A recent skid fuels speculation about Steve Lutz's future at Oklahoma State, can the Cowboys right the ship before it's too late?
This week on The Jones Report, Sooners Roundtable publisher Tyler Jones and OkState Roundtable editor Thomas Bridges delivered an in-depth discussion on the pressing storylines dominating Oklahoma and Oklahoma State men's basketball.
As the push toward March Madness intensifies, both the Sooners and Cowboys find themselves in challenging positions in their respective conferences, with postseason hopes fading fast.
The Oklahoma Sooners are enduring one of the toughest stretches in recent program history. Sitting at 11-10 overall and dead last in the SEC with a 1-7 conference mark, OU has dropped seven straight games. This skid has left the team on the outside looking in for the NCAA Tournament, and the outlook appears grim for head coach Porter Moser.
Jones highlighted the mounting pressure in Norman, noting that new athletics director Roger Denny—freshly appointed to lead OU Athletics into a new era—faces a critical decision.
Earlier in the week, Jones released a "hot board" of potential replacements for Moser, signaling widespread belief that the coach's tenure may soon end. The Sooners' struggles highlight deeper issues in adapting to the high-stakes SEC environment, where competition is fierce and margins for error are slim.
Despite the bleak record, Oklahoma has one last chance to build momentum this weekend. The Sooners host their arch-rival Texas Longhorns on Saturday at 1 p.m. CT in Norman. A victory in this iconic rivalry matchup could provide a much-needed spark, but anything less would only deepen the concerns surrounding the program's direction.
Things look comparatively brighter for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who boast a 14-6 overall record. However, the Pokes have stumbled lately, losing four of their last five games and sitting at 2-5 in Big 12 play. While not in the basement like their in-state rivals, the recent downturn has Bridges warming to the idea that head coach Steve Lutz's seat could heat up if the slide continues.
Bridges and Jones agreed that Lutz deserves more time to build on his foundation—especially after a strong inaugural season that included an NIT appearance and roster improvements. The Cowboys remain competitive in a loaded Big 12, but consistency will be key to avoiding further jeopardy.
This Saturday, Oklahoma State hits the road to face the Utah Utes at 5 p.m. CT. A road win in this matchup could steady the ship and keep postseason aspirations alive for the Stillwater squad.
The episode spotlighted the stark contrast between the Big 12 and the SEC. Bridges and Jones described the Big 12 as the best conference in America right now, loaded with depth and elite talent. Jones pointed to six legitimate Final Four contenders: Arizona, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, BYU, and Texas Tech. These teams are dominating standings and showcasing why the Big 12 remains a powerhouse even after realignment.
In contrast, the SEC has underperformed this season. A major point of contention was Alabama's handling of center Charles Bediako, with both hosts criticizing coach Nate Oats for allowing the player to continue competing amid ongoing issues. Jones expressed strong frustration, even rooting against the Crimson Tide in every game and comparing the situation unfavorably to past controversies like the Brandon Miller case.
The show didn't stop at college hoops. Jones and Bridges previewed Super Bowl LX, featuring a compelling matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots—a clash of storied franchises with playoff implications for fans nationwide.
Adding star power, the voice of the San Antonio Spurs, Jacob Tobey, joined the podcast to discuss rising phenom Victor Wembanyama and former Oklahoma State Cowboy Lindy Waters III. Tobey's insights provided a fun NBA angle, highlighting how Oklahoma State's pipeline continues to impact the pro level.
Overall, this episode of The Jones Report captured the high stakes facing Oklahoma and Oklahoma State basketball. With new leadership in Norman and building momentum in Stillwater, both programs stand at crossroads as conference play heats up. Fans in the Sooner State won't want to miss how these storylines unfold in the weeks ahead.