Oklahoma State football predictions for how Drew Mestemaker, Cowboys will fare in 2026

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It's a new era of Oklahoma State football as Eric Morris takes over in replacing longtime head coach Mike Gundy.

After a 1-11 season, the Cowboys reloaded with a new roster featuring North Texas transfers in quarterback Drew Mestemaker, running back Caleb Hawkins and receiver Wyatt Young.

Here's how The Oklahoman sports staff view the 2026 season playing out for the Cowboys and nationally:

Jenni Carlson, columnist

OSU MVP: Drew Mestemaker
OSU newcomer: Justin Bowick
OSU biggest game: Sept. 26 at West Virginia
OSU trap game: Nov. 28 vs. Kansas
OSU final record: 7-5
Heisman winner: Julian Sayin, Ohio State
College Football Playoff field: BYU, Georgia, Indiana, Miami, Navy, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Texas Tech, USC
National champion: Georgia

Ben Hutchens, OSU beat writer

OSU MVP: Drew Mestemaker
OSU newcomer: Caleb Hawkins
OSU biggest game: Sept. 12 vs Oregon
OSU trap game: Oct. 31 at Iowa State
OSU final record: 8-4
Heisman winner: CJ Carr, Notre Dame
College Football Playoff field: Georgia, Indiana, LSU, Miami, Navy, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Texas, Texas Tech
National champion: Notre Dame

Joe Mussatto, columnist

OSU MVP: Drew Mestemaker
OSU newcomer: Wyatt Young
OSU biggest game: Oct. 10, vs. UCF
OSU trap game: Oct. 31, at Iowa State
OSU final record: 7-5
Heisman winner: Dante Moore, Oregon
College Football Playoff field: BYU, Georgia, Indiana, Miami, Navy, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, SMU, Texas, Texas A&M, USC
National champion: Georgia

Jeff Patterson, sports editor

OSU MVP: Drew Mestemaker
OSU newcomer: Caleb Hawkins
OSU biggest game: Sept. 26 at West Virginia
OSU trap game: Oct. 31, at Iowa State
OSU final record: 8-4
Heisman winner: Dante Moore, Oregon
College Football Playoff field: BYU, Georgia, Indiana, Navy, Notre Dame, Miami, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, USC, Texas, Texas Tech
National champion: Notre Dame

Jacob Unruh, deputy sports editor

OSU MVP: Drew Mestemaker
OSU newcomer: Caleb Hawkins
OSU biggest game: Oct. 10, vs. UCF
OSU trap game: Oct. 31, at Iowa State
OSU final record: 8-4
Heisman winner: Julian Sayin, Ohio State
College Football Playoff field: BYU, Georgia, Indiana, Miami, Navy, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Texas Tech, USC
National champion: Georgia

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State football predictions for how Drew Mestemaker, Cowboys will fare in 2026

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