Friday, October 16, 2026
Homecoming checklist 2026:
Don’t Duck with Cancer event promotes breast cancer awareness at OSU with the event and its core message. “Most of these tabling events are Oklahoma State University’s just to help reach students about Department of Wellness hosted certain causes that they might not the annual Don’t Duck with be aware of, or they didn’t realize Cancer event Monday through that they could also help with,” Wednesday to honor those who Lewis said. have been affected by cancer. However, the conversations Students were allowed to write Lewis has with students at Don’t the names of those affected on Duck with Cancer often move plastic ducks in the Edmond Low beyond awareness. Library fountain. “It’s nice because people just Breast cancer can affect open up immediately,” Lewis women of any age, but for said. “When you have an event college students, awareness and like this one, I like that students education about the disease can trust me with telling me this can often come later than information.” it should. Maggie Lewis, an OSU Department of Wellness volunteer, helped students engage Ashley Yarbrough
NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
See DUCK on page 5A
18th
18th
Sign Competition Oct. 18, Edmon Low Library Lawn, 2-6 p.m.
Orange Fountain Dyeing & Royalty Coronation
Oct. 18, Edmon Low Library Lawn, 2-6 p.m.
20th
Harvest Carnival & Chili Cook-Off
Oct. 20, Payne County Expo Center, 6-8 p.m.
21st
23rd
24th
Hester Street Painting Oct. 21, Hester Street (Hester Street Painting) 5-7 p.m.
Walkaround
Oct. 23, Greek Neighborhood 5:30-9 p.m.
Sea of Orange Parade Oct. 24, Main Street, (9th to Hall of Fame) 9-11 a.m.
Matthew Miner, The O’Colly
Maggie Lewis and Umme Faith Rahman tabling with ducks for students to while names of those affected on.
Democratic Candidate Cyndi Munson shared her vision with Stillwater Caleson Coon
picture by the sign, say I went to this parade; I have hosted an event just like this in every Cyndi Munson, Democratic single county in Oklahoma,” candidate for Oklahoma Munson said. “I have faced governor, held a meet and Oklahomans, I faced the greet last Sunday afternoon, voters to talk about the issues Oct. 11 at Stonecloud that we deeply care about, to Stillwater Patio & Taproom for share my vision on how we voters to hear her vision. get Oklahoma back on track, Munson began by thanking and of course, to share a little all those in attendance as she bit about who I am. So, thank noted her various stops in you, for showing up every Stillwater as the crowds “get time, and I love my fellow bigger every single time” she travelers who travel with me comes. across the counties.” “As you all know, I have Munson acknowledged traveled to all 77 counties, those who came in and I’m even more grateful to encouragement of not sitting record that in each county, it’s on sidelines, but rather not just a stop and go, take a working together to win the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
upcoming election on Nov. 3. “You all know I represent House District 85 in Central Oklahoma City, I’ve been doing that for 11 years – grateful every day,” she said. “It’s an honor to serve my constituents, to represent the state of Oklahoma and to stand for everyday working people, and fight for the things that we know help our families. For four years, I’ve been serving as Democratic leader and truly been the honor of my life, as we get closer to election day. I’m anxiously excited, I’m ready for a change in our state, but it’s also bittersweet, because that means I won’t be in the
state house anymore, and truly, what a gift to serve alongside Trish Ranson and all of my colleagues in the state house for each and every one of you.” She also mentioned how being a native Oklahoman from Lawton, raised by a single father and later going onto become the first college graduate in her family, thanks to Oklahoma’s Promise plays a pivotal role in where she is today and her goals in running for governor of Oklahoma, while nodding to her graduate year of 2004. See MUNSON on page 4
WHAT’S INSIDE 3A
Small Business aims to create healthier lifestyle while bringing community together
7A
Asya Cooley Named Don and Cathey Humpreys Endowed Chair
8A
Verity Review
Page 2A Friday, October 16, 2026
O’Colly
News Munson
“You know, outside of encourage college students eight years in the state with, that where our OK just basic everyday living, to get involved.” legislature, so I’ve seen doesn’t match the needs Continued from 1A filling up the gas tank, For those who may be what she does, day in and that we have, and she buying groceries, the cost sitting on the sidelines day out, and she shows up understands it firsthand.” of tuition, and being able in hesitancy to make the for the people of Oklahoma Munson said she’s faceto access higher education choice to vote, Munson said every day, and so, the fact to-face with Oklahomans “I always acknowledge are decisions that the to “take it” as it’s a two-way that we have a candidate every day and encouraged my graduation year, legislature and governor street between voters and for governor, who does people to think about because that was when we make,” Munson said. candidates. that, is unbelievable,” what’s most important to were 17th in the nation “And so it is critical to pay “We’re doing everything Ranson shared. “Definitely them. for quality of public attention to this election, we can, you know, I’m supporting her for that “Do they [candidates] education,” Munson said. and it’s not just for them out all over the state of reason, and also the fact understand what you’re “We had a more balanced right now in college, but Oklahoma, trying to engage that she’s been all over the going through? And I state legislature, and things they’re gonna choose with as many Oklahomans state – that should not be do, because I’m a first were better when I was in places to live and where as possible; I’ve always unique.” generation college student. high school I’m grateful to raise their family and looked at our Democratic Ranson said these facts I know what it’s like to every day that I had access where to go to work, and processes and being in speak to the dedication have student loans, I know to wonderful teachers as we want Oklahoma to be office – it’s a two-way street, Munson has for the job, what it’s like to find a job, I we do now, but we had the place But they probably right?” Munson said. “Like, and also acknowledged know what it’s like to figure more teachers and services, won’t use Oklahoma if we I have to show up, but they how Munson herself out, you know, where are especially for counseling; I do not get out of 50th in have to show up too. If they speaks to the issues you going to love based was raised by a single dad, the nation for education want change and they don’t of affordability within on those opportunities,” my parents were divorced, and we don’t protect basic like the direction that our Oklahoma and Stillwater. she said. “And we have, because my mother was things like healthcare and state’s going, they got to do “She speaks to those I’m trying to bring more verbally and physically childcare. So, I would hope the research.” issues, because she of those for them, each abusive to me and my they are paying attention. Oklahoma State Rep. experiences those issues, and everyday for all of our father, and I needed that We have to make that Trish Ranson, spoke in I mean, she is single, she’s young people.” extra help. choice. Things can keep support of Munson and her on her own, she lives on “And I know thousands going down the same campaign. a government paycheck,” of children across the state direction or we can make “I’ve worked with Ranson said. “So, it’s those of Oklahoma who need a change, and so I would Cindy Munson for the last things that we all struggle news.ed@ocolly.com those types of services, who need someone to talk to. I wouldn’t be a state representative, I wouldn’t be running for governor if it weren’t for those types of investments. I’m the first in my family to go to college, thanks to Oklahoma’s Promise, so all of those early investments in education and in children, helped me to be where I am today. And I know there are kids all across our state who have big dreams, maybe not all want to run for governor, but do have big, big dreams.” Before she hopped on her minivan to Tulsa that evening, Munson stepped down to speak to those waiting to meet her. For students who are living in today’s economy, she said it’s up to them to pay attention to the Nathan Sogge, The O’Colly Nearly two weeks ago democratic candidate Munson visited spoke at OSU. ongoing things around them.
Editorial board Editor-in-Chief Caleson Coon
editorinchief@ocolly.com
Design editor Jose Brito
design.ed@ocolly.com
Design editor Kaitlyn Robertson
design.ed@ocolly.com
News and Lifestyle editor Ashley Yarbrough news.ed@ocolly.com
Photo editor Chance Marick
photo.ed@ocolly.com
Assistant Photo editor Andon Freitas photo.ed@ocolly.com
Sports editor Weston Wertzberger sports.ed@ocolly.com
Social Media editor Megan Gibson news.ed@ocolly.com
Asst. Sports editor Cayden Cox
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Asst. News & Lifestyle editor Kalina Williams news.ed@ocolly.com
News & Lifestyle reporters: Aliyah Young Amanda Nagode Annie Ross Caden James Delaney Waterman Keiley Ward Matt Sammon Peyton Richards Zane Abouzahr
Newsroom 108 Paul Miller Stillwater, OK 74078 (405)744-6365
The O’Colly Staff Sports reporters: Ana Arias Ben Schatzel Charlie Girouard Chris Scamapdo Colby Krueger Henry Savage Logan Cole Marcus Mesis Ryan Ruston Timothy Christensen Will Thorogood
Photographers: Anthony Byrum Bailey Schmitz Catherine Dzanski CJ Young Daisy Gower Dominyk Jones Hailey Dodson Karsten Levings Laken Chambers Matthew Miner Natalie Koepp Nathan Sogge Noah McCleery Payton Little Trey Creel
O’Colly
Friday, October 16, 2026 Page 3A
Lifestyle Small business aims to create a healthier lifestyle while bringing community together Kalina Williams
which has added to their we can go get whatever we main purpose of making want, and that’s great, but everything natural through what’s in it, where did it The reason behind every a known source. come from.” small business varies but McPeak is currently Over the short amount for Queen D Homestead getting her masters in plant of time making and and Farm, its purpose is to and soil sciences, which consuming their own bring back family traditions has led her to learn several food, Dickens along with along with presenting a aspects of natural food and her peers have noticed a healthier lifestyle for those what makes ingredients difference in their lifestyles in the Stillwater community healthy contrary to what and hope others realize and beyond. the general public is told is how beneficial doing the Queen D Homestead healthy. same can be. and Farm is located at McPeak stated that she, For Kelley, growing up in 12th Avenue and Jardot along with her coworkers, North Carolina with several Road. The red stand can have seen the decrease in garden plots produced his be seen outside the fence the use of local foods and family’s food for the winter near the road and is open believes it is something that and helped him realize that on Tuesdays, Thursdays, should return. taking this step provided Saturdays and Sundays “We know a lot of people better taste to the food. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. that have smaller farms and Dickens and Kelley Payton Little , The O’Colly selling goods that range have smaller businesses and both think that since The stand is located off of 12th Avenue. from cinnamon rolls, we agreed that like ‘yeah people work hard for cookies, breads, fruit this is something that’s lost other people during the from three different states grown and gained the spreads and homemade that needs to be brought day, they deserve time leaves Dickens, Kelley and community’s attention, spaghetti sauce. back,’” McPeak said. to themselves and their McPeak with each other ideas have come to light to For those who drive by “When you’re at a grocery families when the job is to have that community to continue connecting the the stand, it could appear store and like reading done. They acknowledged lean on. community with farm life. as a simple gesture for an labels, our generation is that although everyone “We all met here [in Dickens and her peers individual to make more more aware of what’s going might not be able to take Stillwater] so we are want to build a bigger money but for Delaney on with corporations and this step, it can make a stand, sell at the farmer’s Dickens, the business stems conventional ‘ag,’ which noticeable difference if the each other’s family here,” McPeak said. “We are each market, allow people to from what she has seen is needed, but if you have commitment is there. other’s No. 1 supporters come pick flowers and while growing up and the the opportunity to be more “You spend so much time and No. 1 go-to people create a space for children influence of her partners vocal in a community, that’s working for other people whenever we need help. to learn more about farm Micah Kelley and Macie a blessing.” and at the end of the day, It’s been really cool to see life. McPeak. Relating to McPeak’s you deserve to come home our makeshift friend-family With the recent success When describing the message, Dickens recalled for at least an hour to just foundation of the business, growing up in Nebraska focus on yourself and your contribute to the Stillwater has come small challenges community.” mainly along the lines While contributing to of trial and error. When the Stillwater community, conversing on challenges there have been plenty of that have appeared, several “We know a lot of people that have smaller farms and times where Dickens is phrases appeared as to have smaller businesses and we agreed that like ‘yeah recognized outside of the what each individual sees stand and is told how many important in a business this is something that’s lost that needs to be brought people enjoy her products such as having a don’tback,’” McPeak said and give compliments to quit mindset, hard work MACIE MCPEAK her efforts. pays off, having drive and All members of the exhibiting patience. business see the importance While talking about of providing resources to her upbringing, Dickens the community in order to recalled each step taken which expanded her family,” Dickens said. share their interests and with the help of her family Dickens stated how each knowledge on self-grown Kelley followed Dickens’ love for what they do. and friends and provided a person has an important products versus products statement by stating to “We were presented with statement that can be taken role and different interests from the store. “promote self-sufficiency the opportunity to make literally or figuratively: which helps maintain “It’s so important to know and do as much of it as you that happen and give them “You start by planting a the business’s backbone where your food comes can, just start somewhere.” the opportunity to get into seed now, what can it grow and bring in new ideas. from and be able to provide A large aspect that it and buy local,” Kelley into later.” A common factor each of for yourself,” Dickens said. fuels each person to keep said. these individuals share is a “I think it’s a convenience contributing toward the As the business has background in agriculture, that we’ve fallen into that business is family. Coming
ASST. NEWS & LIFESTYLE
news.ed@ocolly.com
Payton Little , The O’Colly
The stand is open four days a week.
Payton Little , The O’Colly
Cookies are among many baked goods available.
Payton Little, The O’Colly
Dickens uses freash product and ingrediants for all of her products.
Dickens’ goat is named Sally.
There many diffrent types of jams and jellys offered.
Payton Little , The O’Colly
Payton Little, The O’Colly
Page 4A Friday, October 16, 2026
O’Colly
Lifestyle ‘Dancing with the Stars’: Week 5 Super Bowl Night Recap Ashley Yarbrough
NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
“Dancing with the Stars” brought back iconic Super Bowl halftime shows to the ballroom for week 5 of the competition. Super Bowl Night featured the season’s first guest judge, ESPN Sports Commentator Joe Buck. At the end of the night, fanfavorite Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson were eliminated. Rodriguez and Carson performed a salsa to “Tití Me Preguntó,” earning 22 out of 40 points, landing the pair at the bottom of the leaderboard for the fifth week in a row. However, this week, judge Carrie Ann Inaba praised Rodriguez for his positive attitude while performing. “I had a lot of fun; it was great,” Rodriguez said after his elimination. “Witney, I love you for teaching me how to dance; thank you so much.” “Step Up” star Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy opened the night with a paso doble Courtesy ABC to “Bad Romance.” Dewan’s 11 remaing couples took on Super Bowl Night, with the celebrities and thier pro partners dancing to past Super Bowl halftime songs. dramatic performance earned judges’ praise and scored Block” and earned 33 out of Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson Savannah Banana’s second pants. Despite the dance’s 36 out of 40 points, putting 40 points. Stiles incorporated performed a samba to “Yeah!” baseman Jackson Olson and entertainment value, the judges Chmerkovskiy at the top of the choreography inspired by The pair’s dance ended up Emma Slater performed a salsa were unimpressed with Wood’s leaderboard. her 2001 film “Save the Last being one of the most talkedto “Uptown Funk,” earning 31 technique, earning the pair 25 Paralympian Ezra Frech and Dance,” and had a surprise about performances of the out of 40 points. The judges out of 40 points. Daniella Karagach also earned guest appearance from her night as Inaba brought out the recognized Olson’s growing “I appreciate the 36 points with their salsa to movie co-star Sean Patrick physical rulebook to criticize confidence and described the commitment, the effort that past contestant Nelly’s “Hot Thomas. Shum’s illegal lift. Shum and performance as one of Olson’s you put into it. You just need to in Herre.” Frech adapted the “I feel good, I’m finally Johnson were in disbelief at strongest dances of the season. keep working on it,” said judge salsa to his prosthetic, which enjoying it,” Stiles said while this critique, along with the rest “The Bachelor” star Tyler Derek Hough. “But I have no impressed the judges. training. “I just want to keep of the judges’ panel. Cameron and Sharna Burgess doubt we’ll see you next week.” “That wasn’t hot, that was going up.” “A lift is, I just need to say it, earned 30 out of 40 points for With Rodriguez and smoldering,” said judge Bruno “Traitors” star Maura Higgins any movement during which their jazz routine to “The Time Carson’s elimination at the Tolioli. and Mark Ballas also earned 33 one of the dancers has both feet (Dirty Bit).” Following behind end of the night, 10 couples Figure skater Amber Glenn points with their tango to “Only off the floor at the same time them on the leaderboard, “The remain in the competition. and Pasha Pashkov performed Girl (In the World).” While with the assistance or support Fresh Prince of Bel Air” star The remaining contestants will an intense and energetic samba training for the dance, Higgins of their partner,” Inaba said. Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik continue competing for the Len to “Mi Gente.” Glenn and broke down in pain due to a However, fans online are performed a salsa to “Squabble Goodman Mirrorball Trophy Pashkov earned 34 out of 40 “twinge” she has been feeling divided on whether veteran Up.” The pair earned 29 out of as the season progresses. points, landing third on the in her neck since she started pro Johnson snuck in a lift or 40 points. “Dancing with the Stars” leaderboard. the show. Despite the setback, if Inaba’s judging was unfair to Connor Wood and Rylee returns next Tuesday for Actress Julia Stiles and the judges believed Higgins Shum and Johnson. Shum and Arnold performed a samba Dedication Night. Ezra Sosa performed a jazz looked as elegant as ever. Johnson received 33 out of 40 to Shakira’s “Hips Don’t routine to “Jenny from the “Grey’s Anatomy” star Harry points. Lie,” in bright orange fringe news.ed@ocolly.com
O’Colly
Friday, October 16, 2026 Page 5A
Lifestyle Behind the scenes of First Americans Museum’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration
Sarah Liese (Twilla), Thomas Pablo, INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS REPORTERS, KOSU
Thousands of people celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City on Monday. This year’s theme, “Sovereignty in Motion,” highlighted the vibrancy of Indigenous communities today and showed how Native people embody movement. The event included a tipi-raising demonstration by Riverside Indian School students, a
chalk mural contest and live music with dancing. Oklahoma City Mayor and Osage citizen David Holt also addressed the crowd, celebrating the city council’s recent unanimous decision to formally designate every second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day. Holt said that makes the recognition “mayor-proof.” Kelli Mosteller, executive director of the First Americans Museum, said the designation means advocates no longer have to rally each year for a proclamation. “I would do Indigenous Peoples Day, whether there
was a mayoral proclamation or not, but to have it recognized by the city government and the city that you call home, there’s something special about that,” Mosteller said. “And for a place like FAM in the downtown center of an urban area, it really matters that we don’t get erased. @kosuradio Monday is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and KOSU Indigenous affairs reporters Sarah Liese and Thomas Pablo checked out one of Oklahoma City’s marquee celebrations: events at the First Americans Museum. For the past several years,
OKC Mayor David Holt (Osage) has proclaimed official recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day from FAM. But this year’s designation held extra significance, as it marks the first after Oklahoma City Council passed a resolution that recognizes the day annually, regardless of who is in city leadership and whether they pass their own measure. Editor’s note: This post was reuploaded to correct a misspelling of Kelli Mosteller’s name. #oklahoma #indigenousday #okc ♬ original sound KOSU Radio Mosteller welcomed
anyone to come out for next year’s celebration. “If you’re a Native person, you can come and represent and feel like you are among your community,” Mosteller said. “If you’re not Native, you can come and be accepted as a neighbor and an ally and a friend and just learn and celebrate.” This article was originally published by KOSU, an independent news service based in Oklahoma. https://www.kosu.org/ fam-indigenous-peoplesday-2026
news.ed@ocolly.com
Open and close: fan-funded efforts to keep Velvet Fudge rocking Delaney Waterman
crucial for events. “I think the biggest thing it’s going to help with is people actually About 6% of the $6,800 goal for knowing where to enter the venue,” Velvet Fudge’s needed emergency Mulligan said. “Having a door on the exit door was fulfiled before Henry side where the parking lot is gonna Ramsay posted about the need for be a big help just to actually have donation. people see where they need to go.” The same day Ramsay took Milligan, who runs sound for to social media on Oct. 9, added events at Velvet Fudge, has witnessed alongside donations accepted at just how packed the space can get the event held that evening, the and says that the door will be a big total then went from a few hundred benefit for the venue overall. He dollars to just under $4000. In under also said that it will likely make it 24 hours, the cumulative amount easier to regulate the air conditioning was more than Ramsay imagined it throughout the building as the would ever be. primary entrance being an overhead Velvet Fudge operates both as a garage door, will now be able to close store and an event space, but without and allow for more controlled air various live activities, revenue is flow. bound to slow. It likely wouldn’t face Ramsay agreed with Milligan; permanent closure if an emergency improved air conditioning means exit door wasn’t put in, but product improved comfortability for input and profit would take the brunt everyone at Velvet Fudge, regardless of the blow for multiple months of whether they are working or until the total is reached. For a small attending the event. business like Velvet Fudge, every Regardless of the amount raised, dollar counts. the door is going to be installed in Installing the door is not an mid-November. Ramsay called it a entirely new revelation for the shop. sort of “birthday present” to himself When Ramsay became the owner, and has said that once the door is inspectors informed him that there installed, there will be much less would eventually need to be a door weight on his shoulders. put in place, but he didn’t know “It takes a lot of anxiety away from when the time would come. me,” Ramsay said. “Like, I don’t have “We knew we had to tackle it at to worry about it anymore. It makes some point and it’s like, now’s the me feel so much better. It’s also time [to do it],” Ramsay said. exciting, because I think it’s gonna When Ramsay spoke with the fire make us look more professional with marshall about getting the building an entrance over there.” up to code, he didn’t initially know Milligan and Ramsay both spoke what it meant for the shop stating of their experiences with the city that he had to learn about the process concerning keeping the venue up to from the beginning. code, and they were both positive. “I know nothing about installing a “It seems like they want this place door, so I’ve had to learn everything to succeed just as much as we do,” and make sure I’m doing it the right Milligan said. “Everybody involved way,” Ramsay said. has been great.” The emergency exit door is going Ramsay is more than grateful for to go on the south side of the shop the support the community has and face east. Ramsay has a possible shown thus far. The most donations plan of making the grass patch near have been received via Venmo, where the door a sidewalk as well. people can leave notes. Stillwater’s building and fire codes “I haven’t gotten to read require emergency exit doors for everybody’s messages,” Ramsay public spaces. The door must have a said. “The fact that we’ve gotten so minimum clear width of 32 inches many messages, and I’m not even and a minimum height of 80 inches. able to keep up with them, is a good If the occupant load exceeds 50 problem to have, I think.” people, the door must swing outward Ramsay is doing a fundraiser at for ease of flow. Stonecloud Brewing Co. on Oct. The door must also open readily 20 from 7-9 p.m. to gather the from the inside without keys or other remainder of the total where he tools, making it easy for anyone to will be doing an open crate session, open when the space is occupied. presenting a few boxes of records Doors must also feature bars or and his dual turntable. People push-pads that unlatch the door with can pay Ramsay to play certain minimal pressure. records or they can bring their own. Exits and paths to exits must For a slightly increased fee – and also remain clear at all times. No what Ramsay hopes is some extra merchandise, trash or equipment competition – people can also pay to storage in front of an exit door is skip a song, which is not as easy to permitted at any time. The door do. and paths must also be illuminated Velvet Fudge’s soon-to-be in case of power outages, which emergency exit door is an upgrade requires signage and lighting of some that hopes to better both the store kind. and the community. Donations The door wouldn’t just keep the are accepted via cash or Venmo to building up to code but would add Ramsay at @HenryRamsay. a new entrance to the performance news.ed@ocolly.com space, which Daniel Mulligan says is STAFF REPORTER
Sarah Liese, KOSU
Riverside Indian School students demonstrate how to set up a tipi outside of the First Americans Museum during its Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration on October 12, 2026.
Duck
Continued from 1A For Lewis, her connection to breast cancer awareness extends beyond being a volunteer. After watching her grandmother battle breast cancer, Lewis wanted to honor her through volunteering for Don’t Duck with Cancer. “My grandma was affected by Matthew Miner The O’Colly breast cancer, and it’s like, I’m October is Breast Cancer Awareness like honoring her a little bit,” Month Lewis said. “And also it’s like one of those things where you don’t women navigating questions think it’s going to affect you at all about their health. until it’s somebody close to you.” “I think a lot of young girls Laney Brown, another should know how to be able to OSU Department of Wellness check that or go get it checked volunteer, said the event also just to be able to talk to somebody gives students a chance to learn especially since women’s health more about how breast cancer can gets put on the back burner,” affect students no matter what Brown said. age they are. Brown recalled that she did not “You can get cancer at any age,” know the importance of being Brown said. “So people forget checked for breast cancer until that, especially whenever you’re she was in college. young.” “I only learned about that kind According to the Young Survival of stuff so much later in life,” Coalition, about 85,480 people Brown said. “And the doctors aged 15-39 are diagnosed with don’t really talk about it with you cancer each year in the U.S., or what to look for or anything.” and breast cancer is the most Lewis said students do not have common cancer for women in to organize an event themselves this age group. Through the OSU to make a difference in the lives Department of Wellness, Brown of people affected by breast encourages students to see what cancer. resources are available to them to “Just be able to show up for check for breast cancer. events or support anybody that “You think, oh, it’s not going they know that’s going through to happen to me, until it happens breast cancer or, you know, be to you,” Brown said. “And so, we able to talk about breast cancer just like to let people know about awareness without being afraid,” how these things work, what the Lewis said. resources are.” For Brown, conversations about breast cancer prevention are particularly important for young news.ed@ocolly.com
Page 6A Friday, October 16, 2026
O’Colly
Lifestyle Former Cowboys shine at U.S. Open as Clark captures second major title Peyton Richards STAFF REPORTER
When leaving the college area of Stillwater, the rest of the town might seem like just fields passing by. However, a hidden gem known as The Twelves Farm, short for The Twelves Agritourism and Event Center, has an active community unlike any other and features a family fun competition every Friday night: Goat roping. Goat roping is similar to team roping, as it replaces steers and horses with goats. The goats are used to head and heel on foot. While on paper it might seem complicated, anyone can compete. Competitor Bradley Walker spoke on why he ropes. “Just the fact that you get to be out here every night, hang out with your friends,” Goat roping is open for teams every friday in October. Walker said. “Good day to have a good time, you know, second place winning more “I’m gonna say my favorite something you can do on the than $1,000 in prize money. part is just the friendly weekends when you get out Even if competitors don’t competition from little kids of school or college, “It’s just win, they gain practice and like you can see right here, if you know how to work a memories, to be ready for six, seven years old, all the rope, you can pretty much next Friday night. The prize way up to my age,” Whitaker catch a goat. It’s one of those money isn’t the only reason said, “I’m 44. I mean, it’s a deals that you just want to why people compete. Many family competition.” You come out and have fun. You compete for the love of can win a little money, you know, just have a good time, the competition or to have can have a little bit of fun just hang out with friends, something entertaining to for the whole family. It’s laugh, cut up. Just have do with their Friday evening. fun for everybody. I don’t some laughs and meet new Josh Whitaker with 4 care if you’re 8 or 80 in a people.” Bar-W Goat Production wheelchair. You can have a Entry fees are $20 per spoke on how the price of lot of fun doing this.” team, and 60% of the money competing is no different The competitions started goes back into the pot. All than spending money at the the last week of September of the entry fees plus the movies. Whitaker said his and will continue every starting $300 in the winner’s favorite part was that it is a Friday night at The Twelves pot could get up to first and competition for all ages. Farm until Friday. The
Bailey Schmitz, The O’Colly
competition will also be held special to her. on Saturday from noon to 2 “It means that we get to a.m. during the fall festival. stay open and enjoy more of If you’re someone who our community a little bit doesn’t want to compete but longer. It also means that we wants to watch, everyone is get a different set of people. welcome. As teams warm That’s a whole other group up, The Twelves Farm of customers and clients features a variety of fall fun. and people we haven’t met,” The farm is all decorated Stephens said. “They come for the fall season with out, they go rope, then we a pumpkin patch. It get to keep the bar open. also has farm animals, Most of the time their homemade goods, photo families and kids come, so ops and a beautiful outdoor they also get to come hang atmosphere. out. For the most part, it’s a Co-owner of The Twelves really good time.” Farm, Megan Stephens, spoke on why these past few Friday nights have been news.ed@ocolly.com
Students patiently await America’s Greatest Homecoming activities Kaitlyn Robertson
mechanical and aerospace engineering student, is excited to volunteer for Students across campus multiple events with CEAT prepare for weeks for Student Council. The council the biggest and brightest is hosting events outside of celebration of the fall the regular homecoming semester: America’s Greatest events while also being Homecoming. involved at events including Making signs for the sign the parade on Saturday competition, participating in morning. the harvest carnival, cooking Silva said she is “absolutely for the chili cook off and excited for the parade” and creating floats for the parade will be walking through the are activities various clubs parade with the CEAT Stuco. and organizations participate Aside from events open to in to bring the Oklahoma all, organizations compete State school spirit across the throughout the week in entire campus and not just multiple competitions. The Greek life. Sign Competition starts Marinana Silva, a freshman STAFF REPORTER
on Sunday where anyone on campus and guests can vote on their favorite club or organization’s sign they created. Harvest Carnival and Chili cookoff are another piece of competition for any participating organizations which occurs the Tuesday evening of Homecoming week. The cookoff creates games for families to play and make their best chili to win in each competition. While competition is a large part of Homecoming week, one of the major homecoming events with no competition is Hester Street painting on Wednesday. This
event allows the community Friday of homecoming week. to come together and paint Mendoza talked about seeing Hester Street so it’s decorated the work Greek life puts in and filled with OSU spirit as and how fascinating it is to the football team walks down see the finished product. on game day. “To see everybody’s hard Another large event work being put in, you hear through homecoming about it since the beginning is Walkaround. “Seeing of school, and just to have everybody come together and everybody show what they seeing all the orange around,” have done is really cool,” said Amanda Mendoza in Mendoza said. regards to one of her favorite Homecoming events start aspects of homecoming. on Sunday at 6 p.m. with the Walkaround preparation Fountain dyeing and end starts early in the school year on Oct. 24 with the Parade with the Greek life activity and Football game agianst of pomping and finishes Colorado. with an all night pomp. Once done, it gets displayed the
news.ed@ocolly.com
On This day 1976. 50 years ago. Daily O’Collegian business manager, demonstrates a photo-typsetter used in the publication of the O’Collegian to Oklahoma State University Journalism Day participants Sheri Smith, Doug Stewart, Phyllis Carl and Ronnie Archer, Skiatook High School students. | CONTRIBUTING WRITER, 1976
Denice Newsom, The Daily O’Collegian, 1976
O’Colly
Friday, October 16, 2026 Page 7A
News Asya Cooley named Don and Cathey Humpreys Endowed Chair Caleson Coon
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As of October, Asya Cooley has been named to be Don and Cathey Humphreys Endowed Chair for OSU Global, but her journey with study abroad came long before. Cooley, Oklahoma State University’s graduate program coordinator for the School of Media & Strategic Communication, said this is a program that will fund long-term experiences, which is a minimum of two months, for students who study abroad with a preference for students to venture outside the main four countries typically chosen: France, United Kingdom, Scotland and Spain. “But what really Cathey and Don wanted is for people to branch out [of] these countries,” Cooley said. “Even places like Italy, like not many people go, or Germany or As of October, Cooley was named to be Don and Cathey Humphreys Endowed Chair. Belgium.” are my passion, and the fact things. Another student I was freshman in high school in She said for Don and that I can help other students, talking – in Czech Republic, Russia when a program at Cathey, the goal is to break like, do that,” she shared. like, I told her some of the her school came along for the the barrier for students who want to have those long-term “To me, it’s just, ‘Hey, do you places in Czech Republic that opportunity for three students love ice cream? Great, and off the beaten path that she out of the entire school to experiences abroad without can go to. be sent abroad to the United the thought of it being out of you can give away ice cream because you have so much ice “So, you know, hopefully States for an entire year. reach financially. cream; it’s like a win-win, for I can be resourced, not just “I was so excited, I was like, Cooley said the average everybody involved.” given the money to students, ‘okay I’m gonna be one of funding for the program is She referenced a student but also given some of the those three students,’ so I did between $5,000-$6,000, not who is going to England ideas of what they can do. all the tests, the interview – I including scholarships that who she told, “Don’t stop in And you know, some of the didn’t pass,” Cooley said. “I are offered to students. She England, you know, hop on experiences, another thing went to like the last round, explained that if someone that I guess I did mention, but I didn’t pass, and my sister were to do the direct exchange over to, maybe you want to go back and see some Eastern but it would be a really cool did.” program, students would Europe. Maybe you want kind of way of using, you Due to her sister’s leave to a place like South to hop on a short flight to know, like where I am is that experience, it became seated Korea where the University in her mind that when she has direct exchange partners, Morocco, because once you’re I’m also leading short-term in Europe, everything else is programs.” went to college, it would be to and pay OSU tuition – for cheaper there.” She said she’s seen many study abroad. both long and short-term “So, having those kinds of students who were panicked “And I ended up going on abroad students. experiences, because I’ve been in studying abroad shorta diversity scholarship to a In her newly appointed to all these countries, and term at first, but then six historical black university, chair position, Cooley will I’ve seen the places that are months later would see them which I had amazing time serve as a resource for beautiful, and I’ve seen places “hopping around a Greek with, I also had a couple of students throughout their that, you know, people need to island or having an internship private scholarships, but planning process for study go see,” Cooley said. “So, I can in such and such country.” looking now, you know, 25 abroad. tell them about those kinds of For Cooley, she was a years later, I’m thinking that, “International experiences
Cooley has traveled to 55 countries.
SELECT THURSDAYS IN OCTOBER
Courtesy Asya Cooley
6PM-9PM
YOU COULD BE SELECTED TO WIN ONE OF EIGHT DRAWINGS OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE IOWA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
you know, if there were more program like Humphries are doing, like I would love to take advantage of something like that, because to me, going abroad, my parents could never afford it,” Cooley said. “So, I know how a lot of students at OSU, they’re like, well, if my parents are not paying for this, there is no way I can go. But with this grant, you really can.” She spoke to the students who are in similar positions, and noted what a leap it takes to say “Hey, I’m going to Malaysia.” “Like, it requires a certain type of person and courage, and that’ s why the first thing that I tell students who come up,” she said. “But I’ve met with three students so far, and (..)..and like, I admire that you’re taking the step and you go in someplace where you don’t know anybody.” news.ed@ocolly.com
Before first studying abroad, Cooley grew up in Ukraine.
Like us on
821 W. Freeman Ave Perkins, OK 74059
Courtesy Asya Cooley
Courtesy Asya Cooley
Page 8A Friday, October 16, 2026
O’Colly
Lifestyle Anne Hathaway & Dakota Johnson deliver a lackluster thriller in ‘Verity’ Review Ashley Yarbrough
NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Colleen Hoover’s latest book-to-movie adaptation, “Verity” tries to make a diversion from Hoover’s dark and twisted romcoms; however, it delivers more as a comedy. Directed by Michael Showalter, the psychological thriller stars Dakota Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer hired to finish a bestselling book series for Verity Crawford, played by Anne Hathaway. After a car crash leaves Verity unable to finish her book series, Ashleigh moves in to finish what Crawford started, uncovering secrets along the way. Ben Schatzel, The O’Colly Verity is a movie adaptation of a book by Best Selling author Colleen Hoover. As Ashleigh continues her story at the Crawford Johnson to do the layer of uncertainty to the However, the film’s does not fully capitalize house, she begins having majority of the heavy story. Jeremy’s motives greatest weakness is on the uncertainty visions that the bedridden lifting on screen. remain unknown and the its struggle to balance it creates. Showalter Verity is following her as When acting alongside viewer can either choose suspense with melodrama. intentionally changed she completes the book “The Odyssey” and “The to believe his portrayal The increasingly the ending of the movie; series and explores her Devil Wears Prada” of the events that occur complicated revelations However, this only creates newfound relationship actress, Hathaway, or Verity’s unreliable keep the plot moving, more confusion for with Verity’s husband Johnson delivers the narration. but some developments readers of the novel who Jeremy. same performance she Visually, “Verity” feel more shocking than watch the adaptation. Hathaway delivers gave in “Fifty Shades embraces the polished, meaningful. Instead of “Verity” has the one of the film’s most of Grey” and “Madame moody aesthetic expected consistently building ingredients for a memorable performances Web.” Johnson gives of a modern psychological toward a satisfying payoff, memorable adaptation: as Verity. Despite the a restrained, deadpan thriller. The snowy New the story occasionally a recognizable cast, an character’s limited ability portrayal of Ashleigh, England mansion feels sacrifices logic for the intriguing premise and to communicate in whose intentions luxurious but uneasy sake of another twist. a mystery built around the present, Hathaway and emotions remain at the same time. As a The ending also leaves the unreliable nature of delivers in flashback ambiguous throughout thriller, where Johnson’s important questions open storytelling. However, scenes throughout the movie. acting fails, Hathaway’s to interpretation. While the movie creates too the movie. However, Josh Hartnett, who plays performance has the ambiguity can make a many questions without Hathaway’s limited Verity’s husband Jeremy audience jumping in their psychological thriller satisfying answers. communication leaves Crawford, adds another seats. more engaging, “Verity” news.ed@ocolly.com
he t t ou k c e Ch
way! a e d i al H n i g i Or
SINCE 1957,
230 S. Knoblock St. Stillwater, OK 74074
Stop in for fresh Fried Mushrooms or Pizza made to your liking!
Friday, October 16, 2026
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
The Cowboys face off against Houston on Saturday, at Houston’s TDECU Stadium.
OSU faces ranked Houston test behind Weigman, third-down offense BY WILL THOROGOOD
O
klahoma State and Houston are gearing up for a ranked matchup on Saturday at TDECU Stadium in Houston, and the No. 18 Cowboys should expect a lot from the No. 20 Cougars. From quarterback Conner Weigman inserting himself into an excitementfilled quarterback matchup to UH’s best
third-down conversion percentage in the FBS, OSU is in for a fun, tough road game. While the Cowboys prepare for their first ranked Big 12 game since Sept. 28, 2024, against Kansas State, OSU head coach Eric Morris gave a lot of props to Cougars head coach Willie Fritz. “If I was an AD right now, he might be at the top of my list,” Morris said.
I
S TA F F R E P O R T E R
“I just have so much admiration for the way he’s done it just because I’ve taken kind of a similar path — maybe it was a little faster for me. He has 200 or some odd wins, 266 or something. There ain’t no way in hell I’m gonna get to 266; I can tell you that right now. I’ll be retired and doing something else at that point in my life.” Looking at Drew Mestemaker’s
counterpart, Weigman has been excellent through the air and extremely helpful on the ground. Weigman has completed 110 passes for 1,428 yards and thrown 15 touchdowns with only one interception. He has three dangerous weapons to throw to: Patrick Overmyer, Amare Thomas and Koby Young.
See WEIGMAN on page 2B
OSU’s veteran linebacker room remains a bright spot on defense Logan Cole
the system, me and Ethan talk a lot before plays and identity formations and things like that.” The trusty eraser, the thing on the Wesloski and Romney have opposite end of our pencils that we all combined for 60 tackles over OSU’s use so much, and is an important part last two games, with the former of a writer’s job. recording two consecutive 17-tackle For a football defense, linebackers fill performances. Third linebacker Isaiah that role perfectly. Chisom has also seen a lot of playing For Oklahoma State, the veteran time this season, with the UCLA linebacker core has been a consistent transfer recording 29 total tackles and a bright spot in defensive coordinator half-sack. Skyler Cassity’s scheme, through thick “They’ve done a phenomenal job,” and thin. Linebacker Ethan Wesloski OSU head coach Eric Morris said. leads the team with 53 tackles, and “They’ve done a nice job staying at fellow veteran Tate Romney is tied for home on some different misdirection the team lead with 1.5 sacks. stuff and getting some tackles for losses “A lot of it comes down to the defense and making some plays in space. I think you play,” Romney said. “We play a lot those guys feed off one another and of quarters, and that allows us to play have been really good. ... really fast and make plays. Outside of
STAFF REPORTER
See BRIGHT on page 4B
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
The Cowboys on average allowed opposing quarterbacks 28.8 rushing yards per game.
Mobile quarterbacks remain a challenge for OSU’s defense Marcus Mesis
Hurricane upset the Cowboys 24-10 in the season-opener. Weigman is a dual-threat quarterback the Cowboys have to game plan for The running game changes when the in an area that has been a problem quarterback can run. for OSU. When the Cowboys took on It makes it 11-on-11 football, West Virginia, they struggled to stop according to Houston coach Willie quarterback runs for the first half of the Fritz. UH quarterback Conner game. Weigman gives the offense extra Michael Hawkins Jr. rushed for 103 strength with his running ability. yards and three touchdowns when OSU “We don’t want to run Conner like traveled to Morgantown, West Virginia, crazy, but sometimes you gotta play 11on Sept. 26. Head coach Eric Morris on-11 football,” Fritz said. believes OSU should have tackled Oklahoma State’s problems started differently in that game. early in the season against Tulsa. Quarterback Baylor Hayes averaged 4.7 yards per carry when the Golden See MOBILE on page 3B
STAFF REPORTER
Romney is tied for first with 1.5 sacks for the Cowboys.
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
WHAT’S INSIDE 2B
Wyatt Young brings production, passion to OSU’s receiving corps
5B
Win streak centered around halftime adjustments
6B
Avery Bass makes the most of her OSU opportunity
Page 2B Friday, October 16, 2026
O’Colly
sports
Weigman
on third down, they are No. 1 in the FBS Continued from 1B with a 63% thirddown conversion Overmyer has percentage. To caught six touchdown counter that success, passes, while Thomas OSU’s defense has and Young have both done well to make caught four. stops on third down, Weigman has as West Virginia is remained consistent the only opponent since UH’s Big 12 to convert on half or opener against Texas more of third downs. Tech, throwing for at Morris shared his least 230 yards in the thoughts on the last four games. The Cowboys’ third-down only games that he defense and what the has seemed rattled on unit needs to do to the ��eld were against slow UH’s success in TTU and UCF. those situations. Despite throwing “I think we took a three touchdowns, the step back last week Red Raiders sacked in our third- and Weigman three times fourth-down defense,” in the Cougars’ 28Morris said. “I think 26 loss. Meanwhile, Houston’s third-down the Knights limited o�fense is so good his e�fectiveness because their ��rstby not allowing a and second-down passing touchdown. o�fense is so good and But Weigman had a so e���cient. I think backup plan: three for us right now, we rushing touchdowns have to do a great job that helped UH score on ��rst down and 27 unanswered points maybe put them in in the 27-17 win over some uncomfortable UCF. second-and-long Mestemaker is o�f situations that to a good start to they could be not conference play with so predictable and 39 completions, 693 continue just to passing yards and ��ve ground and pound a touchdowns. He has little bit.” remained con��dent Defensive tackle and composed in the Braylon Rigsby pocket, and has not mentioned the last been forced to run game against UCF much two games when he spoke about into Big 12 play with the third-down only three carries. defense. Mestemaker scored “We have been an 11-yard rushing pretty good on third touchdown against down in the past,” UCF to tie the game Rigsby said. “This 7-7 in the ��rst quarter, past week didn’t really so his legs can be show that, but we just relied on in red-zone have to get back on and short-yardage track. We’re focused situations. on us; it’s more Cowboys wide execution than them receiver Wyatt Young beating us.” spoke candidly about Limiting Weigman’s the similarities passing and running, between Mestemaker and clamping down and Weigman. on third down, are “Two con��dent key to victory for guys who will go rip OSU. If the Cowboy the ball,” Young said. defense checks both “Just two guys that boxes, it gives the are really comfortable team a strong chance in their o�fense, and to leave Houston with they’re two true a win. leaders out there. It’ll be fun to watch them two go at it.” Shifting over to the Cougars’ success sports.ed@ocolly.com
The three first year coaches combine for a record of 14-2 this season.
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Wyatt Young brings production, passion to OSU’s receiving corps Timothy Christensen STAFF EDITOR
Oklahoma State wide receiver Wyatt Young brought his North Texas production to Stillwater early in the season. Young enjoyed a breakout season at UNT last year. During the sophomore’s campaign, Young compiled 70 receptions, 1,264 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns en route to an American Conference Championship appearance. He received All-American Conference First-Team honors. Young followed his head coach Eric Morris and quarterback Drew Mestemaker to OSU this season. Despite the jump to Power Four play, he is picking up right where he left o�f. Through ��ve games, Young has 27 receptions, 462 receiving yards and four touchdowns. After losing the season opener to Tulsa, the receiver has found the end zone in his last four games. Young’s best game came on the road in Morgantown, West Virginia, where a second-half explosion led to eight receptions for a careerhigh 192 yards against WVU. The performance helped the Cowboys get their ��rst Big 12 win in over two years. Another factor in OSU’s
success has been the energy got to be a gritty, gritty group Young brings to the team. of guys, and like we’re just he talks to his teammates, chippy. And I look over there, but also to his opponents, and I see Wyatt doing it. It’s drawing agitated, animated like infectious; it gets me reactions from players in non- going, man. It’s good. I love orange jerseys. seeing that stu�f.” Young claims he only o�fers As the team prepares to words of encouragement to take on No. 20 Houston on his opponents and quickly the road, Young has high points out that he doesn’t expectations for his group. receive penalty ��ags for his “Finally, allowing us to in-game chats. hopefully make a statement “I keep it in between the win,” Young said. “Go out whistles,” Young said. “I try there and compete with the my best to, at least.” best, and hopefully whip up Morris, who played wide on the best. Just being able to receiver at Texas Tech, go out there and show that we explained how he handles a are a legit team, and ��nally player like Young. people will start taking us “It’s hard for me at times,” seriously, hopefully.” Morris said. “I was the same Young showed his way as a player, and so I underdog mentality when remember having to be reined asked whether he feels the in at times. And so, yeah, team has been disrespected. we’ve de��nitely had some “I feel like we all have,” conversations. Obviously, Young said. “I mean, our you don’t want to take that motto is mis��ts. We’ve all passion that he plays with out. been kind of disrespected “I think our team feeds o�f our whole career, underof it, and at the same time, recruited, or just people he’s got to be smart and never don’t think we’re as good as hurt this team by getting a we are. But I think getting penalty at some point, right? a major win under our belt I’ve always thought it’s better like this, ��nally, people can to have to pull them back a start putting us higher in the little bit as opposed to push rankings and whatever.” them.” O�fensive lineman Ashton Lepo shared how Young’s style energizes the group. “It’s great to see that,” Lepo sports.ed@ocolly.com said. “I think up front, you
O’Colly
Friday, October 16, 2026 Page 3A
sports OSU football schedules home-and-home series with Mississippi State Weston Wertzberger
on Sept. 6, 2031. the Bulldogs won in Starkville The two schools have met in 1970 and 1999. five times, with the Cowboys Third-year head coach Jeff The Battle of the Noisemakers leading the series 3-2. OSU Lebby has led MSU to a 4-1 between the Cowbells and the won the most recent matchup record this season, climbing as Paddles is coming. in the 2013 season opener at high as No. 16 in the AP Poll. Oklahoma State and the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff Beyond the two Starkville Mississippi State have agreed in Houston, 21-3 at Reliant games, OSU has played only to a home-and-home football Stadium. one other game in Mississippi: series, the programs announced The other four matchups a 17-9 loss to Southern Miss in on Wednesday. The Cowboys have been at both campuses, 2001. will host the Bulldogs on Sept. with the home team winning Mississippi State is another 7, 2030, before traveling to all four. The Cowboys won in Power 4 program added to Starkville the following season Stillwater in 1971 and 1998, and OSU’s future home-andSPORTS EDITOR
home series. The Cowboys are also scheduled to face Arkansas (Away: 2027, 2033; Home: 2032), Michigan State (Home: 2028; Away: 2029) and Nebraska (Away: 2034; Home: 2035). OSU is also scheduled to face Tulsa on the road in 2030 and host the Golden Hurricane in 2031. sports.ed@ocolly.com
A look back at OSU’s last five Top 25 matchups Ben Schatzel
game as a Big 12 member, the Longhorn defense. UT boasted Utah Utes came into Boone the No. 1 rush defense in the It was the first time the Pickens Stadium, handed OSU conference that season and Cowboys had been shut out The Oklahoma State Cowboys a three-point loss and began the held Gordon to 13 carries for 34 since a 2009, 27-0 loss in will travel down south to take Cowboys’ 18-game conference yards. Bedlam to rival Oklahoma. on the Houston Cougars in a losing streak. After meeting 28 consecutive The Wildcats statistically Top 25 showdown on Saturday. What was supposed to be a seasons, this 2023 matchup dominated OSU, outgaining When the No. 18 Cowboys potent OSU offense looked lost was the last time OSU and UT the Cowboys 495 to 217, with and No. 20 Cougars meet inside for a majority of the game as were scheduled to play for the KSU quarterback Will Howard TDECU Stadium, it will be the Cowboys only mustered foreseeable future. throwing for 296 of those and OSU’s first ranked-on-ranked three points in the first three four touchdowns. matchup since week five of the quarters. 2023 No. 22 OSU VS No. 9 OSU had to play two 2024 season. Starting OSU quarterback Oklahoma: 27-24 Win quarterbacks as starter Spencer The Cowboys have been Alan Bowman was replaced The lone victory on this list Sanders injured his shoulder lackluster in these contests by backup Garrett Rangel at for the Cowboys, and what a early in the 4th quarter, paving recently, so here is a look at halftime but eventually came victory it was, as Stillwater was the way for backup Gunnar their last five Top 25 matchups back into the game midway in a frenzy following an upset, Gundy to get some time. as OSU and head coach Eric through the final quarter. field storm and another field The two combined to Morris look to turn those A 22-3 deficit was cut down to goal post in Theta Pond. complete 15-33 passes for 163 misfortunes around against UH. three with a couple of garbage OSU took down the Sooners yards and two interceptions, time touchdowns, but the in the final scheduled Bedlam while Gundy actually led OSU 2024 No. 20 OSU at No. 23 Cowboys could not overcome on the gridiron, 27-24, on the in rushing with 5 attempts for Kansas State: 42-20 Loss 250 rushing yards from the Utes backs of running back Ollie 27 yards. Before this season, OSU’s last or Bowman’s two interceptions. Gordon II (33 carries for 138 At the time, it was the worst week ranked in the Top 25 was yards and two touchdowns) and loss of historic head coach also the last time the Cowboys 2023 No. 19 OSU VS No. 7 wide receiver Rashod Owens Mike Gundy’s career before the had a ranked-on-ranked Texas: 49-21 Loss (10 receptions for 136 yards). wheels fell off down the stretch matchup. In their final game as a Big The Cowboys led at the half of his tenure with 52-0 and 69-3 After a Logan Ward field goal 12 Conference member, the 17-14 but needed ten fourthlosses to Colorado and Oregon, gave OSU a 13-7 lead midway Texas Longhorns dominated the quarter points from Gordon and respectively. through the second quarter, the Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, kicker Alex Hale to regain the So, OSU is 1-4 in their last Wildcats took over, closing the to claim the 2023 conference lead. five ranked-on-ranked contest, game on a 35-7 run to blow out crown and secure their first After multiple defensive stops, but with new leadership in the Cowboys. CFP appearance. OSU secured the win over their Eric Morris and a completely Wildcat quarterback Avery The Longhorns jumped on rivals, bid them farewell to overhauled roster, the No. 18 Johnson (who the Cowboys the Cowboys quickly, scoring the SEC and Gordon claimed: Cowboys will look to prove will face later this season) touchdowns on their first four “There’s only one Oklahoma, they are worthy of their Top 25 accounted for 319 total drives to eventually take a 35-14 and it ends with State.” ranking and break a bad stretch yards and five touchdowns lead into halftime. of ranked-on-ranked losses (three passing and two From there, OSU only 2022 No. 9 OSU AT No. 22 when they battle the No. 20 rushing), outplaying OSU managed 281 total yards and Kansas State: 48-0 Loss Cougars on Saturday. quarterback Alan Bowman, could not catch up to a UT A week after the Cowboys who finished 26 for 50 for 364 offense that put up a seasondefeated the Texas Longhorns yards, a touchdown and two high 662 total yards. in a 41-34 thriller on interceptions. OSU running back Ollie homecoming, a top-10 Gordon II, who won the OSU team traveled north to 2024 No. 14 OSU VS No. 12 Doak Walker Award just days Manhattan, Kansas, and got Utah: 22-19 Loss later, was stifled by a physical embarrassed, 48-0. In their first conference sports.ed@ocolly.com STAFF REPORTER
Mobile
Continued from 1B “We weren’t great taking some angles on Hawkins, especially when we got down in the red area,” Morris said. “We had linebackers and safeties, felt like we were in position, and he did what he does, and he made them miss, and he scored touchdowns.” Facing off against dual-threat quarterbacks has not been the strong suit for the Cowboys this season. But defensive tackle Braylon Rigsby sees it as a chance to learn and improve. “Just take what we learned in the past and apply it this week, and it should be pretty good,”
Rigsby said. Morris is preparing his team to deal with a quarterback who is the full package. Weigman’s size gives OSU another challenge. “I don’t even know what they actually list him at, 6-3, 210,” Morris said. “But runs with strength behind his pads, and somebody we’re definitely going to have to work on getting on the ground right because they’ll do some design runs for him more than we will, and we’ll do them from time to time as well.” To stop quarterbacks or anyone in the running game, the team has learned the importance of staying in its assignments, according
to defensive tackle Luke Webb. “We have the ability to stop the run, but if we don’t do our assignment, we’re not gonna stop ‘em then,” he said following Saturday’s game against UCF. Webb made a key stop against UCF on fourth-and-1 with 8:55 remaining in the fourth quarter. The play looked like a pass from Keyone Jenkins, but his intuition told him it would be a run from Landen Chambers, and he played it that way. “It looked like it was gonna be a pass, but something just told me he was gonna run it up the middle,” Webb said. “I was like, ‘OK, here we go,’ and I just
went forward. I really us to play a lot more free as a defense and messed it up. I didn’t have extension; I yanked see it and play by the myself back through and rules. That was a good just barely got him by the adjustment by Coach leg.” [Skyler] Cassity.” Players noticed the Plays like that are key to stopping dual-threat adjustments; linebacker quarterbacks and letting Ethan Wesloski credits players play on instinct. Cassity with helping the Heading into a team play much better in the second half of the matchup against Houston, the Cowboys UCF game. “So, Cassidy was able to will need to make sure that tackling will not be a kind of light a fire in us problem. Letting players to come out and execute play fast and free has with a harder, a little helped OSU stop mobile bit better in the second quarterbacks before. half,” Morris said. “But “Just settling everybody we’re all competitors at the end of the day. down and doing something they’ve We want to be able to compete and win.” repped a million times and going out there and letting it loose and play extremely fast,” Morris said. “I think it allowed sports.ed@ocolly.com
Page 4B Friday, October 16, 2026
O’Colly
sports
How first-year coaches are building Bright winning programs
The three first year coaches combine for a record of 14-2 this season. Weston Wertzberger
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
highlighted when discussing I think you learn so much- I the three teams’ starts. know I did as a coach“I think both of those without having resources Seventeen Power Four squads have really good and how to solve problems programs have first-year quarterbacks,” Morris said. in different ways, right, when head coaches in 2026. “I think Nico [Iamaleava]’s you don’t have resources. Six are ranked in the latest a great quarterback that you Those guys aren’t guys who AP Top 25, but LSU, Ole Miss can do a ton with. Kentucky are gonna make excuses. and Utah entered the season did a great job bringing They just find ways to win with high expectations and in [quarterback Kenny] games.” were ranked in the preseason Minchey, who’s played The idea of an immediate poll. phenomenal this year — a turnaround is not new to The other three — ton of respect for those guys.” college football. Curt Cignetti Kentucky, Oklahoma State Bob Chesney took a similar took Indiana from 3-9 in and UCLA — have emerged approach at UCLA, coming 2023 to 11 wins in his first as some of the season’s from James Madison after season in 2024, leading the biggest surprises, each a 12-2 finish with a College Hoosiers to their first College getting off to a strong start Football Playoff appearance. Football Playoff appearance. after difficult 2025 seasons. He signed 42 transfers over Indiana then went 16-0 in “I mean, culturally, it just the offseason while retaining 2025 and won the program’s has to be done so fast,” OSU Iamaleava. The Bruins first national championship. coach Eric Morris said of the have already surpassed last Cignetti’s turnaround offers challenges facing first-year season’s 3-9 record with a 5-0 a recent example of how coaches. “All those processes, start (3-0 Big Ten), including quickly a program can building relationships, notable road wins at Cal in rise under a new coach. are expedited. If you did Week 1 and at No. 13 Oregon Morris, Chesney and Stein a poll within those teams last week, moving up to No. each took different paths of Kentucky and UCLA, I 12 in the rankings. to their current jobs, but all would think that they’d have Speaking of Oregon, three relied on major roster a ton of respect for those former offensive coordinator changes while trying to build coaches and the energy and Will Stein took the head winning programs in their the passion they bring every coach job at Kentucky, where first seasons. single day.” he brought in 32 transfers. The Cowboys face one of The Cowboys are coming Coming off a 5-7 season, the their biggest road tests of off their worst season since Wildcats matched that win the season Saturday against 1991, finishing 1-11 in total with a 5-1 start (3-1 No. 20 Houston. OSU enters 2025. Morris arrived from SEC), including top-10 wins the matchup on a fourNorth Texas and brought over No. 9 Texas A&M and game winning streak, with in 92 newcomers, a roster No. 10 LSU, jumping up to a a chance to strengthen its overhaul widely considered season-high No. 15 ranking. position in the Big 12 race. the largest in major college Morris said coaching at Morris said the opportunity football history. A core lower levels taught him to play another ranked team group followed him from to solve problems without is one the Cowboys want. UNT, including quarterback the resources available at “It’s just super competitive Drew Mestemaker, running bigger programs, a lesson he week by week,” Morris back Caleb Hawkins, wide sees reflected in Stein and said. “I think obviously we receiver Wyatt Young and Chesney. both positioned ourselves linebacker Ethan Wesloski. “I’ve known Will [Stein] right now to play in a really After a season-opening for a long time,” Morris meaningful game early in the loss to Tulsa, OSU stunned said. “I don’t know Bob season. I told the team today then-No. 6 Oregon in Week [Chesney], but obviously this is where we want to be. 2 and won its first two Big 12 a lot of admiration from These are the games that you games against West Virginia afar for what he’s been able dream about playing in, and and UCF, improving to 4-1 to do. Will’s been a friend. playing on the road against and climbing to No. 18 in I met him when he was a another top-25 team, and to the AP Top 25. Mestemaker coordinator here in Austin, be able to go play in these has led the Cowboys with Texas, high school level [at atmospheres and on national 1,575 passing yards, a Lake Travis in 2018-19]. TV and all the things that 67.5% completion rate, Moved on to UTSA (as come along with it.” 13 passing touchdowns, pass-game coordinator), did five interceptions and two phenomenal things at UTSA, rushing touchdowns. then (offensive coordinator Kentucky and UCLA at) Oregon. have also benefited from “It’s been fun to watch productive quarterback those guys kind of progress play, another factor Morris and come from lower ranks. sports.ed@ocolly.com SPORTS EDITOR
and some things we repped for two Continued from 1B weeks, which made “... They are really it a little bit more frustrating. We didn’t smart players out make that many there. You can add adjustments in this Isaiah [Chisom] in game; I think our there too; I think guys went out and Chisom’s doing a executed at a much phenomenal job as higher level in the well.” second half.” Both Wesloski Despite the and Romney are in their senior seasons struggles, the linebacking corps at OSU, though has anchored the Wesloski could get Cowboys’ defense. another year via “They’re very the NCAA’s new smart,” OSU eligibility rules. Having two veteran defensive lineman presences helps every Braylon Rigsby said. spot on the defense, “They know what they’re doing. They no matter where they are on the field, know the flow. They though it hasn’t been have those schemes where they fit gaps; all sunshine and they’re doing pretty rainbows. good.” “I thought there Saturday’s game were way too many busted assignments against Houston will be a tough test not [on third down],” Morris said. “There just for Wesloski and Romney, but for the are some key thirddown things where entire OSU defense. The Cougars have we had busted assignments, didn’t one of the Big 12’s set the edge on some top passers in Conner of the run game stuff Weigman, who can also hurt defenses early in the game. You really look back with his legs. Two of the league’s top at some of those linebackers will be key situations, we key to slowing him weren’t able to get off the field. … They down. “I think for us to converted so many be able to stay on fourth downs; the one big one we were schedule,” Morris said. “… We can’t go able to stop, we got away from what’s points off of. been good for us, “… So yeah, right? I thought we we got to clean did a nice job; our up some stuff on communication and numbers weren’t on some of those key what they’ve been in the past as far as money downs.” running the football, The Cowboys struggled on “money but we stayed downs” against UCF, committed to it, and I think it allowed us going 7-for-16 on third down and 4-for- to stay ahead of the chains last game, 5 on fourth down. Morris said it was an so it’s not a thing uncharacteristic day. where we’re going to “I think so,” Morris abandon it because they stopped the said. “Some guys run.” have played a ton of football for us sports.ed@ocolly.com
Andon Freitas, The O’Colly
Wesloski led the Cowboys with 17 tackles against UCF.
O’Colly
sports
Friday, October 16, 2026 Page 5B
OSU’s four-game win streak centered around halftime adjustments Jackson Stiles
STAFF REPORTER
Many of the Cowboys’ wins during their four-game winning streak have come after halftime adjustments. This led to big plays, including safety Evan Jackson’s scoopand-score against UCF with 10 minutes remaining, which swung the momentum. This momentum swing led to a fourth-and-1 defensive stop by defensive tackle Luke Webb and an offensive score, when wide receiver Wyatt Young catching a 5-yard pass over the middle for the touchdown. The Cowboys face a difficult matchup this week, as they take on their first ranked conference opponent, No. 20 Houston. OSU has recently gone into second halves down a possession against West Virginia or tied against UCF. In both cases, OSU won both games by at least two possessions. “It was like every game,” Jackson said following Saturday’s game against UCF. “You come in, you make adjustments, make adjustments on what was going bad. Just come in and get everybody rallied together and back, getting energy into them and
coming out fast.” The Cowboys’ defense is a big component of this second-half success. OSU got most of its big defensive stops in the second half, including three fourth-down stops against West Virginia and a blocked fieldgoal attempt against UCF that led to a Cowboys field goal. Offensively, the Cowboys have shown a similar second-half trend. OSU’s second-half offense is night and day, scoring 15 in the third quarter compared with 10 in the first half against West Virginia. However, Cowboys head coach Eric Morris stresses the importance Bailey Schmitz, The O’Colly of not starting slow against The Cowboys look to start strong against Houston. Houston to establish a lead, while also not putting too much pressure lost 39-17. Houston quarterback Many players have acknowledged on his players. Conner Weigman threw for 306 the team’s second-half adjustments, “I go back and forth on you yards and two passing touchdowns such as Jackson after the UCF overemphasizing certain things; and one rushing touchdown. game. However, some players say it doesn’t create anxiety and get “I think anytime you’re adding the adjustments are more about them thinking more than what they the run game into it with the mindset instead of the defensive should,” Morris said. “And so they quarterback, tough runner, big scheme itself. know it’s important. We stress it strong kid,” Morris said about “We really haven’t made every week, but yeah, a fast start on Weigman. “But then obviously, a adjustments or changes at the road would be huge for us in a true threat guy. I mean, I saw last halftime,” linebacker Tate Romney big game like this.” week [against Kansas State] he was said. “It’s more [about] playing This emphasis on an explosive getting super accurate in the red with a different attitude, a different start may be what the Cowboys zone.” mindset.” need to beat Houston. Players’ feelings on these Looking back at the last time the halftime adjustments are very Cowboys faced the Cougars, OSU mixed. sports.ed@ocolly.com
NBA should host a game at Gallagher-Iba Arena Column Cayden Cox
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
Twenty-six days before Iowa State basketball begins its season, 13,952 fans packed Hilton Coliseum. But why? Former Cyclone star Tyrese Haliburton returned to Ames, Iowa, for an NBA preseason game with the Indiana Pacers. This return sparked a conversation about hosting more NBA games on college campuses. Most notably, college basketball content creator Ryan Hammer recently posted a video on how these games benefit not only the NBA but also the colleges that host them. He also made some predictions on games he’d want to see in college arenas, and while he didn’t mention Oklahoma State, Stillwater is a perfect fit for the model. OSU has former players who are NBA stars, plus a regional tie to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and would miss a golden opportunity by not hosting a pro game in Gallagher-Iba Arena. Many Cowboy fans didn’t get the opportunity to watch former No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham while he was in Stillwater, as he played during the COVID-19-restricted 2020-21 season, when GIA averaged less than 2,000 fans. Cunningham has now become an MVP candidate in the NBA, and now that GIA can be packed again, what better way to showcase him to OSU fans than to bring his team, the Detroit Pistons, to Stillwater? Bringing the Thunder to GIA is an option, since Stillwater is full of Thunder fans and OKC is an hour away. A matchup between the Pistons and Thunder would not only bring Cunningham back to Stillwater, but also connect Cowboy fans with the NBA team many cheer for. You could also pair the Pistons against the Rockets for an OSU reunion, since Marcus Smart is now on the Rockets. Wanna get real wacky with the reunions? You could pit the Pistons against the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans or Washington Wizards and add a Bedlam twist. Austin Reaves, Jeremiah Fears and Trae Young are all players who had successful careers at Oklahoma and have shone in the NBA. Having a pair of Bedlam alums
File Photo, The O’Colly Cade Cunningham played at Oklahoma State during the COVID-19 restricted 2020-21 season and didn’t get to play in a full Gallagher-Iba Arena.
regional ties to the teams that played square off on their college campuses not only revives the rivalry, now played there. Texas has both a former NBA at a neutral site, but also gives the NBA standout and the San Antonio Spurs a way to generate more revenue. less than 77 miles away, and its set to Either way, GIA can seat up to 13,600 capitalize on both when the Moody fans and offers the NBA multiple Center in Austin hosts the Houston options as an alternate game site.
sounds a little different. It’s going to be a tough road environment for anyone who comes in here.” However, Haliburton’s return to Ames has already proven the superstarreturn model successful. During warmups in his return game to Ames, he wore his college No. 22 and got a standing ovation from the Cyclone faithful as he took a mic and spoke to them. “I think I experienced that [once before],” Durant said. After the game, he wore an “Oklahoma State has somewhat of an arena like that, ISU pullover at his postgame press conference and praised the obviously not that big. But to see something go straight atmosphere in Ames. up, and I always thought that was cool. The noise sounds “I’m a Cyclone through and a little different. It’s going to be a tough road environment through,” Haliburton said. “Being a part of something like that is a lot of for anyone who comes in here.” fun. … I enjoyed coming back here, I enjoyed all of our traditions here KEVIN DURANT and the culture of Iowa State.” Haliburton also took to ESPN’s Pat McAfee show and preached the benefits of hosting preseason games at Colleges hosting regional-based NBA Rockets and Spurs on Friday. Former Longhorn superstar Kevin college sites. teams have also worked well. Durant is returning to UT with the “I think it’s a cool thing; it’s exciting The Denver Nuggets have also Rockets, and Spurs fans in Austin will for schools to have that,” Haliburton dabbled in the trend this season. They get to watch their team. said. “I would love to do that more.” have hosted practices in Boulder at While Durant was with the Phoenix Regional games proved successful Colorado and even played their first Suns, he compared ‘The Wall’ in the in Boulder and Honolulu; superstar preseason game at the CU Events Clippers’ new Intuit Dome to GIA after returns worked in Ames, and Austin Center. the Suns defeated the Clippers 116-113 hopes to combine both models next Hawaii is another school that has on Oct. 23, 2024. week. reaped the benefits of NBA games on a “I think I experienced that [once Now, it’s only a matter of time before college campus. The Rainbow Warriors before],” Durant said. “Oklahoma the NBA and OSU work together to hosted the Los Angeles Clippers and State has somewhat of an arena like bring pro basketball to Stillwater. Golden State Warriors for a game on that, obviously not that big. But to see Oct. 4 that drew 10,112 fans. something go straight up, and I always While Hawaii and Colorado don’t sports.ed@ocolly.com thought that was cool. The noise have former NBA stars, they have
Page 6B Friday, October 16, 2026
sports OSU soccer’s postseason hopes still alive despite down year Marcus Mesis
STAFF REPORTER
The standard for Oklahoma State soccer is making postseason play. The Cowgirls are coming off one of their worst seasons in recent memory, their first losing season since 2001, when they went 8-10-1. The Cowgirls are already in a hole to make the tournament, but chances are still alive. Jada Moorman and the Cowgirls have played a lot of games already, so the feeling with these games is that they’ve done this before. “You know, we’ve already played a bunch of games,” Moorman said. “We’ve already done this dance before, so it’s kind of a thing that’s like, this isn’t anything new. This isn’t something that we can’t overcome, and I think we just have to remember that.” The Cowgirls are 1-4-1 in Big 12 play and have not gotten a win since upsetting then No. 14 TCU. There are five games remaining for OSU to boost its standings to make the conference tournament. The Big 12 tournament features the top eight teams of the 16 members. If the season ended today, the Cowgirls would be outside of the tournament. The Arizona game being a tie continues to hurt the Cowgirls. “The game that probably bothers me the most is the Arizona game at home; you’re winning 3-2, two and a half minutes left,” Carmichael said. “You gotta close that out. Then you’re sitting on 6 points. One win puts you right in that mix for the top eight.” Looking at the current standings, the teams above Oklahoma State in the tournament are Texas Tech, West Virginia, Baylor, Kansas, BYU, Houston and UCF. Outside of the tournament currently but still above
O’Colly
OSU is U of A, Colorado, Arizona State and TCU. Texas Tech is the lone team that has somewhat pulled away from the pack with 16 points; there’s a four-way tie for second with 13 points. This logjam presents a problem for OSU’s chances at the tournament. “We know that this game is crucial on Friday,” Carmichael said. “If we win that game, we’re all of a sudden hovering around that sort of 9, 10, 11 range. And then if we followed that up with a win against Utah, we’re sitting in that sort of 7, 8, 9 range. So the next 2 games are big for us at home, and we need to get points.” Ben Schatzel, The O’Colly In the remaining five games, two of Carmichael have led the Cowgirls to a NCAA tournament appearances 13 time as head coach. OSU’s opponents are below it in the standings. Two teams are above OSU each. As long as OSU does not lose to their chances alive. in the standings but on the outside of ISU, neither team has much ability to Colorado is next in the standings the tournament. That leaves one team hurt OSU’s chances, but any upsets and has a similar outlook to Arizona; currently in the Big 12 tournament. and the Cowgirls are in trouble. four wins is more than the Cowgirls That matchup is against West With where the Cowgirls are, the can get; three requires a full win-out. Virginia and is the last home game top teams continuing to win out The Cowgirls end the season against of the season for the Cowgirls. This will help the Cowgirls. Where the Colorado in what could end up being game is not a must-win for the Cowgirls need help is in the middle of a win-and-in-game. Cowgirls, but a win would help their the pack starting to drop some games Arizona State is the last of the teams chances to make the tournament. in a way that lets OSU gain ground. that matter the most for OSU. With Assuming this is a loss, the rest The teams that matter the most Arizona State having seven points, of the Cowgirls’ games need to be for OSU are Arizona, Colorado and it means that the Cowgirls have an wins for the team to have a chance at Arizona State. TCU is currently extra game that they can work with. making the tournament. above OSU, but the Horned Frogs If Arizona State wins out, it will have Too many teams around them in face four teams that are solidly in the 22 points, putting OSU out of the the standings have games against tournament, so will likely not have tournament. teams at the bottom of the conference. the points needed to compete for the Four wins tie the teams and then That means the Cowgirls will need last spot. the head-to-head matchup is the to beat ASU, CU, Utah and Iowa State. Arizona is currently the eighth tiebreaker. That gives the Cowgirls 12 points with team, with nine points, in the The Cowgirls face an uphill climb the four they already have and puts tournament, so it will need to drop for their chances to make the Big 12 them at 16 points. out for the Cowgirls. If Arizona wins and later the NCAA tournament. That would be enough to get to the four games, the 21 points are more eighth spot if things go OSU’s way, than the Cowgirls can get by winning but not a lot of room for error. A few all of their games, 19 points, but three teams’ results don’t matter outside wins means WVU is a must-win. The of matchups with OSU. Kansas State Cowgirls are looking for Arizona to and ISU have less than three points end the season two of five to keep sports.ed@ocolly.com
‘It means everything’ Avery Bass makes the most of her OSU opportunity
Ryan Ruston
saves in a season at UCO, with 91. Bass led the Bronchos to the NCAA Avery Bass’ first Division II Women’s Soccer experience on the pitch at Championship Central Neal Patterson Stadium Regional semifinals and was against the Cowgirls, kept nine clean sheets. not for them. Bass transferred to “I think I started off the OSU with only one year game getting kicked in the of eligibility. She entered face,” Bass said. “And I was the season as the backup like, ‘All right, let’s go.’” goalkeeper to Logan Marks, Division II Central who started all 19 games Oklahoma played in goal for the Cowgirls Oklahoma State in a spring last season. Marks got off exhibition match on Mar. to a slow start this season, 9, 2025. The Cowgirls leaving the door open for won 1-0, but the opposing Bass to win the starting job. goalkeeper struck OSU “In the spring, you could coach Colin Carmichael. see glimpses that she “Avery, we remembered had the ability to really her,” Carmichael said. “I help us,” Carmichael think we tied 0-0 and she said. “But she was just made like eight saves, and finding her feet, getting Ben Schatzel, The O’Colly you were just thinking, used to new teammates, Avery Bass has started the last nine games. ‘Wow, that kid’s really new environment. And as good,’ you know? So, we came into preseason, “That’s been huge for us, We walked back in at like Goalkeeper of the Week whenever she went in the Logan’s also a very good and then it’s also just nice midnight, and I was just so honors. portal, we jumped on it goalkeeper. And Avery was to know that someone’s happy to be back and see OSU center back Ellie immediately.” just kind of nipping at her Geoffroy is roommates with behind you, that’s got the orange and be back at Bass, the fifth-year heels the whole way. And the team’s back and my NPS. Bass and has seen her more senior from Broken Arrow, when Logan had a few back, too. But she’s been “It’s like my first start. comfortable in goal every Oklahoma, played her first moments, we felt like the awesome, and it’s really I was out there just like week. four years of college soccer time was right.” cool to see her step up as staring at the crowd, taking “We’re roomies, so it’s for Central Oklahoma. Carmichael made the a leader and then also as a it all in. I was looking at kind of fun, honestly, Bass ranks seventh on the switch at halftime of the player.” my mom, and she was seeing her get to shine UCO all-time saves list Mississippi State game Bass always dreamed of tearing up because she just now and start to play and with 133 career saves for on Aug. 27. Since then, start to lead the team back playing at OSU and wasn’t knows how bad I wanted it. the Bronchos. Bass also Bass has averaged a 6.73 sure she could. This year, It means everything to be there,” Geoffroy said. posted the second-highest player rating, with her best she can finally live out her here. To play for Stillwater “Obviously, I’m a center save total in a 2024 match performance coming in the back, and she’s literally dream of being a Cowgirl. and for this state. My against Washburn, with 13 upset win over No. 21 TCU, “Yeah, it’s something parents are alumni, just right behind me. And so, saves. where she earned an 8.2 grateful that the staff took it’s nice to hear her on the different to me here Bass’ 2024 season was player rating. a chance on me.” field whenever I’m playing, every day,” Bass said. “I one of the best in UCO In that game against remember just when we got whenever the team’s school history. Bass TCU, Bass made seven playing and supporting us. home from our big Texas recorded the second-most saves and earned Big 12 sports.ed@ocolly.com trip a couple of weeks ago. STAFF REPORTER
O’Colly
sports
Friday, October 16, 2026 Page 7B
Our best photos from OSu-UCF
Andon Freitas, The O’Colly
Drew Mestemaker celebrates after scoring a touchdown.
Drew Mestermaker jumps over defender.
Justin Bowick scores a touchdown.
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Andon Freitas, The O’Colly
Eric Morris talking to ESPN reporter.
Oklahoma State defense celebrates a touchdown.
Chance Marick The O’Colly
Bailey Schmitz, The O’Colly
Page 8B Friday, October 16, 2026
O’Colly
sports Big 12 football games to watch in Week 7
Matthew Sammon STAFF REPORTER
Saturday’s Big 12 slate has something for everyone. Oklahoma State travels to Houston for the conference’s only league-ranked matchup, while BYU hosts No. 2 Notre Dame in Provo, Utah, with College GameDay coming to town. Two of the nation’s oldest rivalries also renew this weekend, with Baylor and TCU meeting for the 122nd time in Waco, Texas, and Kansas heading to Manhattan, Kansas, to try to snap a 17-game losing streak against Kansas State. Here’s a look at four key matchups shaping the conference this weekend: No. 18 Oklahoma State vs. No. 20 Houston The Cowboys head to TDECU Stadium to take on the Cougars in the ��rst top-25 matchup between
the two schools since 2015. Head coach Eric Morris has transformed the Cowboys o�fense, and quarterback Drew Mestemaker has emerged as one of the country’s most productive passers. Running back Caleb Hawkins is the other key piece. Houston’s o�fense is 12th nationally in yards per game and 15th in scoring at 40.0 points per game. Houston leads the series 11-10-1 and won last year’s game 39-17. This is a must-win for both teams, with a chance not only to move up in the conference standings, but to solidify their place in the College Football Playo�f conversation. No. 2 Notre Dame vs. No. 8 BYU While it’s not a conference game, Saturday’s matchup between BYU and Notre Dame has massive consequences not just for the Big 12, but for college football as a whole. This will be
the ��rst meeting between two top10 teams in Provo, and College Gameday will be there. Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr has thrown for 1,378 yards, 16 touchdowns and one interception. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier has 1,033 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception. Bachmeier has also proven to be a threat with his legs, rushing for 239 yards and four touchdowns. Notre Dame’s ground game will be led mostly by running back Jonaz Walton, who has posted 409 rushing yards this season. The loss of running back LJ Martin will hinder BYU’s o�fense. Notre Dame comes to Provo as the heavy favorite, while BYU hopes to shock the nation. Neither team has beaten a ranked opponent yet, and with lighter schedules than their Big Ten and SEC counterparts, both need this win to build their playo�f case. TCU vs. Baylor
Both the Bears and the Horned Frogs are coming o�f a bye week as they head into Saturday’s 122nd Revivalry meeting. TCU currently holds the series lead 60-54-7. Baylor has won four straight since losing to Auburn, capped by a win against Arizona State 55-19, where quarterback DJ Lagway threw for 306 yards and four touchdowns. Lagway has 860 passing yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions in three starts. TCU has lost two straight and hasn’t scored more than 13 points against a Power Four team, despite quarterback Jaden Craig throwing for 1,400 yards. The TCU defense allows 255 yards per game, compared with Baylor’s 326. TCU has won nine of its past 11 meetings with Baylor, including a 42-36 win last year. The Bears are ��ghting for a ��fth straight win to remain unbeaten in conference play while the Horned Frogs are looking for their ��rst conference win of the season.
Kansas vs. Kansas State Kansas State has won 17 straight in the series, though Kansas leads the Sun��ower Showdown all time 64-54-5. Both teams lost to ranked opponents last week, and neither has a Big 12 win yet. Avery Johnson has 1,092 passing yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions. His 31 straight starts are the second most by a Kansas State quarterback behind Josh Freeman. KU sophomore quarterback Isaiah Marshall is averaging 279.6 total yards per game and faces a K-State defense that’s allowing just 133.4 passing yards per game. Kansas hasn’t won in Manhattan since 2007, but a win Saturday will end the streak and give the Jayhawks their ��rst Big 12 win of the season, leaving the Wildcats 0-3 in conference play.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
THE O’COLLY SPORTS PICKS - COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 7 GAMES
Weston Wertzberger
Cayden Cox
Will Thorogood
Timothy Christensen
Ryan Ruston
Marcus Mesis
Logan Cole
Ben Schatzel
OSU 38-28
Houston 37-35
OSU 52-49
OSU 35-32
OSU 45-35
Houston 32-28
OSU 49-45
OSU 42-34
#18 Oklahoma State
vs #20 Houston
#4 Ohio State vs #5 Indiana
Ohio State Ohio State Ohio State 33-25 35-31 31-20
#16 Miss State vs #22 LSU
#13 Missouri vs #9 Ole Miss
TEAM 2
Kaitlyn Robertson
Megan Gibson
OSU 42-7
OSU 34-32
Ohio State Ohio State Ohio State Ohio State Ohio State Ohio State 27-14 24-20 31-24 34-24 27-17 36-24
LSU 38-17
LSU
31-30
LSU 30-28
LSU
35-20
Miss State 38-28
LSU 35-14
LSU 28-24
LSU 37-24
Miss State 35-17
LSU 34-28
Texas 35-14
Texas 21-16
Texas 24-12
Texas 24-14
Texas 24-21
Texas 28-21
Texas 27-20
Texas 38-21
Texas 24-7
Texas 23-16
Alabama 34-17
Alabama 21-16
Alabama 45-25
Alabama 45-10
Alabama 42-13
Alabama 42-17
Alabama 44-20
Alabama 31-13
Tennessee 14-6
Alabama 42-19
Ole Miss 34-27
Missouri 41-37
Ole Miss 36-25
Ole Miss 32-24
Ole Miss 35-21
Ole Miss 32-24
Ole Miss 28-24
Ole Miss 23-20
Ole Miss 34-14
Ole Miss 34-24
Duke 31-27
UNC 31-23
Duke 24-20
UNC 24-16
UNC 38-35
UNC 32-28
UNC 31-27
Duke 37-24
UNC 24-21
Duke 31-24
BYU
Notre Dame
BYU 28-21
Florida vs #7 Texas #6 Alabama vs #14 Tennessee
Indiana 28-20
TEAM 1
North Carolina vs Duke #2 Notre Dame vs #8 BYU
Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame
#15 Kentucky vs Oklahoma
Kentucky Kentucky 27-21 31-10
44-20
Nebraska vs Oregon
EDITOR BOARD TEAMS
Oregon 27-23
34-30
Nebraska 27-15
STANDINGS:
37-33
35-28
28-17
Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame
31-28
42-21
31-28
BYU
31-30
Kentucky Kentucky 29-13 28-17
Kentucky Kentucky 28-24 28-21
Kentucky Kentucky Kentucky 42-35 24-21 35-31
OU 27-23
Oregon 38-32
Oregon 35-32
Oregon 17-16
Nebraska 21-14
Oregon 23-20
Timothy — 51-19 Ben — 51-19 Marcus — 50-20 Will — 47-23
Oregon 30-27
Cayden — 46-24 Logan — 46-24 Ryan — 43-27 Weston — 43-27
Oregon 21-14
GUEST TEAM 1: 48-22
Chance — 17-3 Jose — 14-6 Caleson — 10-10 Kaitlyn — 7-3
Oregon 27-20
GUEST TEAM 2: 39-31
Ashley — 12-8 Kalina — 11-9 Andon — 10-10 Megan— 6-4