Bedlam Football Could Be on the Brink of a Revival-And This Time, There’s Real Momentum
It started with a piece of legislation that, on the surface, didn’t seem like much. A symbolic gesture, maybe.
But in the world of college football, where rivalries are sacred and traditions run deep, even a spark can reignite something powerful. And that’s exactly what’s happening in Oklahoma, where Bedlam football-the fierce, historic rivalry between the Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys-might just be gearing up for a comeback.
The mayors of Norman and Stillwater, Stephen Tyler Holman and Will Joyce, co-authored a bill that would make it state law for OU and OSU to face off in football every year, citing economic development as the driving force behind the proposal. While the legislation itself may not carry much legal weight, it’s already done something far more important: it’s put Bedlam back on the table.
And the Sooners are listening.
In a statement made to OU’s student newspaper, the university made it clear they’re open to rekindling the rivalry that came to a halt in 2023 following OU’s move from the Big 12 to the SEC.
“The idea of bringing back Bedlam football is always welcome and we're ready to explore the possibility with Oklahoma State officials again,” the statement read. “Our broader partnership with OSU would only be enriched by the reintroduction of our storied football rivalry.”
That’s not just lip service. It’s a clear signal that OU is serious about finding a way to bring Bedlam back-something fans on both sides of the rivalry have been hoping to hear.
This isn’t the first time the Sooners have tried to reopen the door. Back in October, outgoing athletic director Joe Castiglione revealed that OU had reached out to OSU about restarting the series, but at the time, the Cowboys didn’t seem too interested. That might be changing.
Oklahoma State has undergone a significant shift in the last few months. Longtime head coach Mike Gundy was let go, and in came Eric Morris-young, energetic, and already making waves. In his introductory press conference, Morris didn’t mince words when asked about Bedlam.
“I’d love to get on the phone with anybody that we know that could help us bring that game back,” he said. “If they’re asking if Coach Morris welcomes that game, I’d welcome it with open arms.”
That’s the kind of statement that doesn’t just check a box-it sets a tone. And it might be the first real step toward rebuilding one of college football’s most intense rivalries.
There’s also a new face in the OU athletic department. With Castiglione stepping down, Roger Denny has taken over as the Sooners’ new athletic director. Combine that with the SEC’s recent shift to a nine-game conference schedule-which now requires at least one Power Four nonconference opponent-and the timing couldn’t be better.
As many SEC programs scramble to cancel future marquee matchups to make room for the new scheduling requirements, OU might have just the right dance partner in Oklahoma State. The rivalry checks all the boxes: regional interest, national relevance, and decades of history. And let’s be honest-if the Sooners are going to fill their nonconference slot, why not do it with a game that means something?
Of course, the proposed legislation won’t force anyone’s hand. But it’s already done the most important thing it could: it’s pushed the conversation forward. And now, with both programs undergoing leadership changes and a shifting conference landscape, there’s a real window of opportunity.
If Coach Morris meant what he said-and there’s no reason to think otherwise-then the ball is in OSU’s court. OU is ready to talk.
The fans are more than ready to watch. And Bedlam, after a brief hiatus, might just be ready to return.