Chaos and Opportunity: Oklahoma State Faces a Turbulent Week Against Baylor

Oklahoma State football is heading into its Big 12 opener in what can only be described as a turbulent, unprecedented week. The Cowboys are set to host Baylor on Saturday, but the storylines surrounding this matchup have little to do with Xs and Os. Instead, attention has shifted to the upheaval off the field, as OSU attempts to navigate the first game of the post-Mike Gundy era.

On Tuesday, the program parted ways with its longtime head coach just three games into his 21st season. Mike Gundy, who has been synonymous with Oklahoma State football since 2004, was abruptly removed, leaving the team in the hands of interim coach Doug Meacham. “It’s a new era,” Meacham told media earlier this week. “Our focus is on this game and helping the guys get ready.” While his words reflect confidence, the realities of stepping into a program in chaos are hard to overstate.

Meacham will make his head coaching debut this weekend, and he inherits a roster still adjusting to a mid-season upheaval. With the transfer portal now open, players have the chance to explore other opportunities, though it’s not possible to play for another FBS team this year. Still, the mere possibility of departures introduces uncertainty. How the team responds to Meacham’s leadership will be critical, not only for Saturday’s game but for the program’s stability moving forward.

“We’ve got to focus on what we can control,” Meacham said. “The players have to trust each other and trust the process. That’s the only way we’ll have a chance to win.” For Meacham, the challenge is multi-layered: he must rally a team reeling from recent defeats, stabilize a quarterback room with Hauss Hejny working to recover from injury, and prepare for Baylor, a program with a potent offense ready to exploit any weakness.

Oklahoma State’s offensive woes have been well-documented. Through three games, the Cowboys have scored just 12 points against Tulsa and managed only limited production against Oregon in a 69-3 loss. Freshman quarterback Zane Flores has started in Hejny’s absence, completing 45 of 79 passes for 417 yards and two interceptions, while adding a first career rushing touchdown. Meacham will need Flores to orchestrate an improved offense if OSU is to have any chance against Baylor. Veteran receivers must be involved early, and running back Rodney Fields Jr. will need to continue finding success on the ground.

Yet, even if OSU’s offense executes, Baylor presents a formidable challenge. Quarterback Sawyer Robertson leads the Big 12 with 1,320 passing yards and 13 touchdowns, while running back Bryson Washington has rushed for 415 yards on 83 carries, averaging over 100 yards per game after a slow start against Auburn. With Oklahoma State’s defense allowing 211 rushing yards per game, ranked 126th nationally, containing these threats will be a monumental task.

Despite the offensive struggles, there are signs of hope on the defensive side. After allowing 69 points against Oregon, Todd Grantham’s unit rebounded against Tulsa, giving up just 19 points and allowing only three in the second half. While the Cowboys’ defense cannot carry the team alone, it could provide a foundation if Baylor’s attack is stalled or even slowed at key moments. Still, OSU will likely need a near-perfect defensive effort to stay competitive.

The firing of Mike Gundy has cast a long shadow over the week. College Football analyst Josh Pate described the situation as a “complete disaster behind the scenes at Oklahoma State” and noted that Gundy “was already checked out this year.” Reports of pay-cut negotiations, internal frustrations, and staff departures have added layers of distraction for players and staff alike.

Interim coach Doug Meacham, who played offensive line at Oklahoma State from 1983–87 and previously served on the coaching staff from 2005–12, is familiar with the program, but stepping into a mid-season head coaching role under these circumstances is unprecedented. His challenge is to provide stability while also proving himself as a capable leader, potentially positioning himself for consideration as the permanent head coach.

The emotional aspect of Gundy’s firing cannot be overstated. He was not only a head coach but also a mentor and a figure deeply woven into the fabric of Oklahoma State football. While Gundy has urged his players to “finish the year the right way,” mixed emotions are inevitable. A “fired coach bump” could motivate the team, but it could also manifest as confusion, hesitation, or distraction on game day.

For Meacham, the immediate task is to channel this emotional energy into performance. The Big 12 opener against Baylor is a critical test, not just in terms of wins and losses, but in establishing the tone for the remainder of the season. Every snap, every drive, and every defensive stop will be scrutinized in light of the off-field chaos.

Baylor enters Stillwater as nearly a three-touchdown favorite. Their offense, led by Robertson and Washington, has the tools to exploit OSU’s defensive vulnerabilities. Bryson Washington, in particular, should be a key player on Saturday, given the Cowboys’ struggles against the run. If Baylor executes its game plan effectively, covering the spread appears well within reach.

Yet, the Bears cannot afford to overlook Oklahoma State entirely. Teams in transition sometimes rise to the occasion against top opponents, particularly when playing for a beloved former coach. The combination of emotion and unpredictability could make Saturday’s game more competitive than odds suggest—but not necessarily enough to produce an upset.

This week represents both chaos and opportunity for Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have a chance to rally under Meacham, give players a sense of direction amid turmoil, and at least challenge Baylor despite overwhelming odds. Simultaneously, it is a test of resilience, adaptability, and leadership—qualities that will define the program’s trajectory post-Gundy.

Whether the Cowboys can navigate these distractions and perform on the field remains uncertain. What is certain, however, is that Saturday’s game will reveal much about the team’s character and about Meacham’s ability to lead during a period of extraordinary upheaval.

Oklahoma State football is entering a new era under a cloud of uncertainty. Between a mid-season coaching change, offensive struggles, and the emotional weight of parting with a legendary coach, the Cowboys face perhaps their most challenging week in decades. As they host Baylor in their Big 12 opener, the narrative is less about statistics and more about resilience, leadership, and the ability to perform under pressure. For the players, coaches, and fans, Saturday represents not just a game, but a reckoning: a chance to define the program’s path forward amid unprecedented distractions.

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.

Follow us on Instagram