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Mestemaker's Arm Fuels OSU's 2026 Hopes
6 Jun
Summary
- Eric Morris takes over as Oklahoma State's head coach.
- Transfer QB Drew Mestemaker praised for elite offensive potential.
- Morris brings North Texas staff, aiming for program turnaround.
The Oklahoma State Cowboys are entering a pivotal 2026 season under new head coach Eric Morris, marking the first time since 2004 that Mike Gundy is not leading the team. Morris, who previously coached at North Texas, brings a strong background in the Big 12 from his time as an assistant at Texas Tech.
Optimism surrounds the team's potential for improvement, especially given their recent 18-game losing streak in league play. A Big 12 assistant coach anonymously praised the team's outlook, specifically mentioning transfer quarterback Drew Mestemaker as an "elite quarterback" whose offensive capabilities can translate to the conference. The assistant also noted Morris's familiarity with the Big 12 and his successful tenure at North Texas, where he achieved an 11-2 record and reached the American Conference title game.
Morris has been active in the transfer portal, securing 17 players from North Texas, including Mestemaker, who led the nation in passing yards with 4,379 in 2025. Key transfers like running back Caleb Hawkins and wide receiver Wyatt Young are expected to contribute to immediate team chemistry, potentially leading to an encouraging first year for the Cowboys under Morris's leadership.
