Full Breakdown
Oklahoma State Cowboys Open 2025 Season with 27-7 Victory Over UT Martin
8/29/2025, 2:09:50 PM
Game Overview and Key Events
The Oklahoma State Cowboys commenced their 2025 football season with a home game against the UT Martin Skyhawks on August 28, 2025, at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys secured a 27-7 victory, marking their first win since September 14, 2024, and breaking a nine-game losing streak. The game began with a promising start for Oklahoma State, as quarterback Hauss Hejny led the team to two touchdowns in the first quarter before leaving the game due to a lower extremity injury.
Hejny's performance included a six-yard rushing touchdown and a 10-yard touchdown pass to Gavin Freeman, contributing to an early 14-0 lead. However, he exited the game late in the first quarter, leading to Zane Flores taking over as quarterback. Flores completed 13 of 20 passes for 136 yards and led the team to a field goal and a touchdown in the second half.
Performance Highlights
Oklahoma State's defense was a standout, limiting UT Martin to just one touchdown—a 39-yard trick play pass. The Cowboys' defense recorded four sacks, with freshman Wendell Gregory achieving three sacks in his debut, tying a Big 12 freshman record. Bryan McCoy Jr. also made a significant impact, leading the team with 14 tackles.
Despite the victory, the Cowboys struggled with their running game, averaging only 3.0 yards per carry. Kalib Hicks, the starting running back, carried the ball 21 times for 56 yards, while Sesi Vailahi added a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Mike Gundy commented on the team's performance, stating, “We didn’t do a good job of giving them space [in the running game]. It just takes a little time with that.” He also praised Hejny's early contributions, noting, “He moved around and was effective, made plays with his legs, which is what he does.” Gundy acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in the running game, emphasizing that “when you can’t establish a running game, it’s difficult to score.”
Criticism & Opposition
While the Cowboys secured a win, some analysts expressed concerns about the team's offensive performance, particularly in the running game. The lack of a consistent ground attack could pose challenges in upcoming games, especially against stronger opponents like the No. 7 Oregon Ducks, whom they will face next.
What's Next
Oklahoma State will face a significant test in their next game against the Oregon Ducks on September 6, 2025. The status of Hejny remains uncertain, and his potential absence could impact the Cowboys' offensive strategy moving forward. The team will need to address their running game issues and build on their defensive strengths as they prepare for this high-stakes matchup.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That’s a good one to get under our belt and get moving. We’ll learn a lot in all three phases. The good thing is we’ve got good video to learn a lot about some of our new players and our team.” — Mike Gundy, Head Coach
- “He’s got a chance to be a good player,” — Mike Gundy on Wendell Gregory
- “We didn’t do a good job of giving them space.” — Mike Gundy on the running game
This victory serves as a crucial stepping stone for Oklahoma State as they aim to rebound from a challenging previous season and establish a new identity under a revamped coaching staff and roster.
