If you’re a fan of the Pokes, the last few months have felt like a fever dream you can’t quite wake up from. Following a 2025 season that honestly defied most expectations—and not in the good way—the Oklahoma cowboy football schedule for 2026 has become the most talked-about topic in Stillwater. We aren't just looking at a list of dates and kick-off times here. We are looking at a complete overhaul of the program’s identity under a brand-new regime.
Mike Gundy is gone. Let that sink in for a second. After the 1-11 disaster of 2025, the longest-tenured coach in the Big 12 was replaced by Eric Morris, who steps into a Boone Pickens Stadium that is hungry, skeptical, and perhaps a little tired of the drama.
The 2026 Non-Conference Slate: A Brutal Start
Most programs like to schedule a "cupcake" or two to get their feet under them. Not this year. The 2026 schedule begins with a road trip that’s going to test the new Air Raid system immediately.
On September 5, the Cowboys travel down the turnpike to face the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. It’s a rivalry game, sure, but after losing to Tulsa 19-12 at home last year, this isn't a guaranteed win. It’s a revenge game.
The real heavyweight bout happens the following week. September 12 brings the Oregon Ducks to Stillwater. Everyone remembers the 69-3 shellacking the Pokes took in Eugene last year. It was arguably the lowest point in modern program history. Having the Ducks come to BPS for the second half of this home-and-home is a massive opportunity for Eric Morris to prove that the "new" Oklahoma State can at least stand in the ring with the big boys.
Wrapping up the non-conference is a breather against Murray State on September 19. If the Cowboys aren't 2-1 heading into Big 12 play, the honeymoon for the new staff might end before the leaves even turn orange.
Navigating the New Big 12 Gauntlet
The Big 12 schedule in 2026 is a weird, sprawling mess of geography, but it’s the reality of the 16-team era. The Oklahoma cowboy football schedule features a mix of old foes and new desert trips.
One of the toughest stretches involves three road games in four weeks. The Cowboys have to travel to Tempe to face Arizona State, head north to Ames to play the Iowa State Cyclones, and then visit Manhattan for a clash with Kansas State. That "Farmageddon" style stretch is historically where OSU seasons go to live or die.
Home games this year offer some relief, but not much. Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes are scheduled to visit Stillwater. That game is going to be a circus—in a good way. The ticket prices are already projected to be some of the highest in the conference.
The schedule also includes home stands against:
- Texas Tech: A rivalry that has become increasingly heated.
- Kansas: The Jayhawks aren't the pushover they were ten years ago.
- UCF: A long trip for the Knights, but their speed always gives the 3-3-5 defense fits.
The Eric Morris Effect on the Schedule
Why does the 2026 schedule matter more than others? Because of the scheme change. Under Gundy, we knew what to expect: a certain level of stubbornness with the run game and a cowboy-tough mentality.
Eric Morris brings the Air Raid. This changes the "flow" of the game day. When you look at the 2026 opponents, you have to wonder how teams like West Virginia or Iowa State will handle a high-tempo, pass-heavy attack from Oklahoma State. Last year, the Cowboys averaged a measly 14.2 points per game. That’s offensive—literally. If the 2026 schedule is going to result in wins, that number has to double.
Realities of the 2026 Season
We have to be realistic. This is a rebuilding year. Looking at the Oklahoma cowboy football schedule, a "successful" season might just be making it back to a bowl game. After finishing 0-9 in conference play in 2025, any Big 12 win is progress.
The lack of a Bedlam game still hurts. Even though Oklahoma and Texas have been in the SEC for a while now, the hole in the schedule where the Sooners used to be is still palpable in Stillwater. Fans are still adjusting to a world where the biggest home game is Colorado or Utah rather than the rivalry from Norman.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're planning your fall around the Pokes, here is how to handle the 2026 season:
- Prioritize the Oregon Game: Even if you only go to one game, make it September 12. The atmosphere will be electric regardless of the outcome, simply because it's the first major home test for Coach Morris.
- Watch the Transfer Portal: The depth chart is still fluid. The players you see on the initial spring schedule might not be the ones starting against Tulsa.
- Book Travel for Tempe Early: The road trip to Arizona State is a fan favorite for a reason. The weather in late September/early October is perfect, and the stadium experience is top-tier.
- Manage Expectations: This schedule is tough. Don't let a loss to Oregon ruin the season. The goal is 6-6 and a trip to a bowl game like the Liberty or the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.
The 2026 season is about more than just wins; it’s about erasing the memory of 2025. The Oklahoma cowboy football schedule provides enough opportunities for redemption, but the margin for error is razor-thin. It's time to see if the new era of Cowboy football is ready to ride.