PFB Picks: Predictions for Oklahoma State’s Season Opener in Tulsa

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We are one sleep away from Cowboy football.

Oklahoma State opens its 2026 season and the Eric Morris Era with a game against Tulsa at 2:45 p.m. Saturday at H.A. Chapman Stadium.

Earlier this week, we laid out some season predictions, but here are our predictions for the Tulsa game.

We’re going to keep track of points for predictions this year. Ex — five points are available for the uniform: helmet color, helmet decal, jersey color, jersey number color (for away games), pants color. We’ll keep a running tally throughout the year that hopefully provides some alternate entertainment.

Anyways, without further ado, here are our picks.

Marshall Scott

Uniform: White (Cursive Cowboys)-White (Orange Numbers)-Orange

Leading Receiver: Chris Barnes

I’ve collected Chris Barnes stock all offseason, so I can’t stop now. From the spring game and the little bit of practice I’ve gotten to watch, Barnes is electric. He’s the type that can take one little quick pass all the way to the house, and I think he gets loose a couple times in Tulsa.

Player of the Game: Chris Barnes

All my eggs are in this basket, and after this game, I’ll adjust accordingly. It can sometimes be tough for a receiver to be named player of the game because the quarterback is often getting those yards attributed to him as well, but I think Barnes does enough to pop. This prediction could be locked up if he makes a big play in the return game.

Score: Oklahoma state 52, Tulsa 21

That might seem like a rather large number, but North Texas scored in the 50s seven times. I think Eric Morris and Co. make a statement that gets the fanbase fired up for the Ducks’ trip to Stillwater next weekend.

Kyle Cox

Uniform: Orange (Pete)-White (Orange)-Orange

Leading Receiver: Wyatt Young

A bit too much has been made about the “or” on the depth chart. It could really be one of four or five guys, but I think the connection between Young and Mestemaker picks up right where it left off. I say Mestie spreads it around but leans on his top target from last year as he knocks off any rust from the offseason. Give me Young with six catches for 105 yards and a score, with a several other guys getting involved.

Player of the Game: Caleb Hawkins

He might be the skill player I’m the most intrigued to see suit up in orange. We know the Cowboys have the talent to make plays on offense, but if they want to compete with the big boys (eyeing Week 2 against Oregon), they should be able to dominate Tulsa in the ground game.

Score: Oklahoma State 35, Tulsa 17

I have been eyeing this team with cautious optimism, but I think they hit the ground running against Tulsa. I expect a two-score lead in the first half and that the Cowboys keep the Golden Hurricane at bay minus a late garbage-time score.

Tyler Waldrep

Uniform: White (Brand)-White (Black Numbers)-Orange

Leading Receiver: Wyatt Young

I’m not expecting him to lead the team in receiving yards this season, but he was Drew Mestemaker’s most explosive deep threat last season and his placement in the slot positions him well to find holes in the defense. Finally, I think the “OR” between him and Miles Coleman leads to him potentially playing later in the game than OSU’s clear-cut starting receivers.

Player of the Game: Drew Mestemaker

He’s been discussed as a potential first-round pick throughout the offseason. He won’t earn that spot on Saturday, but I think he looks the part against an overmatched Tulsa defense. I expect Mestemaker to throw for at least 300 yards and three touchdowns on Saturday. An OSU quarterback hasn’t done that since, well, the last time the Cowboys visited Tulsa.

Score: Oklahoma State 48, Tulsa 13

If anything I’m being conservative with what feels like it should be a completely lopsided contest. Eric Morris believes in momentum and with No. 2 Oregon visiting next week, the Cowboys need to generate a lot of it in a hurry.