Could Oklahoma State Be the Dark Horse of the 2025 Season?

By Werner Ramos

In college football, surprises emerge every season, and Oklahoma State enters 2025 poised to shock skeptics. After a rocky 2024 with a 3‑9 record and a winless mark in Big 12 play, the Cowboys underwent a dramatic reset under longtime coach Mike Gundy.

With a rebuilt roster, new coordinators, and renewed optimism in Stillwater, Oklahoma State aims to reclaim relevance. If they exceed modest expectations, they could quietly forge their path back into national relevance.

As bettors consider the upcoming season, historical performances provide key insights into market expectations versus potential upside. Oklahoma State presents one of the most intriguing mismatch scenarios, underrated on paper, yet capable of outperforming projections.

Four Key Players Who Could Flip the Script

These four players will be eager to make an impact this season.

Hauss Hejny: Quarterback

If Oklahoma State’s dark horse narrative needs a face, it just might be Hauss Hejny. The young quarterback brings dual-threat athleticism, poise, and upside to a program searching for its next steady leader under center.

Hejny is more than a passer, he’s a playmaker who can extend drives with his legs and punish defenses that gamble too aggressively.

His mobility adds a fresh wrinkle to the Cowboys’ offense, creating stress for opposing coordinators who must defend both the run and the pass. That versatility could become the difference-maker in tight Big 12 matchups.

What makes Hejny stand out is his maturity and confidence, rare traits for a player his age. Teammates feed off his calm under pressure, and his ability to improvise when plays break down keeps drives alive.

If he adjusts quickly to the speed of Big 12 defenses, he could energize an offense that struggled for consistency in 2024, emerging as the unexpected star Oklahoma State needs.

Terrill Davis: Running Back

Terrill Davis enters 2025 as one of Oklahoma State’s most intriguing offensive weapons. Known for his burst through the line and ability to make defenders miss in space, Davis gives the Cowboys a back who can change games with one cut.

His acceleration allows him to rip chunk plays on the ground, while his receiving ability out of the backfield adds balance to the offense. He isn’t just a ball carrier; he’s a versatile weapon capable of keeping defenses honest.

Davis’ biggest impact may come in high-pressure moments. His ability to grind out tough yards on third down or break free for explosive runs provides Oklahoma State with an offensive safety net.

Behind a maturing offensive line, Davis could become the heartbeat of the Cowboys’ ground attack. If he continues developing as an all-around back, he’ll be central to keeping defenses from keying solely on the passing game.

Oscar Hammond: Tight End

Oscar Hammond represents the kind of matchup problem every offense craves. At his size and skill level, he can line up in multiple spots and create mismatches all over the field. His sure hands and reliable route running make him a natural target in the red zone, while his blocking ability ensures he stays on the field in all situations.

For a Cowboys offense that values flexibility, Hammond offers a rare combination of toughness and finesse.

Hammond’s presence also stretches defenses horizontally and vertically, opening space for his teammates. He’s physical enough to hold his ground against linebackers, yet agile enough to challenge safeties in coverage. As the Cowboys work to reestablish balance

offensively, Hammond provides the kind of dependable production that can elevate the entire unit. His development in 2025 could prove pivotal in giving Hejny and the offense a trustworthy option when games hang in the balance.

Markell Samuel: Wide Receiver

Markell Samuel brings size, athleticism, and explosiveness to the Oklahoma State receiving corps. At 6’2”, he excels in contested situations, using his body control and strong hands to win jump balls.

His ability to separate downfield makes him a natural deep threat, while his toughness over the middle ensures quarterbacks always have a reliable option. For a team seeking more big-play production, Samuel is a prime candidate to stretch defenses vertically and create opportunities underneath.

What makes Samuel especially valuable is his potential as both a playmaker and a leader. He has the tools to develop into a consistent outside target who commands defensive attention, which frees up space for other receivers.

As defenses focus on Oklahoma State’s proven veterans, Samuel can emerge as the breakout star of the receiving corps. If he delivers on his promise, he could redefine the Cowboys’ passing game in 2025.

Two Must-Win Matches that Define the Season

If Oklahoma State is going to make an impact this season, they will have to perform in these two matchups. Given their profile, these matches will have a significant impact on college football lines.

Oklahoma State at Oregon

When Oklahoma State travels to face Oregon, it’s not just another nonconference test, it’s a battle with serious playoff implications. The Ducks enter 2025 loaded with speed and physicality, boasting a defense that swarms and an offense built to stretch opponents across the field.

For the Cowboys, this matchup serves as both a measuring stick and a national showcase. Winning on the road in Eugene would instantly boost Oklahoma State’s credibility, quieting critics and elevating them in the playoff conversation.

A victory here would show that the Cowboys aren’t just chasing relevance, they’re ready to contend, making this showdown one of the defining moments of their season.

Oklahoma State vs. Baylor

When Oklahoma State and Baylor collide, Big 12 stakes and playoff hopes will be on the line. This rivalry has produced gritty, hard-fought contests, and in 2025, that intensity should only grow. Baylor brings a disciplined team with a stout defense and an offense capable of grinding out wins.

For the Cowboys, the matchup is about establishing conference dominance and proving they can handle pressure in marquee games.

Beating Baylor would not only energize the fanbase in Stillwater but also shake up the Big 12 race. More than bragging rights, this game represents a crucial litmus test in the Cowboys’ quest to position themselves among college football’s elite.

Dark Horse Potential: Analysis & Outlook

Multiple factors align to position Oklahoma State as a potential sleeper success story:

● Rebuilt yet hungry roster: With 63 new players on the roster and significant turnover, especially along the offensive line, the Cowboys practically start fresh in 2025.

● Fresh voices on staff: New offensive coordinator Doug Meacham and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham bring fresh philosophies aimed at restoring balance.

● Talented newcomers and key returners: Key players offer a mix of upside and proven production.

● Challenging but opportunity-rich schedule: With marquee games early and later, OSU can spring surprises that deliver momentum.

● Oklahoma must thrive in two segments: overcoming early skepticism by competing, or pulling off an upset, against Michigan, and securing statement conference wins like against Texas. If they outperform college football lines, bettors looking for value may focus on Oklahoma State as a season-long underdog poised to rise.

Embrace the Upset

Oklahoma State steps into 2025 as a recharged program with sufficient talent, a coaching change, and strategic opportunities to surprise the Big 12 and college football at large. Their dark horse status isn’t based on illusions but on tangible building blocks: transfer depth, dynamic newcomers, elite production, and fresh leadership.

Monitor early performances, especially in high-profile games, to identify areas for improvement. Watch lines move, up into respectability. If OSU can execute in key moments, it transcends expectations.

Could Oklahoma State be the unexpected storyline of the 2025 college football season? Absolutely, and if they are, bettors and fans will remember Stillwater, where it all started.

*Content reflects information available as of 2025/08/28; subject to change.

 

Werner Ramos is a freelance writer specializing in delivering insightful and engaging content on current events, culture, and trends. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Werner brings complex topics to life for readers worldwide. His work combines accuracy with a fresh perspective, making him a trusted voice in today’s fast-moving news landscape.