Eight Days Oklahoma State Fans Should Look Forward to in 2026

Everything feels possible when the calendar flips. While most of us will abandon our dreams of getting in the best shape of our lives in the next six weeks, there’s still plenty to look forward to in 2025, oops, 2026.

Below is a quick list of the eight must-circle dates in 2026 that we already know about. In general, these dates should be either ones we believe are locks to be positive outcomes or games of such importance that they have a can’t miss feel to them.

February 22 (Sunday)

Oklahoma State wrestling hosts Iowa at 2 p.m.

The Cowboys have dropped six straight to the Hawkeyes, but David Taylor has closed the gap. Oklahoma State lost on the road by only five points last season and by only two points in November at the National Duals.

Marshall has already predicted OSU’s first series victory since 2019, but regardless of the final result, Gallagher-Iba Arena is guaranteed to be electric. Plus, as the last dual of the season, this will be the competition OSU uses to prepare for the postseason push ahead.

February 26 (Thursday)

Softball kicks off home slate vs Nebraska

After almost a month on the road, Cowgirl fans will get their first chance to cheer on the 2026 team against an opponent that advanced to the Super Regionals last season. OSU has won five straight against the Cornhuskers, but last season’s only meeting resulted in a 1-0 victory in Wichita.

There are high expectations on Jordyn Frahm, previously known as Jordy Bahl during her time with the Sooners, and Nebraska. Not everyone can make the trip to Stillwater on a Thursday so it’s a good thing Nebraska will face OSU on the following Saturday and Sunday sandwiched around games between Southeast Missouri State and South Dakota State in what should be a jam-packed weekend of softball at home for the Cowgirls.

March 15 (Sunday)

Selection Sunday for men and women’s basketball

It’s rare that the Cowboys and Cowgirls hear their names called to go dancing in March at the same time. It last happened in 2021 and the previous time before that was 2015.

The NCAA Tournament is far from certain for either team, but given how both are positioned, at least one should. Again, this is another prediction Marshall made ahead of the new year.

The Cowboys are 12-1 overall and have their most wins entering Big 12 play since 2014. ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi has the Pokes as the first team out. The team ranks 73rd overall in the NET. Considering that six conference teams rank inside the top 20, there will be plenty of chances to surge up the list with minimal chances for punishing losses.

Ahead of the New Year’s Eve game against Baylor, the Cowgirls projected as No. 7 seed according to ESPN bracketologist Charlie Creme. The team ranks 26th in the NET, but four Big 12 teams rank higher and three others rank inside the top 50. Last season Jacie Hoyt’s squad shocked the Big 12 giants repeatedly. This time the Cowgirls should be one of those teams but the depth of the conference means OSU will still have plenty of chances to prove themselves worthy of a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

March 19 (Thursday)

The NCAA Wrestling Championships begin in Cleveland, Ohio

Last season, Oklahoma State finished with its highest placement (third) since 2021, the program’s best point total since 2017, two national champions and a deep squad that included six All-Americans.

Topping that would take one heck of a finish from Taylor’s second group. And yet, this team feels more than capable of giving fans something to cheer throughout the entire three-day championship event.

April 14 (Tuesday)

Bedlam baseball in Tulsa

The rivalry actually resumes in Globe Life Field, home of the Rangers, on Feb. 14, but the neutral site showdown in Tulsa near the end of the season figures to be the one most worth the trip.

OU won the only meeting last year, but Oklahoma State has won five of the last seven and 10 of the last 14.

April 15 (Wednesday)

Bedlam softball in OKC

The only scheduled meeting between the two softball powerhouses takes place in Oklahoma City in the closing weeks of the regular season. The Sooners won last season’s only showdown, but the teams have split the last four games in the series.

September 5 (Saturday)

Oklahoma State seeks its first FBS win in almost two years at Tulsa

This one is big for so many reasons. The Cowboys officially kick off their first season under new coach Eric Morris. It’s only been a month since Oklahoma State last took the field, but in many ways it feels like it has been so much longer.

OSU also has a good chance to end the 19-game losing streak against FBS opponents. Putting that annoying stat to bed should be worth a spot on this list all on its own.

September 12 (Saturday)

Eric Morris makes his Boone Pickens debut against what should be a top 10 Oregon team

Regardless of what happens to the Ducks in the College Football Playoffs this season, it would be shocking to see Oregon ranked lower than eighth when this week two game takes place next season. As exciting as that one could be if OSU can keep it competitive, there’s every chance that it won’t be.

That’s okay given the spot these programs are in as we say goodbye to 2025, but regardless of the result Oklahoma State’s first home game under a new head coach in 22 seasons is the definition of a historic moment.