It's a new era of Oklahoma State football as Eric Morris takes over in replacing longtime head coach Mike Gundy.

After a 1-11 season, the Cowboys reloaded with a new roster featuring North Texas transfers in quarterback Drew Mestemaker, running back Caleb Hawkins and receiver Wyatt Young.

Here's how The Oklahoman sports staff view the 2026 season playing out for the Cowboys and nationally:

More: Mike Gundy era of Oklahoma State football ended vs Tulsa. Now, Cowboys seek revenge.

Jenni Carlson, columnist

  • OSU MVP: Drew Mestemaker
  • OSU newcomer: Justin Bowick
  • OSU biggest game: Sept. 26 at West Virginia
  • OSU trap game: Nov. 28 vs. Kansas
  • OSU final record: 7-5
  • Heisman winner: Julian Sayin, Ohio State
  • College Football Playoff field: BYU, Georgia, Indiana, Miami, Navy, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Texas Tech, USC
  • National champion: Georgia

Ben Hutchens, OSU beat writer

  • OSU MVP: Drew Mestemaker
  • OSU newcomer: Caleb Hawkins
  • OSU biggest game: Sept. 12 vs Oregon
  • OSU trap game: Oct. 31 at Iowa State
  • OSU final record: 8-4
  • Heisman winner: CJ Carr, Notre Dame
  • College Football Playoff field: Georgia, Indiana, LSU, Miami, Navy, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Texas, Texas Tech
  • National champion: Notre Dame

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Joe Mussatto, columnist

  • OSU MVP: Drew Mestemaker
  • OSU newcomer: Wyatt Young
  • OSU biggest game: Oct. 10, vs. UCF
  • OSU trap game: Oct. 31, at Iowa State
  • OSU final record: 7-5
  • Heisman winner: Dante Moore, Oregon
  • College Football Playoff field: BYU, Georgia, Indiana, Miami, Navy, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, SMU, Texas, Texas A&M, USC
  • National champion: Georgia

Jeff Patterson, sports editor

  • OSU MVP: Drew Mestemaker
  • OSU newcomer: Caleb Hawkins
  • OSU biggest game: Sept. 26 at West Virginia
  • OSU trap game: Oct. 31, at Iowa State
  • OSU final record: 8-4
  • Heisman winner: Dante Moore, Oregon
  • College Football Playoff field: BYU, Georgia, Indiana, Navy, Notre Dame, Miami, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, USC, Texas, Texas Tech
  • National champion: Notre Dame

Jacob Unruh, deputy sports editor

  • OSU MVP: Drew Mestemaker
  • OSU newcomer: Caleb Hawkins
  • OSU biggest game: Oct. 10, vs. UCF
  • OSU trap game: Oct. 31, at Iowa State
  • OSU final record: 8-4
  • Heisman winner: Julian Sayin, Ohio State
  • College Football Playoff field: BYU, Georgia, Indiana, Miami, Navy, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Texas Tech, USC
  • National champion: Georgia

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State football predictions for how Drew Mestemaker, Cowboys will fare in 2026

Source: Yahoo Sports