contender by 2025. He brings a high‑tempo offense that should light up the scoreboard, and he has brought his star quarterback, redshirt sophomore Drew Mestemaker, along with him.
Mestemaker posted impressive numbers in 2025, throwing for 4,379 yards, 34 touchdowns and a 74.8 passer rating. His transition to the Cowboys’ system is a key storyline for local supporters who hope the new regime can reverse the fortunes of a program that has struggled in recent years.
Game details and how to attend
The Cowboys will face the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium in Tulsa. Doors open at 1:15 p.m., and tickets remain available through third‑party sellers for fans who want to catch the action live. The game will be televised on ESPNU, with radio coverage on 96.1 KXXY and the Varsity Sports Network.
Historically, Oklahoma State leads the series 44‑28‑5, but Tulsa won the most recent meeting in 2025, the final game coached by longtime OSU head coach Mike Gundy. The outcome this weekend could set the tone for the Cowboys’ 2026 campaign.
What’s next for the Cowboys
After the road test in Tulsa, Oklahoma State returns home to host the Oregon Ducks the following week, giving the new coaching staff a chance to showcase their revamped offense in front of the Stillwater crowd. The early part of the schedule provides a clear gauge of how well the team has adapted to Morris’s system and whether Mestemaker can translate his prolific passing numbers to the Big 12 stage.
Local businesses and community members are already gearing up for the influx of fans. Restaurants near the stadium anticipate higher traffic, and the university’s athletic department is coordinating with city officials to ensure smooth traffic flow and parking for visitors.
Why the new era matters to Oklahoma fans
For many Oklahoma families, college football is a cornerstone of community pride and tradition. The arrival of Coach Morris and a dynamic quarterback offers a fresh sense of optimism after a disappointing season. Supporters see this as an opportunity to restore the Cowboys to national relevance while maintaining the family‑friendly atmosphere that has long defined OSU football weekends.
As the season unfolds, keep an eye on local coverage for ticket updates, game‑day events, and post‑game analysis that will highlight how the new coaching staff is shaping the future of Oklahoma State football.
Original reporting: KOCO Sports (Oklahoma City) — read the source article.
