Oklahoma State

Eric Morris arrives in Stillwater with a North Texas contingent that should immediately energize an Oklahoma State offense that ranked 109th nationally last season. The Cowboys' -4.9 JP+ rating places them 97th heading into 2026, with the offensive struggles (-3.5, 109th) far outweighing a respectable defense (-1.6, 84th) and solid special teams (+0.2, 32nd). Morris brings quarterback Drew Mestemaker (161.7 PPA), running back Caleb Hawkins (71.4 PPA), and receiver Wyatt Young (62.8 PPA) from his former program, replacing departed contributors like receivers Shamar Rigby (Wisconsin) and Gavin Freeman (Baylor) plus running back Rodney Fields Jr. (Kansas State). The portal math heavily favors the Cowboys with 420.3 PPA added versus 63.5 lost across 53 arrivals and 65 departures.

JP+ projects 5.5 wins for Oklahoma State in what should be a rebuilding year focused on installing Morris's system while addressing defensive consistency. The Big 12 schedule presents early tests with Oregon and Texas Tech at home, plus a road trip to Arizona State, while games against UCF, Tulsa, and Murray State offer opportunities to build momentum. If Mestemaker can translate his North Texas production and the defense takes a step forward under new leadership, the Cowboys could surprise in year one of the Morris era. If not, this becomes a patient rebuilding project with eyes on 2027.