It’s no secret that Oklahoma State football was facing down disaster after 2024. The situation was dire enough that the administration seriously began considering firing their head coach of twenty years. After reigning in the program, however, a strong 2025 season is firmly in Mike Gundy’s sights. But what is the most likely path to victory?
Oklahoma State Football Looking For Victory In 2025
Easy Opening or Early Disaster?
The first few weeks see a rather typical layup for a team like Oklahoma State. An FCS school, former National Championship contender the Oregon Ducks, and the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes. Oh, and that FCS school has actually been the Big South Champion for five years straight.
Alright, so it might be a tough few weeks. The first two key matchups are: UT Martin and Oregon. UT Martin will be an early indication of whether or not Oklahoma State’s defense, and the transfer portal additions, stand a chance against the rest of the Big 12 this season.
On the other hand, Oregon will test the Cowboys’ on both sides of the ball. For the moment, though, we’ll be focusing on the offense. New quarterback Hauss Hejny is probably in for a morale-crushing experience by taking on a championship-caliber defense so early. However, this will also be a great indication of whether or not he’ll be able to overcome the rest of the Big 12. After all, this is a conference well known for producing Top 25 defenses year after year.
Oklahoma State Football’s Mid-Season Success or Slump?
After Gundy wins over Tulsa to wrap up another edition of BOK’s Turnpike Classic, he’ll face the Baylor Bears. The first conference game of the year will also mark the start of several weeks at home, which is a welcome relief considering most of 2024 was spent on the road.
The Baylor game is always a toss-up. Historically, Oklahoma State has the advantage. Then again, it’s the Cowboys, a team so readily able to give up the easy wins that it’s almost tradition at this point. Chalk this one up to dumb luck, and we’ll see you in the fall when this game kicks off.
Cincinnati and Houston have been on a downward trend the past few years, and that’s looking to continue into 2025. If Oklahoma State can’t find the wins here, the season’s already gone belly-up and we can start looking towards 2026. Iowa State, though, could pose a real threat.
The Cyclones just barely lost out on the Big 12 Championship last year. However, they’ve also lost national talents in Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Without the duo that produced over 60% of their receptions and touchdowns, it’s hard to say that Iowa State would be the same type of threat. We’ll likely, see an offensive shootout between the Cowboys and the Cyclones.
Hit the Road, Gundy
After that, Oklahoma State football will be on the road for the rest of the season. The final weeks of 2024 saw Big 12 Champions Arizona State, TCU, and a Top 25 Colorado absolutely mauling Oklahoma State. This year promises an easier finish to the season.
The Kansas State Wildcats may not be a consistently great team, but they’re a threat to anyone who comes up against them. They’re also likely to be the worst loss the Cowboys will face this year, and there’s not much doubt about that.
Arizona’s had one good season in recent memory, in 2023, and has gone right back downhill since then. The Kansas Jayhawks are, similarly, still struggling to find their footing, and also aren’t likely to win against Oklahoma State this year. This brings us to the final two games of the season: Texas Tech and UCF.
Double Trouble for Oklahoma State Football?
The Red Raiders have brought in Mack Leftwich as offensive coordinator and Shiel Wood as defensive coordinator. Leftwich was responsible for the unprecedented success at Texas State in 2024. Wood has been creating innovative and solid defenses at Troy and Tulane. Gundy has normally been able to outwit Head Coach Joey McGuire, but this may be the season where that all changes.
UCF, on the other hand, is going back to the well. They’ve rehired Scott Frost and are hoping that he’ll turn things around. Frankly, the odds just aren’t in his favor. Maybe Frost can pull it off, but he probably won’t be able to hold his team together against the Cowboys.
Last Word’s Prediction for the Oklahoma State 2025 Football Season
It’s no secret that Gundy’s on the hot seat. The only thing keeping his dynasty at Oklahoma State alive is a strong 2025 season. Mercifully, the schedule’s easier, and the home stretch isn’t packed with heavy hitters.
That’s why Last Word on Sports’ prediction for the season is a solid 9-3. They could even be an underdog for the ever-elusive Big 12 Championship. You can mark it down, or tell us why we’re wrong, just be sure to come back every week as we bring you the latest in all things Oklahoma State Cowboys football.
Main Photo: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports
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