The return of Bedlam football is back in the spotlight, and former Oklahoma standout turned ESPN analyst Dusty Dvoracek isn’t shy about where he stands. He wants it back-and he thinks Sooner Nation should, too.
“I mean, come on,” Dvoracek said during a recent radio appearance on The Ref. “You telling me Sooner fans wouldn’t love for Oklahoma State to come down from Stillwater and kick their heads in in Norman?”
That’s classic Bedlam energy-equal parts rivalry and bravado-and it’s exactly why the annual clash between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State has been missed since it was shelved in 2023. The Sooners’ move to the SEC effectively paused one of college football’s most storied and emotionally charged rivalries. But now, with momentum building and even state lawmakers getting involved, the idea of Bedlam making a comeback isn’t just wishful thinking-it’s on the table.
A Political Push for Bedlam
The latest spark came from an unexpected place: the mayors of Norman and Stillwater. Stephen Tyler Holman and Will Joyce co-authored a piece of legislation that would mandate an annual home-and-home Bedlam series, citing economic benefits for both college towns.
Now, let’s be real-this bill isn’t likely to pass or even move forward in any meaningful way. But it’s done something arguably more important: it’s reignited the conversation.
Shortly after the legislation was introduced, OU released a statement saying it was “ready to explore the possibility with Oklahoma State officials again.” That’s not a commitment, but it’s a door opening, and in college football, sometimes that’s all it takes to get the ball rolling.
Scheduling Realities and Rivalry Logistics
Of course, wanting Bedlam back and actually making it happen are two different things. College football schedules are built years in advance, and Oklahoma’s nonconference slate is already crowded.
The Sooners have a high-profile home-and-home with Michigan in the works-Ann Arbor is on the docket next season after the Wolverines visited Norman in 2025. Add in the weekly grind of the SEC, and it’s clear Oklahoma’s schedule doesn’t leave much breathing room.
“I love this Michigan home-and-home,” Dvoracek said. “I wouldn’t want Bedlam to be the only other [nonconference game], but then you’re talking about 11 Power Four games. That’s a beefy schedule.”
He’s not wrong. In today’s college football landscape, where playoff spots are harder to come by and strength of schedule matters more than ever, every game counts. Adding a rivalry game like Bedlam to an already loaded slate isn’t just a matter of tradition-it’s a strategic decision.
A Rivalry in Transition
Then there’s the question of competitiveness. Since Oklahoma’s departure from the Big 12, Oklahoma State has struggled mightily.
The Cowboys haven’t won a conference game in two years, and those struggles ultimately led to Mike Gundy’s dismissal early in the 2025 season. Eric Morris was brought in to right the ship, but the program remains in transition.
Dvoracek didn’t hold back on that front either.
“I hate to say this-not to be a jerk-but the way Oklahoma State’s played the last two years, that almost feels more like a Group of Six type of game,” he said. “I’m intrigued.
Look, I hope Eric Morris gets it going in the right direction. But I don’t know, man, sign me up.
I would love to see the Bedlam football series rekindled back on an annual basis.”
What’s Next?
Right now, there’s more smoke than fire when it comes to Bedlam’s return. But that smoke is meaningful.
The fan bases are buzzing, the media is engaged, and even the universities are starting to talk. That’s how these things start.
If Oklahoma and Oklahoma State can find common ground-and a spot on the calendar-Bedlam could be back sooner than expected. And if it does return, it’ll bring with it all the passion, pride, and pageantry that made it one of college football’s most electric rivalries.
For now, we wait. But if you ask Dusty Dvoracek-or most fans in Norman-the answer’s simple: bring Bedlam back.