Oklahoma State's Tough Schedule Could Make Eric Morris' First Season Even More Impressive

Nobody is pretending Eric Morris inherited an easy situation.

He took over an Oklahoma State program coming off a 1-11 season, completely rebuilt the roster through the transfer portal and now faces one of the toughest schedules in the Big 12. Multiple preseason schedule rankings have the Cowboys among the conference's most challenging slates entering 2026.

That makes expectations even more complicated.

On paper, a difficult schedule gives critics another reason to doubt Oklahoma State's chances of making a dramatic turnaround. Just look at USA Today's Big 12 Media Poll putting them ninth of 16 teams.

The doubt from others creates a tremendous opportunity.

If the Cowboys exceed expectations against one of the Big 12's toughest schedules, every victory will carry more weight.

Nobody is going to dismiss wins over quality conference opponents by saying Oklahoma State had an easy path.

The Cowboys will have to earn everything.

That's what makes this season so fascinating.

Eric Morris isn't simply trying to improve Oklahoma State's record. He's trying to change the perception of an entire program.

The addition of quarterback Drew Mestemaker, the return of Caleb Hawkins and an almost completely rebuilt roster have already generated optimism around Stillwater.

Now they'll have a chance to prove it against some of the conference's best.

A demanding schedule also accelerates the evaluation process for a new coaching staff. Morris and his assistants won't have the luxury of easing into Big 12 play. Every week will provide another measuring stick for how quickly this roster is developing and how well players are adapting to a new system. Those experiences can pay dividends not only this season but for years to come as the Cowboys continue building the foundation of Morris' program. Championship-caliber programs aren't built by avoiding challenges—they're built by embracing them.

That's ultimately what fans should want.

Programs aren't measured by how they perform against weak schedules.

They're measured by how they respond when the competition is at its best.

Yes, the road will be difficult.

There will likely be setbacks, especially for a first-year coaching staff implementing new systems and integrating dozens of new players.

However, if Oklahoma State finds itself competing for a bowl game—or even more—despite one of the Big 12's toughest schedules, Morris' first season should be viewed as a significant success.

Sometimes a difficult schedule becomes an excuse.

Other times, it becomes the foundation for changing a program's trajectory.

For Oklahoma State, 2026 has the chance to become the latter.