Breaking Down Oklahoma State’s 2026 Football Schedule: A New Era Under Eric Morris Begins
The Big 12 just dropped its 2026 football schedule, and for Oklahoma State, it’s the dawn of a new chapter. Eric Morris steps in as head coach, and the Cowboys’ path through the season offers a blend of early opportunities and late-season challenges that will test the new regime from multiple angles.
Let’s break down what Morris and the Pokes are up against in Year 1.
A Manageable Start Before the Gauntlet
The good news for Morris? The Big 12 didn’t throw him straight into the fire.
Oklahoma State opens conference play on the road at West Virginia on Sept. 26, then gets a well-timed bye week before welcoming UCF to Boone Pickens Stadium on Oct. 10.
That’s a relatively gentle entry into Big 12 play, giving the Cowboys time to find their rhythm before the schedule tightens up.
But don’t let the early stretch fool you - the back half is no joke.
Three of the final five games are on the road, including trips to Iowa State, Kansas State, and Arizona State. And sandwiched in there? A home date with Texas Tech - one of the league’s most explosive teams in recent years - and a season finale against Kansas in Stillwater.
If Oklahoma State is going to make noise in the Big 12 this year, they’ll have to earn it down the stretch.
Non-Conference Slate: A Heavyweight Fight Early
Before the Cowboys even get to Big 12 play, they’ll have their hands full. The season kicks off on Sept. 5 with a trip to Tulsa - a manageable in-state matchup to get the ball rolling.
But then comes the real test.
On Sept. 12, Boone Pickens Stadium will host a national spotlight game as Oregon - a program with legitimate College Football Playoff aspirations - comes to town.
It’s a massive early measuring stick for Morris and his squad. Win or lose, how the Cowboys perform in that game will say a lot about where this team stands in Year 1 of the new era.
The non-conference portion wraps up with a home game against Murray State on Sept. 19, a chance to reset before diving into the Big 12 grind.
Homecoming and Key Matchups to Circle
There are a few dates every Oklahoma State fan should have circled:
- Oct. 24 vs. Colorado (Homecoming): The Buffaloes return to Stillwater for what should be an electric atmosphere. Homecoming in Stillwater is always a big deal, and this matchup adds some spice with Colorado back in the Big 12 mix.
- Nov. 14 vs. Texas Tech: This one could have major conference implications.
Texas Tech has been building momentum and could be in the thick of the title chase. For OSU, it’s a chance to make a statement at home late in the season.
- Nov. 21 at Arizona State: A late-season road trip to the desert to face the defending Big 12 champs? That’s a tall order. But it’s also a potential turning point if the Cowboys are still in the hunt.
The Full 2026 Oklahoma State Football Schedule
- Sept. 5: at Tulsa
- Sept. 12: vs.
Oregon
- Sept. 19: vs.
Murray State
- Sept. 26: at West Virginia
- Oct. 3: Open
- Oct. 10: vs. UCF
- Oct. 17: at Houston
- Oct. 24: vs.
Colorado (Homecoming)
- Oct. 31: at Iowa State
- Nov. 7: at Kansas State
- Nov. 14: vs.
Texas Tech
- Nov. 21: at Arizona State
- Nov. 28: vs. Kansas
Kickoff times and TV details will be announced later, but the structure is set - and it’s one that gives Eric Morris the runway to build momentum early, while also demanding his team be ready for a rugged November.
What’s at Stake in Year 1?
For Morris, this season isn’t just about wins and losses - it’s about setting the tone. Building culture.
Establishing identity. And with a schedule that offers both early opportunity and late-season adversity, he’ll get a chance to show what kind of program he’s building in Stillwater.
The Cowboys may not have a clear path to the top just yet, but make no mistake - this schedule will reveal a lot about where they’re headed.