Oklahoma State football has long been known for its offensive firepower. From Brandon Weeden slinging the ball downfield to Mason Rudolph orchestrating high-octane attacks, the Cowboys’ identity has often revolved around consistency and confidence at quarterback. On the cusp of the 2025 season, however, Mike Gundy faces one of the most unusual quarterback situations of his tenure in Stillwater: a competition between two redshirt freshmen, neither of whom has thrown a collegiate pass.
This is not the typical quarterback battle where proven veterans or experienced transfers push each other for the starting job. Instead, Oklahoma State enters the fall with Zane Flores and Hauss Hejny as the clear frontrunners—two players who have plenty of promise but no résumé to lean on. Add in true freshmen Banks Bowen and Mason Schubert, who are not expected to see meaningful snaps this season, and the Cowboys’ entire quarterback room is as green as it gets.
That reality is why Oklahoma State’s quarterback situation ranks near the bottom of the Big 12 heading into 2025. It’s not because Flores and Hejny lack talent. It’s not because Doug Meacham’s system isn’t quarterback-friendly. It’s because OSU will open the year with a complete unknown at the most important position on the field, while many of their conference rivals trot out experienced starters with proven track records.
Zane Flores: The Familiar Face
If you’re looking for a “favorite” in this quarterback derby, Flores makes the most sense on paper. The former four-star recruit has been in the program since 2023, learning the system, developing his arm, and gaining familiarity with Gundy’s expectations. A traditional pocket passer, Flores has the size and arm strength to deliver big throws downfield, and he’s considered the safer option to run the offense.
But “safe” is relative here. Flores missed last season with a foot injury and hasn’t seen the field in a live college game. While his grasp of the playbook gives him an edge, nobody knows how he will respond once the bullets are live and Big 12 defenses are bringing pressure. Simply put, Flores’ experience is measured in practice reps and meetings, not game-winning drives.
Hauss Hejny: The Wild Card
On the other side of the battle stands Hejny, the more dynamic—but also more volatile—option. A former four-star recruit himself, Hejny originally signed with TCU before transferring to Oklahoma State to follow new offensive coordinator Doug Meacham. That connection matters. Meacham recruited Hejny and clearly sees a fit for his scheme, which leans on spreading the field and allowing quarterbacks to extend plays.
Hejny’s athleticism could give Oklahoma State a different dimension offensively. His ability to escape pressure, move the pocket, and pick up yards with his legs provides a versatility that Flores doesn’t have. However, Hejny has even less proven production than Flores. His game experience at TCU amounted to a few scattered appearances and zero passing attempts. Like Flores, he will be learning on the job, but with a higher ceiling and potentially lower floor.
The Problem of Inexperience
At the core of Oklahoma State’s quarterback situation is one undeniable fact: neither Flores nor Hejny has thrown a single collegiate pass. That’s not a knock on their ability—it’s just the truth. Every quarterback has to start somewhere, but OSU’s predicament is magnified by the state of the Big 12. Across the conference, several teams bring back quarterbacks who threw for 3,000-plus yards in 2024. Programs like Arizona State, Baylor, and Iowa State boast players with proven résumés and leadership experience.
By contrast, Oklahoma State is leaning on raw potential and untested upside. That creates a steep uphill climb, especially in a conference where the margin between a bowl trip and a disappointing season can come down to quarterback play. It’s hard to sugarcoat: OSU will be behind the eight ball when it comes to experience, and fans will need to brace for the growing pains that inevitably come with it.
Why the Battle Might Not Matter Much
What makes this quarterback battle even more intriguing—and frustrating—is the possibility that it doesn’t matter much who wins. Flores and Hejny are different stylistically, but neither has separated himself as a surefire option. Both will likely see the field at some point, whether by design, performance, or injury.
Oklahoma State has struggled with injuries at quarterback in recent years, and betting on a freshman to survive a full Big 12 slate unscathed feels risky. Even if Flores starts the season, Hejny’s mobility might be needed in games where the offensive line struggles. Conversely, if Hejny starts but struggles with accuracy, Flores’ arm could become the fallback plan. Either way, the “starter” may only be the starter in name, not in reality.
The Stakes in 2025 and Beyond
Here’s the twist: while the 2025 season might feel like a trial by fire, the outcome of this battle could shape the Cowboys’ trajectory for the next several years. Both Flores and Hejny have four years of eligibility left, meaning whoever wins the job this year could be Oklahoma State’s quarterback for almost the next half-decade. That’s a massive opportunity for stability if one of them emerges as a star, but also a daunting thought if neither develops as hoped.
In the short term, however, expectations should be tempered. This isn’t Alan Bowman providing a steady veteran hand. It isn’t Mason Rudolph walking into the season with multiple starts under his belt. This is a reset at quarterback, and resets come with unpredictability.
The Bottom Line
So where does that leave Oklahoma State? Somewhere between hope and anxiety. The hope lies in the fact that both Flores and Hejny were highly regarded recruits with legitimate tools to succeed in the Big 12. The anxiety comes from the reality that potential doesn’t win football games—execution does, and that execution will be tested under the brightest lights, starting on Thursday night.
Oklahoma State fans should expect flashes of brilliance from both players this season. There will be drives where Flores’ arm strength looks like the real deal and games where Hejny’s legs keep the offense alive. But there will also be interceptions, missed reads, and learning-curve moments that cost the Cowboys wins. That’s the nature of playing freshman quarterbacks in one of the toughest leagues in college football.
If there’s one thing Mike Gundy has shown over his tenure, it’s that he knows how to develop quarterbacks. From Zac Robinson to Spencer Sanders, Gundy has built careers out of raw potential. That track record should give fans a reason to believe that, in time, Flores or Hejny could be the next great Cowboy quarterback.
But heading into 2025, “in time” is the key phrase. Right now, Oklahoma State is rolling the dice with inexperience, hoping that one of their young signal-callers matures quickly enough to keep them competitive in a stacked Big 12. It’s a gamble, and like any gamble, the payoff could be huge—or it could leave the Cowboys stuck at the bottom of the league standings once again.
Matt Hofeld is a college football analyst and contributor covering the Big 12. Follow him for more Oklahoma State and conference-wide analysis throughout the 2025 season.
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