Three Things to Know Ahead of Oklahoma State’s Season Opener at Tulsa

Oklahoma State kicks off its season on the road, but there should be plenty of orange-clad fans to take in the anticipated premiere of the new-look Cowboys.

As we look forward to the start of the Eric Morris era, let’s take peek at the opposite sidelines and get acquainted with the 2026 Tulsa Golden Hurricane.

1. Tre Lamb Also Building Through Portal

The Golden Hurricane didn’t approach OSU’s record 92 newcomers this offseason, but Tulsa still had success in the portal.

Tulsa ranks third in the American in transfer portals rankings according to 247Sports. Of their incoming 25 transfers, the average rating of 84.5 actually leads their conference.

It’s not a wholesale rebuild like Eric Morris had to do, but it’s a decent pull to a place where it’s not easy to attract talent, especially after four-straight losing seasons.

2. Tulsa Got Help in the Running Game

Tulsa ranked eighth in the American rushing for just over 175 yards per game last season at a clip of 4.3 yards per carry. The Golden Hurricane has added some pieces to the interior of their offensive line and a trio of running backs.

In addition to Malachi Preciado from South Alabama, Tulsa added running backs Damari Alston (Auburn), Seth Davis (Mississippi State), and Trequan Jones (Old Dominion).

Alston played 38 games at Auburn, rushing for 809 yards and six TDs in his career. Davis had a promising freshman season with 356 yards and a TD but suffered a serious knee injury in the bowl game that kept him out all of 2024. He appeared in just two games in 2025.

Jones might be the most intriguing of the trio. After stepping up to the FBS level for Georgia Military Institute, Jones broke out for 792 yards and six touchdowns, on just 105 carries (!). His 7.5 YPC ranked second in the nation last year.

According to the depth chart that came out Thursday, Alston will get the start against OSU with Jones set at RB2.

3. A Beat-up Secondary

Drew Mestemaker and his passing attack will get its first live reps against a talented secondary, but without its best player.

Tulsa cornerback Elijah Green is out with injury, but they still have a handful of playmakers on the back end.

Green was a First-Team All-American and a Jim Thorpe Finalist last year who led the American Conference with five interceptions and came in second with seven pass breakups. They definitely could have used him against OSU on Saturday, but they’re not without playmakers.

At corner, Tulsa will start veteran JD Drew and Abilene Christian transfer Tyson Williams.

At safety, they have a couple more Williamses. Zach Williams was second on the team (behind Green) with a 76.3 defensive rating. The junior safety started all 12 games for the Golden Hurricane last year, racking up 76 tackles. He also tied Green with seven pass breakups and forced two fumbles. Ashton Williams returns after playing in all 12 games last year, he will try to fill the role of departed all-conference safety Lento Smith Jr.

There’s some returning talent in Tulsa’s secondary, but Mestemaker and Co. will look to take advantage of a defense without its marquee playmaker.