Full Breakdown
Oklahoma State and Dallas Cowboys Prepare for 2025 Season Openers
8/26/2025, 7:26:26 PM
Oklahoma State Cowboys: A New Beginning
The Oklahoma State Cowboys are set to kick off their 2025 football season on August 28 against the UT Martin Skyhawks at Boone Pickens Stadium. This matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams. The Cowboys are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season, where they finished with a 3-9 record and failed to qualify for a bowl game for the first time since 2005. Head coach Mike Gundy, entering his 21st season, has overseen significant changes, including a roster overhaul with over 60 new players.
Gundy expressed optimism about the upcoming season, stating, “We need to play a game. We’ve practiced against each other enough; the guys are ready to play a game.” The Cowboys aim to extend their impressive streak of 29 consecutive home opener wins, the longest in the nation. The depth chart released prior to the opener reveals a mix of returning players and newcomers, with Gundy noting that many players will be making their debut for Oklahoma State.
Key Players to Watch
Among the players to watch for Oklahoma State are Parker Robertson, a redshirt senior safety, and Wendell Gregory, a redshirt freshman outside linebacker. Robertson has emerged as a key contributor, while Gregory, a transfer from South Carolina, is expected to make an impact on the defensive side. The Cowboys will also rely on a new offensive lineup, including Zane Flores or Hauss Hejny at quarterback, and a deep running back group featuring Kalib Hicks and Sesi Vailahi.
Dallas Cowboys: Contract Drama and Season Outlook
As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 4, the focus remains on the ongoing contract negotiations with star linebacker Micah Parsons. Parsons, who is seeking a lucrative extension, has not participated in training camp due to a back injury, leading to speculation about his availability for the opener. The situation has drawn criticism from analysts, with former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky stating, “The Cowboys honestly are becoming a joke,” highlighting the distraction caused by Parsons’ absence.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has publicly discussed the negotiations, indicating that the team is prepared to finalize a deal but expressing frustration over the stalled talks. “We’ve got this resolved in my mind, for the Dallas Cowboys,” Jones stated. Meanwhile, quarterback Dak Prescott remains hopeful for a resolution, emphasizing the importance of Parsons to the team’s success.
Injury Updates and Team Dynamics
In addition to Parsons’ situation, the Cowboys are also monitoring the health of cornerback Trevon Diggs, who recently returned from offseason knee surgery. Diggs expressed cautious optimism about his readiness for the opener, stating, “I think I need a couple more practices just to see where I’m at.” The Cowboys’ defensive strategy will heavily depend on Diggs’ performance, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Parsons.
As both Oklahoma State and the Dallas Cowboys prepare for their respective season openers, the focus will be on overcoming past challenges and establishing a strong start to the 2025 season. The outcomes of these games could set the tone for the remainder of the year, with both teams eager to prove their capabilities on the field.
