Oct 23, 2026 6:00 PM

Oklahoma State hosts Colorado for America's Greatest Homecoming, looking to rebound from its loss to Houston. With Drew Mestemaker's historic passing streak, key injuries, betting odds and Big 12 implications, here's everything to know before Saturday's kickoff.

STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State returns to Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday for the 105th edition of America's Greatest Homecoming, hosting Colorado in a Big 12 matchup between two teams looking to rebound from narrow losses.

The Cowboys (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) suffered a 35-32 defeat at Houston last weekend, snapping their four-game winning streak under first-year head coach Eric Morris. Colorado (2-4, 0-3 Big 12) arrives in Stillwater having lost four consecutive games, although the Buffaloes nearly upset previously unbeaten Utah before falling 27-24.

With Oklahoma State trying to remain in the Big 12 championship conversation and Deion Sanders' Buffaloes searching for their first conference victory, Saturday's contest presents plenty of intriguing storylines.

Game Information

Matchup: Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Colorado Buffaloes

Related stories

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026

Kickoff: 6 p.m. CT

Location: Boone Pickens Stadium — Stillwater, Oklahoma

Records: Oklahoma State (4-2, 2-1 Big 12); Colorado (2-4, 0-3 Big 12)

Series History: Colorado leads 27-20-1

Last Meeting: Colorado defeated Oklahoma State 52-0 on November 29, 2024, in Boulder.

Broadcast Details

Television: FS1

Play-by-Play: Carlo Jiménez

Color Analyst: Robert Smith

Radio: Cowboy Radio Network

Radio Play-by-Play: Dave Hunziker

Radio Analyst: John Holcomb

Sideline Reporter: Deion Imade

Streaming: FOX One (television); The Varsity Network app (radio)

Betting Odds

Odds checked Wednesday, October 21, 2026, according to Pro Football Focus.

Point Spread: Oklahoma State -13

Over/Under: 55.5 total points

Moneyline: Oklahoma State -557

Oklahoma State enters Saturday as a significant home favorite despite coming off its first conference loss. The Cowboys have one of the Big 12's most productive passing attacks, while Colorado has struggled to generate consistent offensive production during its four-game losing streak. However, the Buffaloes showed improvement in their narrow loss to Utah, making Saturday an important opportunity for Oklahoma State to avoid overlooking a conference opponent.

Betting odds are subject to change before kickoff and may vary by sportsbook.

What You Need to Know

Cowboys Return for America's Greatest Homecoming

Saturday marks the 105th edition of Oklahoma State's America's Greatest Homecoming. The Cowboys hold an all-time Homecoming record of 58-40-6 and have won seven of their past 10 Homecoming games.

Oklahoma State has also won 13 of its past 18 contests during the annual celebration. The matchup is sold out, giving Morris another opportunity to lead the Cowboys in front of a packed Boone Pickens Stadium.

A victory would improve Oklahoma State to 4-0 at home under Morris and give the Cowboys their fifth win of the season.

Drew Mestemaker Continues Impressive Passing Streak

Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker has emerged as one of the nation's most productive passers. The Cowboys' signal-caller has thrown for at least 300 yards in five consecutive games, including 365 yards and three touchdowns against Houston.

That streak is tied for the second-longest in Oklahoma State history and represents the program's longest such stretch since Mason Rudolph accomplished the feat during the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

Mestemaker enters Saturday averaging 323.3 passing yards per game, ranking second nationally. Oklahoma State also ranks fourth nationally in passing offense and fifth in total offense. The Cowboys have scored more than 30 points in five consecutive games, highlighting the offensive production Morris has brought to Stillwater.

Caleb Hawkins and Wyatt Young Provide Offensive Balance

Mestemaker has received significant help from running back Caleb Hawkins and wide receiver Wyatt Young. Hawkins enters Saturday averaging 98.7 rushing yards per game, while Young averages 93.5 receiving yards per contest.

Together with Mestemaker, the trio gives Oklahoma State the only combination in the FBS ranked among the nation's top 20 in passing, rushing and receiving yards per game.

Hawkins also demonstrated his versatility against Houston, finishing with 125 receiving yards and a 66-yard touchdown reception. Young added five receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown.

Their continued production could be critical against a Colorado defense that showed signs of improvement during last weekend's loss to Utah.

Cowboys Looking to Correct Mistakes From Houston

Despite another productive offensive performance, Oklahoma State struggled with execution during its loss to Houston. The Cowboys committed nine penalties for 71 yards and turned the football over twice.

Oklahoma State also managed only three points on its first two possessions despite reaching inside Houston's five-yard line on both drives. Defensively, the Cowboys allowed 505 total yards, including 343 passing yards and five touchdowns from Houston quarterback Conner Weigman.

Morris emphasized accountability during his weekly media availability, pointing to missed assignments, undisciplined penalties and his own coaching decisions as areas requiring improvement. Saturday presents an opportunity for Oklahoma State to demonstrate that it learned from those mistakes.

Colorado Searching for First Big 12 Victory

Colorado enters Saturday having lost four consecutive games after opening the season with victories over Georgia Tech and Weber State. The Buffaloes have dropped conference matchups against Baylor, Texas Tech and Utah.

However, Colorado nearly completed a comeback against the Utes last weekend. After trailing by 13 points at halftime, the Buffaloes rallied before ultimately falling 27-24.

Colorado's offense has dealt with quarterback uncertainty throughout the season, with Julian Lewis and Isaac Wilson both seeing significant action. Wilson led the Buffaloes against Utah, while Lewis has thrown for 733 yards and six touchdowns this season.

Wide receiver Joseph Williams has been one of Colorado's most productive offensive weapons, entering Saturday with 37 receptions for 508 yards and five touchdowns. For Oklahoma State, preventing explosive passing plays will be especially important after Houston repeatedly found success through the air.

Mose Phillips III Ruled Out Against Colorado

Oklahoma State will be without veteran safety Mose Phillips III for a second consecutive game. Morris confirmed Tuesday that Phillips will miss Saturday's matchup after previously sitting out the Houston loss.

Phillips suffered a shoulder injury against UCF, leaving the Cowboys without one of their experienced defensive backs. His absence presents another challenge for an Oklahoma State secondary looking to improve after allowing five passing touchdowns against Houston.

Colorado Returns to Stillwater for First Time Since 2009

Saturday marks the 49th meeting between Oklahoma State and Colorado. The Buffaloes lead the all-time series 27-20-1, including a 12-11-1 advantage in Stillwater. However, Oklahoma State has won three of the past four meetings between the programs.

Colorado last visited Boone Pickens Stadium in 2009, when Oklahoma State earned a 31-28 victory. The Buffaloes' previous trip to Stillwater for Homecoming came in 2001.

The programs were longtime conference rivals in the Big Eight and Big 12 before Colorado departed for the Pac-12 in 2011. Colorado returned to the Big 12 in 2024 and defeated Oklahoma State 52-0 in the programs' most recent meeting.

Big 12 Implications and Opportunity to Rebound

Oklahoma State enters Saturday with a 2-1 conference record after suffering its first Big 12 loss of the season. The Cowboys remain in contention in the conference race but cannot afford to let one defeat turn into a prolonged losing streak.

Colorado, meanwhile, is still searching for its first Big 12 victory under the 2026 campaign. A win would improve Oklahoma State to 5-2 overall and provide momentum heading into its October 31 road matchup against Iowa State.

For Morris and the Cowboys, Saturday offers an opportunity to correct the mistakes that proved costly against Houston while protecting their home field during one of the biggest weekends of the year.

With a sold-out crowd, a familiar conference opponent and plenty at stake, America's Greatest Homecoming provides an ideal setting for Oklahoma State to get back in the win column.

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