The long wait is finally over. Oklahoma State football returns to Boone Pickens Stadium this Thursday night, and for a program that endured a nightmare 2024 campaign, the opener against UT Martin represents much more than just the first game of the season. It’s an opportunity to reset, to re-establish an identity, and to prove that the Cowboys can still compete in a loaded Big 12.
Standing in the way is a dangerous opponent that knows how to win: the UT Martin Skyhawks, one of the most consistent FCS programs in recent years. The Skyhawks have captured four straight conference championships, reached the FCS playoffs again in 2024, and bring back one of the stingiest run defenses in the nation. While Oklahoma State is favored, this matchup is no simple tune-up. If the Cowboys underestimate UT Martin, the opener could turn tense quickly.
UT Martin: A Program on the Rise
Head coach Jason Simpson has built UT Martin into a model of consistency at the FCS level. The Skyhawks finished 9-5 last year, including a first-round playoff win over New Hampshire before bowing out to powerhouse Montana State. Along the way, they showed they can control games with defense, opportunistic playmaking, and a physical offensive line.
Statistically, UT Martin’s defense stood out in 2024. They allowed just 93.2 rushing yards per game, ranking sixth nationally, and routinely clogged running lanes with disciplined gap control. While the Skyhawks lost several top tacklers from last year’s unit, the secondary remains the heart of the defense, led by cornerback JaMichael McGoy Jr.
McGoy is the real deal. A preseason All-American and the OVC-Big South Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, he broke up 18 passes last season, picked off three more, and has emerged as one of the top defensive backs in the country at any level. His presence, along with fellow corner LaMarion Pierce and safety Jacob Stevenson, means UT Martin can challenge Oklahoma State’s young quarterbacks right out of the gate.
Offensively, the Skyhawks will lean on transfer quarterback Jase Bauer from Sam Houston and a rebuilt backfield that includes UAB transfer Armoni Goodwin and Sam Houston’s John Gentry. The offensive line, anchored by veteran Josiah Tingley, is experienced and physical. While UT Martin doesn’t often overwhelm defenses with big plays through the air, they are efficient, and they rarely beat themselves.
Oklahoma State: Searching for a Reset
If UT Martin enters the opener with momentum, Oklahoma State enters with urgency. The Cowboys stumbled to a shocking 3-9 finish in 2024 after a rash of injuries derailed what began as a promising season. Losing star running back Ollie Gordon II to the NFL leaves a massive hole in the offense, and the quarterback position remains unsettled heading into Week 1.
The battle between redshirt freshmen Zane Flores and Hauss Hejny has been the story of the offseason. Flores, a traditional pocket passer with a strong arm, has more system familiarity after two years in Stillwater, while Hejny’s mobility and ties to new offensive coordinator Doug Meacham make him an intriguing option. Both have talent. Neither has thrown a collegiate pass.
That reality underscores the importance of Thursday’s game. Against an aggressive secondary like UT Martin’s, Oklahoma State’s quarterbacks will face pressure to make smart reads and avoid costly turnovers. Growing pains are inevitable, but a strong showing would calm nerves heading into Week 2’s trip to Oregon.
Defensively, Oklahoma State should be significantly improved thanks to an influx of transfers. Last season’s unit struggled mightily, giving up big plays and failing to generate consistent pressure. The Cowboys don’t need to look perfect against UT Martin, but they do need to look competent — a step toward restoring confidence in a fan base eager for signs of progress.
Key Matchups
1. Oklahoma State’s Quarterbacks vs. UT Martin’s Secondary
This is the most compelling battle of the night. Whether it’s Flores or Hejny under center, OSU’s quarterback will be facing an experienced and ball-hawking secondary led by McGoy and Pierce. Any mistakes could swing momentum early, and Oklahoma State can’t afford to dig itself into a hole.
2. UT Martin’s Run Defense vs. Oklahoma State’s Offensive Line
Without Ollie Gordon, the Cowboys’ rushing attack is a mystery. Transfers and young players will try to fill the void, but UT Martin is elite at plugging gaps. If OSU can’t establish balance, the pressure on the quarterbacks will skyrocket.
3. Oklahoma State’s Front Seven vs. UT Martin’s Offensive Line
UT Martin wants to stay on schedule, protect Bauer, and avoid obvious passing downs. For Oklahoma State, generating consistent disruption will be key. If the Skyhawks control the line of scrimmage, they can hang around longer than the Cowboys would like.
Why UT Martin Can Win
The Skyhawks aren’t going to be intimidated. They played a Big 12 opponent in Kansas State last year, and while they were overwhelmed in Manhattan, they know what to expect. Their run defense can frustrate Oklahoma State’s ground game, and their secondary is good enough to capitalize on mistakes from inexperienced quarterbacks. If they win the turnover battle, UT Martin has a legitimate chance to keep things interesting well into the second half.
Why Oklahoma State Should Win
For all UT Martin’s strengths, this is still an FCS program replacing key contributors on both sides of the ball. Oklahoma State has superior talent across the board, especially in the trenches. With a roster refreshed by transfers and a defense desperate to prove itself, the Cowboys should eventually wear down the Skyhawks. Playing at home in Stillwater only adds to the advantage.
Prediction
Expect some first-half nerves. Oklahoma State’s offense might sputter out of the gate as the quarterback situation plays itself out, and UT Martin has the defense to make life uncomfortable. But over the course of four quarters, the Cowboys’ size, depth, and athleticism should take control.
UT Martin is too well-coached and disciplined to fold completely, but Oklahoma State needs this game to be a statement — not just a win, but a performance that erases the sour taste of 2024 and sets a tone for the season ahead. By the third quarter, look for the Cowboys to pull away behind defensive stops and a few explosive plays on offense.
This opener won’t answer every question about Oklahoma State’s future, but it can provide something more important: belief. For a program searching for redemption, that’s the first step back.
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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