A Solid Nonconference Performance Could Lead To A Big 12 Push For Cowboy Football

The Pokes will need to build momentum before they start conference play next year.

Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris watches an Oklahoma State University Cowboys football spring practice in Stillwater, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. | BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The biggest boost for Cowboy football next season could come at the beginning of the year. 

Cowboy football is looking to make a complete turnaround, as last year the Cowboys finished last in the Big 12, not winning a single conference game for the second year in a row. OSU is looking to do this with its revamped squad acquired in the portal, and the sky is the limit. 

While the Cowboys are aiming towards a Big 12 push, the journey towards this push will begin all the way at the beginning of the season. 

Oklahoma State currently does not have the best reputation in college football, and that can take a toll on a program. Most of the team might not have been at OSU for the past two rough seasons, but they now carry the weight of turning the Pokes’ football program around. 

Luckily, the Cowboys have three games before the start of Big 12 play next year to get their bearings on the new season. OSU will start its year by heading to Tulsa, trying to get revenge on the Golden Hurricanes. 

Oklahoma State fell to Tulsa last year at home and will now have a chance to beat the Golden Hurricanes in their own home. A revenge win would be the perfect way for the Cowboys to open the season and would allow them to gain momentum for the weeks ahead. 

The Pokes' next bout will be their home opener against Murray State. This should be an easy win for the Cowboys, and hopefully can be used as another momentum builder going into OSU’s toughest nonconference matchup of the year in Oregon. 

The Cowboys' matchup against Oregon will tell the Pokes where they really stand against the best of the best, and could be the biggest game for OSU all year. The Ducks made it all the way to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff last year and should be one of the top teams in the nation once again. 

If the Pokes can pull off a crazy upset or even keep the game close, it would be an amazing sign for the season to come. 

A good nonconference performance would instill confidence in Oklahoma State that they haven’t seen since 2023, and could be just the push they need to dominate conference play. Of course, every game is its own battle, but it’s much easier to succeed when you have the confidence that you can.