Oklahoma State’s 2026 Schedule Sets the Stage for the Eric Morris Era in Stillwater
The Eric Morris era in Stillwater is officially on the clock. With the Big 12 unveiling its 2026 football schedule, Oklahoma State fans now have a clear view of what Year One under their new head coach will look like-and it’s shaping up to be a compelling ride.
After a 2025 season that saw the Cowboys play most of their marquee matchups on the road-a blessing in disguise, given the team’s struggles-this fall flips the script. The 2026 slate brings high-profile games back to Boone Pickens Stadium, giving Morris and his squad a real chance to make a statement in front of the home crowd.
Circle October 24: Homecoming vs. Colorado
The headline date for many in Stillwater is October 24. That’s when America’s Greatest Homecoming returns, and this year, it comes with a little extra weight. The Cowboys will host Colorado in what stands as their only home game during a grueling four-week stretch.
Here’s the breakdown: after traveling to Houston on October 17, Oklahoma State will welcome the Buffaloes to town before hitting the road again for back-to-back games at Iowa State (October 31) and Kansas State (November 7). That makes the Homecoming clash not just a celebration, but a pivotal moment in the season’s rhythm.
Colorado, for its part, is coming off a rough 3-9 campaign that included a 1-8 mark in Big 12 play. The Buffaloes dropped three of their last five games by 25 points or more, so they’ll arrive in Stillwater with plenty to prove-and Oklahoma State should be ready to capitalize.
Big Names, Big Moments at Boone Pickens
Beyond Homecoming, the Cowboys will also host defending Big 12 champion Texas Tech on November 14 in what could be a late-season measuring stick for Morris’ progress. That matchup is followed by a tough road trip to Arizona State, the 2024 Big 12 champs, on November 21.
The Cowboys close out the regular season at home against Kansas on November 28, a game that could carry postseason implications depending on how the standings shake out.
And while we’re talking about key home games, don’t overlook UCF’s first-ever visit to Stillwater on October 10. That matchup adds a layer of intrigue, as the Knights continue to settle into life in the Big 12. Before that, Oklahoma State gets two non-conference tune-ups at home: a marquee early-season clash with Oregon on September 12 and a follow-up against Murray State on September 19.
Road Tests and the Lone Bye Week
The Cowboys open Big 12 play on the road at West Virginia on September 26, a tough place to start conference action. That game is followed by the team’s only bye week of the season-a well-timed breather before the heart of the schedule kicks in.
Trips to Houston, Iowa State, Kansas State, and Arizona State will test this team’s endurance and identity, especially with so many of those coming in succession. If Morris can guide the Cowboys through that stretch with momentum intact, it’ll say a lot about his impact in Year One.
A New Date for the Big 12 Championship
One final twist: the Big 12 Championship Game is shifting to Friday, December 4, moving away from its traditional Saturday slot. Whether or not Oklahoma State is in the mix by then remains to be seen, but the door is open-and the path is clear.
2026 Oklahoma State Football Schedule:
- Sept. 5 - at Tulsa
- Sept. 12 - vs Oregon
- Sept. 19 - vs Murray State
- Sept. 26 - at West Virginia
- 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
With a new head coach, a fanbase hungry for a fresh start, and a schedule that brings plenty of opportunity to Stillwater, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining season for Oklahoma State. The stage is set. Now it’s time to see what Eric Morris and the Cowboys can do with it.