Wyatt Young Apologizes for Costly Penalty as Eric Morris Calls Mistake 'Most Selfish' After Oklahoma State Loss

STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State wide receiver Wyatt Young issued a public apology Sunday morning for the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that complicated the Cowboys' final defensive possession in Saturday night's 51–49 loss to Iowa State.

Young's apology followed sharp criticism from head coach Eric Morris, who described the penalty as the "most selfish penalty ever" after Oklahoma State had taken the lead with 53 seconds remaining.

"I apologize to all cowboy football supporters, my teammates, and coaches for the lack of discipline and selfishness I displayed today," Young wrote on X. "Football is a team sport and one play, like the one I made, can change the outcome of the whole game and I'm sorry for that."

Young also acknowledged that his behavior did not reflect the expectations of Oklahoma State's football program.

"The lack of maturity I showed is inexcusable and should have never been displayed on the field," Young continued.

"I deeply regret representing the loyal and true motto Oklahoma State stands by the way I did. I take full accountability for what happened, our coaches do not teach us or allow us to act the way I did."

Oklahoma State trailed 48–42 with less than three minutes remaining before quarterback Drew Mestemaker directed another touchdown drive. Mestemaker connected with Young for a 7-yard touchdown with 53 seconds left, and the extra point gave the Cowboys a 49–48 advantage. However, Young received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty following the touchdown, resulting in a 15-yard penalty enforced on the ensuing kickoff.

Iowa State began its final possession at its own 37-yard line. Quarterback Jaylen Raynor connected with Jamal Polite for a 33-yard completion to the Oklahoma State 30, putting the Cyclones in position to attempt a game-winning field goal.

Kyle Konrardy eventually connected from 34 yards as time expired, handing Oklahoma State its third consecutive loss in Ames. The penalty was not the only factor in the defeat, but it made Iowa State's final possession more manageable.

Morris did not hide his frustration following the loss.

"To put the nail in the coffin at the end on Halloween night, we have the most selfish penalty ever after we score a TD and go up and put our defense in a bad position," Morris said. "That falls on me as the head coach and something I'll get that fixed."

Morris emphasized that Young's experience made the mistake particularly disappointing.

"At that point in the game, a kid with that much experience that's played so well, knows he needs to celebrate with his teammates," Morris said. "He didn't."

The Oklahoma State coach added that the program has established expectations regarding touchdown celebrations.

"That's our rule and there'll be punishments because of it," Morris said. 

Despite the costly mistake, Mestemaker expressed support for Young after the game.

"Yeah, it sucks. Every part of it," Mestemaker said. "It's just tough because Wyatt plays his best when he's walking that line. Obviously, we can't have that happen and he knows it. He's beating himself the most out of anyone. Just got to be there for him and move on."

Young finished Saturday's game with seven receptions for 74 yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score in the final minute.

Mestemaker threw for 323 yards and five touchdowns, while Caleb Hawkins rushed for 194 yards and two scores. The Cowboys produced 533 yards of offense but fell to 5–3 overall and 3–2 in Big 12 play. Oklahoma State remains one victory away from bowl eligibility.

For Young, Sunday's apology represented an acknowledgment of the mistake that overshadowed his productive performance. For Morris and the Cowboys, the challenge now is ensuring that accountability translates into better execution as the season continues.