If you woke up this morning and typed in what was the score to the cowboys game last night, you probably noticed something a bit weird. Your sports apps might be quiet. Your social media feed isn't screaming about a Dak Prescott interception or a CeeDee Lamb touchdown.
The short answer? There wasn't a Dallas Cowboys game last night.
Honestly, the NFL season for America's Team actually wrapped up a couple of weeks ago. On January 4, 2026, the Cowboys played their season finale against the New York Giants. It wasn't exactly a Hollywood ending. Dallas fell 34-17 at MetLife Stadium, putting a messy cap on a 7-9-1 season.
While the "Big Cowboys" are sitting at home watching the playoffs like the rest of us, there were actually some "Cowboys" in action yesterday. If you follow college ball, the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Wyoming Cowboys both had games that went down to the wire on Saturday, January 17.
What Was The Score To The Cowboys Game Last Night? Breaking Down The Confusion
It’s easy to get turned around with the schedule this time of year. Usually, mid-January means Dallas is either in the heat of a playoff run or the city is in a collective mourning period after a Wild Card exit. This year is a little different because the Cowboys didn't even make the dance.
The "score" people are looking for often depends on which Cowboys they follow. Since the NFL team is out of the picture, the college ranks took center stage last night.
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Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Kansas State
This was the game of the night for anyone in Stillwater. It was a total nail-biter. Oklahoma State managed to edge out Kansas State with a final score of 84-83.
It came down to the absolute last second. Vyctorius Miller got fouled on a three-point attempt with only 2.8 seconds left on the clock. Talk about pressure. He stepped up to the line and sank all three free throws to seal the win. Anthony Roy was the high point man with 23 points. If you were looking for a Cowboys win, this was the one that actually delivered.
Wyoming Cowboys vs. Fresno State
On the other side of the coin, the Wyoming Cowboys had a much rougher night out in Fresno. They lost a close one, 63-60.
Wyoming actually had the lead late, but they went completely cold in the final three minutes. They didn't record a single basket during that stretch. It’s the kind of loss that keeps a coach up at night. Sundance Wicks, the Wyoming head coach, basically said after the game that they just didn't get the stops when they needed them.
Why The Dallas Cowboys Aren't Playing Right Now
So, why are the Dallas Cowboys at home? Basically, the 2025-2026 NFL season was a massive rollercoaster that ended in a ditch.
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The team finished with a record of 7-9-1. That tie against the Commanders earlier in the season really feels like a fever dream now, doesn't it? They were officially eliminated from playoff contention before their Week 16 game against the Chargers.
By the time last night’s NFL Divisional Round games kicked off—featuring the Seahawks demolishing the 49ers 41-6 and the Broncos edging out the Bills 33-30—the Cowboys were already deep into "evaluation mode."
The Coaching Search is the Real Game
Since there is no score to report for the pro team, the "scoreboard" for Dallas fans has shifted to the front office. The big news right now isn't a final score; it's the hunt for a new defensive coordinator.
Jerry Jones and the staff have been busy. Just yesterday, January 17, news broke that a top target, Jeff Ulbrich, probably won't be coming to Dallas. The Atlanta Falcons hired Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach, and word is he’s keeping Ulbrich as his DC.
Now, the focus is shifting toward guys like Daronte Jones from the Vikings or Jim Leonhard. It’s not as exciting as a Sunday night kickoff, but for the future of the franchise, these are the "points" that matter right now.
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What Most Fans Get Wrong About The Offseason
People think the "Cowboys game" stops when the clock hits zero in Week 18. It doesn't.
Right now, the team is dealing with a massive identity crisis. Brian Schottenheimer’s first year as head coach ended with a thud. Dak Prescott finished the season healthy, which is a plus, but the defense was a sieve. They gave up huge games to quarterbacks who usually struggle, like J.J. McCarthy and Josh Johnson.
If you’re looking for a silver lining, Jadeveon Clowney actually had a monster end to the year. He finished with 8.5 sacks, three of which came in that final loss to the Giants. He's 32 now and headed for free agency, so whether he stays in Dallas is a big question mark.
Summary of Recent Cowboys Results
| Team | Date | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys (NFL) | Jan 4, 2026 | NY Giants | 17-34 | Loss |
| Oklahoma State (NCAA) | Jan 17, 2026 | Kansas State | 84-83 | Win |
| Wyoming (NCAA) | Jan 17, 2026 | Fresno State | 60-63 | Loss |
Next Steps for Fans
Since there isn't a game to watch today, the best move is to keep an eye on the NFL coaching carousel. The Cowboys' defensive coordinator hire will likely happen in the next 72 hours.
You should also check the draft order. Because Dallas finished 7-9-1, they’ll have a mid-round pick that needs to be spent on either a run-stuffing interior lineman or some serious help in the secondary. The Senior Bowl is coming up soon, and that’s where the real work for the 2026 season begins.
If you absolutely need a football fix today, the remaining Divisional Round games are your only option. Just don't expect to see any stars with a blue star on their helmet.