Oregon faced a challenging matchup for the second game in a row, but this time, the sixth-ranked Ducks could not pull off a fourth-quarter comeback. The result was a major upset of the 2026 college football season. Oklahoma State secured a remarkable 39-31 victory in Stillwater, Oklahoma, marking their first win in over a year. Last season, the Cowboys struggled with an 0-8 record in the Big 12.
Entering the game as a 24.5-point underdog after a 24-10 loss to Tulsa in Week 1, Oklahoma State broke a 12-game losing streak by defeating a top-10 team. “Everybody counted them out,” said Cowboys first-year coach Eric Morris with emotion as fans celebrated at Boone Pickens Stadium. “Hearing they weren’t good enough, they proved otherwise. I’m proud of these kids and thrilled for our fans.”
Oregon’s mistakes in the fourth quarter contributed to their downfall. Running back Dierre Hill Jr. fumbled crucially, and the Ducks failed to convert on a fourth-and-8 play with seven minutes remaining, allowing Oklahoma State to kick a deciding field goal. In total offense, Oklahoma State outperformed Oregon with 554 yards to Oregon’s 281, and 25 first downs to Oregon’s 12.
Oregon coach Dan Lanning commented, “We got beaten in many areas. All credit to Coach Morris and his staff.” The loss may have impacted Oregon quarterback Dante Moore’s Heisman Trophy prospects. With 20 scouts from 13 NFL teams present, he struggled in the first half, completing only 5 of 15 passes for 45 yards. Despite two second-half touchdowns, he was overshadowed by Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who amassed 317 yards and two touchdowns.
Mestemaker’s pivotal moment was a 10-yard touchdown run reminiscent of a highlight from Indiana’s championship win the previous year. “I felt airborne for a lifetime,” Mestemaker said, praising his teammates’ resilience. Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Young also scored a key touchdown as the Cowboys turned history in their favor.
The game faced a 90-minute delay due to adverse weather conditions in Stillwater. Previously, Oregon overcame a deficit to Boise State for a 34-27 victory, but the result against Oklahoma State ended a 35-0 record against unranked teams under Dan Lanning. It also snapped Oregon’s 12-game road winning streak, which was the longest in the country.
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