The Eric Morris era is officially set to kick off in Stillwater, and now we know exactly how the 2026 Oklahoma State football journey will unfold. The Big 12 released its full schedule, giving Cowboy fans a clearer picture of what’s ahead in a season that promises fresh faces, familiar foes, and a few historic firsts.
Nonconference Slate: A Balanced Start
Oklahoma State opens the season on the road, heading just down the turnpike to face Tulsa on Sept. 5.
It’s the 11th time these two Oklahoma programs have clashed to start a season. The Cowboys hold a solid edge in the all-time series at 44-29-5, but they’ll be looking to avenge last year’s surprising loss to the Golden Hurricane in Stillwater.
It’s a tone-setter for Morris in his debut, and you can bet the Cowboys will want to start fast.
Then comes a marquee moment for the new head coach: the home opener on Sept. 12 against Oregon. It’s the first time the Ducks will play in Stillwater, and it’s a statement opportunity for Oklahoma State. Hosting a national brand like Oregon this early in the season gives the Cowboys a chance to showcase their new identity under Morris - and potentially shake up the national conversation.
The nonconference stretch wraps up on Sept. 19 with a home matchup against FCS opponent Murray State. It’s another first-time visitor to Boone Pickens Stadium and a game that should allow the Cowboys to fine-tune things before diving into the Big 12 grind.
Conference Play: New Faces, Old Rivalries
The Big 12 slate begins with a road trip to Morgantown on Sept. 26 to face West Virginia. Then comes a well-timed bye week before Oklahoma State returns home on Oct. 10 to host UCF - another program making its first-ever trip to Stillwater. These two teams have only recently become conference mates, but UCF's dynamic offense always makes for an intriguing matchup.
October also brings a road test at Houston on Oct. 17, and then one of the biggest dates on the calendar: America’s Greatest Homecoming, set for Oct. 24 against Colorado. It’ll be the 49th meeting between these two long-time Big 12 rivals and the first since 2024. Notably, it’s the first time Colorado has played in Stillwater since 2009 - a long-awaited return that’s sure to bring plenty of nostalgia and energy to Boone Pickens Stadium.
The Road Stretch and a Senior Sendoff
Oklahoma State hits the road for back-to-back games just once this season - and it’s a stretch that could define their conference standing. The Cowboys will travel to Iowa State and Kansas State, both of whom, like Oklahoma State, are breaking in new head coaches. That trio of programs is entering a new chapter simultaneously, and those late-season matchups could carry serious postseason implications.
The regular season wraps up at home on Nov. 28 against Kansas, which will also serve as Senior Day - a chance to honor the veterans who’ve helped bridge the transition into the Morris era.
And for those eyeing the postseason, mark your calendars: The Big 12 Championship Game returns to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, but with a twist - it’ll be played on Friday, Dec. 4, shifting away from its usual Saturday morning time slot.
2026 Oklahoma State Football Schedule:
- Sept. 5 - at Tulsa
- Sept. 12 - vs Oregon
- Sept. 19 - vs Murray State
- Sept. 26 - at West Virginia
- BYE
- Oct. 10 - vs UCF
- Oct. 17 - at Houston
- Oct. 24 - vs Colorado (Homecoming)
- TBD - at Iowa State
- TBD - at Kansas State
- TBD - vs TCU
- TBD - vs Baylor
- Nov. 28 - vs Kansas (Senior Day)
- **Dec.
4** - Big 12 Championship Game (AT&T Stadium, Arlington)
From a high-profile home debut against Oregon to a nostalgic Homecoming clash with Colorado, and a conference slate filled with new coaching matchups, the 2026 season has all the ingredients for a compelling first year under Eric Morris. The Cowboys won’t just be breaking in a new head coach - they’ll be looking to make a statement in a Big 12 that’s as wide open as it’s ever been.