The 2026 Oklahoma State Cowboys Schedule: A Road of Contrasts
When the Oklahoma State Cowboys open the season, the excitement is tempered by the reality of a drawn‑out slate that stretches from modest non‑conference foes to elite Power Five rivals. New head coach Eric Morris inherits a program eager to prove it can compete in the Big 12, and the schedule he receives is a study in both opportunity and obstacle.
The early stretch begins with Murray State, a team that finished last season 1‑11 and offers the Cowboys a clear path to a win. Tulsa, coached by Tre Lamb, is on the rise and will be hungry to upset a Big 12 opponent, while Colorado presents a volatile picture after a disappointing year and health concerns surrounding Deion Sanders.
UCF proved to be the closest test for Oklahoma State a year ago, and the Knights remain a dangerous opponent despite a modest record. West Virginia, meanwhile, has been a nightmare for the Cowboys, who have dropped 19 straight Big 12 meetings in Morgantown.
Kansas’s offense will look different without Jalon Daniels, who is no longer eligible, adding uncertainty to the Jayhawks’ attack. Iowa State and Oklahoma State are both entering new eras under fresh leadership, setting the stage for a clash of rebuilding programs.
Houston arrives with a 10‑win campaign under Willie Fritz, making the Cougars a formidable challenge. Arizona State’s quarterback situation remains a mystery, leaving the Sun Devils’ performance hard to gauge heading into the matchup.
Kansas State brings Collin Klein to the helm, a coach who previously led the Wildcats to a memorable run, promising a gritty contest in Manhattan. Texas Tech, the preseason favorite in the Big 12, adds another layer of difficulty to the Cowboys’ schedule.
The toughest test may be Oregon, a top‑five national title contender whose high‑powered offense will test the Cowboys’ defense. As the season unfolds, the blend of easy wins and daunting foes will shape how Eric Morris and his squad navigate the pressure and aim for a breakthrough.