Oklahoma State defeated Oregon 39-31 in a significant upset during the 2026 college football season. The victory, which took place in Stillwater, Oklahoma, marked Oklahoma State’s first win in over a year. The Cowboys had endured a winless season in the Big 12 the previous year, ending with a 1-11 record.
Oklahoma State, entering the game as a 24.5-point underdog after a 24-10 loss to Tulsa, ended a 12-game losing streak by defeating a top-seeded team. This marked the first instance in FBS history where a team on a 10-game losing streak defeated a top-10 opponent. Head Coach Eric Morris expressed pride in the team’s perseverance, highlighting the significance of the triumph for both the players and the fans at Boone Pickens Stadium.
Oregon’s performance was marred by critical fourth-quarter errors. Running back Dierre Hill Jr.’s fumble and a failed fourth-down conversion attempt played crucial roles in the defeat. Oklahoma State capitalized by securing a field goal, further extending their lead.
While Oregon managed only 281 yards of offense, Oklahoma State amassed 554 yards. The Cowboys outmatched the Ducks in first downs, with 25 compared to Oregon’s 12. Oregon coach Dan Lanning acknowledged the team’s deficiencies, commending Coach Morris and his staff for the victory.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore’s Heisman Trophy pursuit suffered a setback. With numerous NFL scouts observing the game, Moore completed only 5 of 15 passes for 45 yards in the first half. Despite improving in the second half with two touchdown passes, he was overshadowed by Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker. Mestemaker, throwing for 317 yards and two touchdowns, helped secure the comeback win.
Mestemaker’s decisive 10-yard touchdown scramble solidified Oklahoma State’s lead, reminiscent of Fernando Mendoza’s famous touchdown in Indiana’s national championship win. Mestemaker emphasized the determination of his team, noting their resilience and capability in high-pressure situations.
During the game, Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Young scored a touchdown against Oregon’s defense, further highlighting the team’s effective offense. Previously, Oregon had avoided major upsets, but now faced a potential drop in rankings following their loss to an unranked opponent.
The game was also notable for a 90-minute delay caused by lightning and thunderstorms in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Last week, Oregon narrowly escaped a loss to Boise State, showcasing a trend of challenging games against lower-ranked teams.

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