Shift on Campus
Friday, October 2, 2026
How Cowboy football has transformed OSU’s atmosphere
B Y A S H L E Y YA R B R O U G H
I
NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Oklahoma State University’s strong before the Cowboys’ in a press conference following Deslaurier said. “But now, recent success on the football recent wins. the Oregon game that he talked everybody’s like, ‘Oh, no, I field has brought a noticeable “I feel like there’s a lot more to coach Eric Morris about the love the OSU football team.’ I change to the atmosphere and school pride,” Clifton said. “I power football has to inspire a think we went from being like, energy on campus. feel like, I mean, it’s already a college campus. ‘What is our football team?’ to For sophomore OSU student very prideful school, but there’s “Remember, you were a great everybody loving them.” Isabel Maki, the change can be a lot more now.” coach,” Hess said. “Remember, Deslaurier said that the seen in the way students interact Clifton said that Cowboy you know how to inspire young change in Cowboy football’s with the football team across football’s struggles earlier in people. You just do what you perception has impacted what campus. the season caused students know how to do, and the rest of students wear on campus. “It’s definitely been more to wonder if the changes it’s going to take care of itself.” “I see a lot more students just positive on campus; people to the program were worth For Clifton, having a winning excited to rep OSU, basically,” actually stop for the football Deslaurier said. “Definitely seen players when they try to cross a lot more OSU gear on campus “I feel like there’s a lot more school pride,” the street now,” Maki said. since we started winning.” Clifton said. “I feel like, I mean, it’s already a very “There’s just a lot more respect Deslaurier said that her mind prideful school, but there’s a lot more now.” for the team.” was changed after the Cowboys’ JULIANN CLIFTON | FRESHMAN Maki said that she has seen a historic win against Oregon. shift in students’ happiness on “When we played Oregon, campus and at football games I definitely thought we were compared to when she was a gonna lose, but it was the best freshman. comeback we’ve ever had,” “Everyone’s been pretty upbeat it. However, the Cowboys’ football team determined which Deslaurier said. “But I definitely about the wins,” Maki said. turnaround since their loss to college she wanted to attend. think we’ve gotten a lot better. I “Definitely better than my first Tulsa has changed that mindset. “I don’t want to be at a college was really surprised.” year where everyone was just “Everyone kind of thought that has a bad football team,” With ‘America’s Greatest sad all the time.” that season was gonna be pretty Clifton said. “We’re paying a lot Homecoming’ quickly Maki said her freshman-year much like the rest,” Clifton said. of money to see some football, approaching, Deslaurier believes experience with the football “So I think it made everyone so having a good team is that a homecoming win would team didn’t give her much question if the changes were definitely worth it.” bring even more energy to reason to pay attention to worth it and everything, but OSU freshman Kylie campus. college football, even at her own now seeing how they turned Deslaurier said she noticed “I think it’s going to be school. it around, it’s definitely been the shift when she saw how something completely different “When I was a freshman, worth going through that low students and fans were talking if we win the homecoming I went to the only game we rough patch at the beginning.” about Cowboy football on social game,” Deslaurier said. won,” Maki said. “I was like, After OSU’s loss to Tulsa at media. ‘Oh my gosh, we’re winning,’ the first game of the season, “We were getting absolutely and then every game after we OSU President Jim Hess said dogpiled online before,” news.ed@ocolly.com lost. I wouldn’t say it had a negative impact on it, but like, it didn’t really add anything to my freshman year, you know, like, it could have been more fun if we won.” However, now that she has experienced another winning game day, Maki has attended every game since. “I’m definitely more inclined to go to the games now,” Maki said. “Even just for the atmosphere of it.” Maki said that on her way to the games, she has noticed more OSU students excited to participate in game day traditions. “I’ve seen a lot more people tailgating and excited to participate in events during the school year related to football,” Maki said. “Everyone is just so much more upbeat.” The increase in school spirit is also noticeable to OSU freshman Juliann Clifton, who said that Elliot Oakley, The O’Colly OSU’s school pride was already Jennifer Slusser and Matthew Patrick pose for photos while wearing Oklahoma State University merchandise.
WHAT’S INSIDE 3A
How to become a Registered Voter
5A
‘Dancing with the Stars’ : Week 3
4A
‘Primetime’ A24 Review
Page 2A Friday, October 2, 2026
O’Colly
News Here are some events happening across campus next week: Kalina Williams
Institute and enjoy snacks along with taking a True Colors Personality Test.
ASST. NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Oct. 5- Oct. 9
•
Monday •
•
Internal Affairs Committee Meeting SGA Student Senate / Student Union 456A Varsity Room, 6:30-7:30 p.m. A meeting open to all students to discuss concerns and solutions within the OSU community. Tenstreet Presentation Spears Technology Association, BU 201, 5:306:30 p.m. A presentation over technology given by Tenstreet, a software service built for the trucking and transportation industry.
Tuesday •
CSN Chat N’Snack with Josh Taylor Center for Sovereign Nations / 104/105 Life Sciences East, 1:30-3 p.m. Join the Center of Sovereign Nations for a talk with Josh Taylor from Hargis Leadership
•
Humanities Week majors, Minors and Opportunities Fair Center for the Humanities / 130 Social Sciences and Humanities, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Through this come-and-go event, learn more about humanities majors and minors offered at OSU along with on-campus research and professional opportunities. OSQ&A: Coming-out Day Kahoot Oklahoma State Queers and Allies / Social Sciences and Humanities Parlor, 6-8 p.m. Join the OSU Queers and Allies for a night of queer trivia. If trivia is not for you, crafts will also be available.
editorinchief@ocolly.com
Design editor Jose Brito
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Design editor Kaitlyn Robertson
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•
CSN Cowboy Cares Lunch-A-Month Center for Sovereign Nations & Cowboys Care / 104/105 Life Sciences East, noon-2 p.m. Enjoy provided lunch along with a talk about de-stressing and how to avoid becoming burnt out during the semester.
Thursday •
“Future-Proofing the Past: A Political Economy of the Humanities without AI” Humanities Week Keynote with Dr. Sonja Drimmer Center for the Humanities / Helmerich Browsing Room, OSU Library, 4-5:30 p.m. This talk offers an account of how AI being inserted into every civic institution has exploited history. Dr. Drimmer will reveal how scholars in humanities have more power than we might think while protecting the study of our collective past. Snacks will be offered from 5-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday •
Free Flu Vaccine Clinic University Health Services / Student Union Ballroom, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Students are able to receive free flu vaccines while supplies last. Insurance claims will
Editorial board Editor-in-Chief Caleson Coon
be filled out for faculty and staff who choose to attend the event.
News and Lifestyle editor Ashley Yarbrough news.ed@ocolly.com
Photo editor Chance Marick
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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
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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
concluding Dr. Drimmer’s talk. •
Crescent Moon Poetry Open Mic Night Center for the Humanities / Velvet Fudge, 7-9 p.m. The Full Moon Poetry Club is hosting a sponsored reading event at Velvet Fudge for the first “Humanities Week: Humanities Everywhere”
Friday •
Chutes & Ladders of Leadership College of Arts and Sciences / 213 Life Sciences East, 10-11 a.m. Enjoy an hour of fun while playing a lifesized game of Chutes and Ladders. The event will explore the “peaks and pitfalls” of dilemmas faced as leaders. Information will also be shared about the new leadership program, CAS-L.
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
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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
O’Colly
Friday, October 2, 2026 Page 3A
News Mid-term exams approach:
Students share tips for performing well academically and mentally Annie Ross
the web to aid students in through slides with a bunch else can really clarify what I notetaking and studying. of friends.” am missing and what I’m not Marroquin noted her use of Entrekin said study groups understanding.” The first of many exam online platforms and AI tools allow her to practice teaching A technique Entrekin said seasons are approaching as being beneficial to her the material, which is a she recently adopted was students at Oklahoma learning process. The software strategy she finds efficient. asking herself questions State University, reminding she utilizes is called Gemini This method of an individual about her class material she students the importance Notebook, formerly known as teaching others the material didn’t know the answer to, of time management and NotebookLM. is commonly known as the answering the question with selfcare. Marroquin said she prefers Protégé Effect. her current understanding, As October nears, many this software to other online Similarly, the Feynman researching to find the correct students are preparing resources commonly used by Technique is a teachinganswer, and then returning to for their first exam of the students, such as Quizlet. style study method, most the question. semester, while others are “I like to put in all of the commonly associated with “It kind of puts your brain already on their second or PowerPoints and the files, and four steps: Pick a topic and in the mood to find the third. Here’s what students it will create a study guide for study it; explain the material answers because you’re not can do to prepare for their me,” Marroguin said. “There to someone without an aimlessly studying,” Entrekin tests. are different forms of study understanding of it or a child; said. “You’re specifically guides, and you can create identify any gaps in your trying to find answers to Be a proactive student podcasts or an essay to read. understanding of the material; questions you proved you “Different forms like that return to studying with don’t have.” It’s no secret the most really help me.” questions you want answered. obvious way to learn Although this next tip isn’t Agreeing with Entrekin Prioritize self-care something is being present a resource found online, it’s was Hearst, who said being when the professor is something Marroquin said she able to teach the material to It’s no secret exam season teaching. The first step in uses every time she sits down somebody else was a telltale brings anxiety to many preparing for an exam is to study, which is her iPhone sign of understanding it. students. Among university listening to what the class’ focus feature. Marroquin “If you don’t understand students there is a 20-40% professor has to say. noted she doesn’t use the something, either explain it occurrence rate of test anxiety, For financing sophomore setting “Do Not Disturb,” but to a friend or talk about it according to a study published Bella Marroquin, she credits said it was similar by allowing with someone else,” Hearst in the medical journal being present in class and her to only receive texts and said. “Teaching it to someone Frontiers in Society. engaging in discussions as calls from family members. a reason for her academic For her, blocking out all success. distractions is a necessary part “I think it’s always helpful of engaging in her material. to pay attention in class, and Marroquin also mentioned unfortunately that’s kind of her form of social media while what it comes down to in a studying is people-watching lot of my classes,” Marroquin in the Edmon Low Library. said. “You have to pay “I won’t look at my phone attention and study all the whatsoever,” Marroquin material and use the resources said. “I don’t have any music that [professors] give you.” playing, and usually I’m just This sentiment is also in the library somewhere.” shared by both sophomore Bennett Hearst and senior Form a study group Morrow Entrekin, who agreed doing well on exams starts in Sometimes the best the classroom. strategy is working as a team. “I don’t take that well Entrekin, who is majoring in of notes, so it’s more of industrial engineering, said reviewing what my professor’s group study sessions are her been over and just showing No. 1 method. up [to class] honestly,” said “We showed up to the Hearst, a nursing student. library at 9 p.m. and studied until it closed at midnightUse study tools thirty,” Entrekin said. “We were doing reviews on the Eduardo Gonzalez studying inside the student union. Many options exist on whiteboards and going STAFF REPORTER
Entrekin said her confidence with exam season has come from her experiences through the past four years. “I think this happens naturally the farther you go up [in grade] because you just aren’t willing to put in that many hours,” Entrekin said. The main thing Entrekin has learned during her time as a student is the importance of getting enough sleep. She wanted to remind students, particularly freshmen, that the human brain doesn’t function at its best when it doesn’t get enough sleep. “Staying up all night studying is actually going to make you do worse,” Entrekin said. “You might have the information in your mind, but you’re not going to be able to really think about it because your brain hasn’t been able to synthesize it in your sleep.”
news.ed@ocolly.com
Ben Schatzel, The O’Colly
How to become a registered voter in Oklahoma Aliyah Young
STAFF REPORTER
The voter registration deadline for the upcoming midterm election is approaching. Here are ways to become a registered voter by Oct. 9. Whether you are an instate or out-of-state student, Oklahoma State University has resources to help students register to vote and participate in the upcoming election. Registration can be completed online, in person or by mail. Registering in Oklahoma For in-state voters, online registration is available through the OKVoterPortal. Voters must have a state identification card or Oklahoma Driver’s License to register online. The process requires voters to provide eligibility, residence and party identification information. OSU sophomore, Kaylee Rodriguez, registered online earlier this year. “I registered to vote online back in January or February Voting registration ends on Oct. 9. of this year,” Rodriguez said. personal morals.” Rodriguez finds registering In-person registration is to vote important because she available at local tag agencies, values political participation public assistance agencies and advocacy for her and county election boards. community. A state identification card or “What made registering Oklahoma Driver’s License important to me was getting is required for registration in involved in our democracy person. as a young individual,” OSU junior Truman Natt Rodriguez said. “I wanted to is already registered to vote vote for people and policies and plans to participate in that reflect the wants and upcoming elections. needs of my community and “I am registered to vote
Courtesy Creative Commons
and am planning to vote in the upcoming elections in November,” Natt said. “I will vote in person if I have the time. If not, I will mail in my vote.” Students can also register by mail. The voter registration application can be found through the OKVoterPortal. After completing the application, students must print and sign it before mailing or hand-delivering it
to their local county election board. Students can print applications free of charge at Edmon Low Library. Applications are also available at county election boards, most tag agencies, post offices and libraries. Out-of-State Students Out-of-state students who want to register to vote in
Oklahoma can use the same registration methods as instate voters, but different requirements will apply. Students registering in Oklahoma can use their oncampus or Stillwater address. Students who do not have an Oklahoma Driver’s License can use their Social Security number as an alternative form of identification when registering. Students who chose to register to vote in their home state must provide a permanent address. Often, students use the address of their parents or guardians residence. Registration requirements and guidelines may vary by state. Diana Bowman, an OSU senior from Texas, plans to vote by mail despite living outside her home state; however, Bowman shared how voting by mail can be difficult to navigate while balancing school and work. “I would love to cast a vote with the mail in the voting system,” Bowman said. “But the mail in the voting system makes it difficult to drive on election day without missing class and work.” To find more information on voter registration in states other than Oklahoma, visit The National Association of Secretaries of State website. If you register in your home state, outside of Oklahoma, you may either plan to travel and vote in person or choose to vote by absentee (by mail).
news.ed@ocolly.com
Page 4A Friday, October 2, 2026
O’Colly
Lifestyle Camp War Eagle presents new Robert Pattinson lessons and opportunities takes a seat in A24’s ‘Primetime’
Kalina Williams
ASST. NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
A topic often spoken about among college students is their concern with getting part-time jobs in order to afford this new way of life. During the school year jobs are limited and positions fill quickly, but summer brings new opportunities such as Camp War Eagle. Every year, Camp War Eagle tables near Chi Omega Clock, recruiting OSU students to become counselors for campers ages seven to 17. While most hiring processes involve applying for the job before an interview, Camp War Eagle chooses to do things differently by interviewing students first and then letting them decide if it’s the right fit for them. Located in northwest Arkansas, the camp is nonprofit and receives its funding from the Walton family, the owners of Walmart. This allows campers to attend at a cost based on their parent’s income and, due to the donation, some campers only pay a maximum of $20 a week. Casey Hinders, a recruiting director for Camp War Eagle, stated that this system is in place to ensure all kids get to experience things they enjoy. “We believe that camp is an incredible experience,” Hinders said. “It teaches kids things that maybe they have a passion for. Whether that’s horses, photography, guitar, pottery, anything like that. We want to make sure that’s available for kids of all backgrounds no matter what their socioeconomic background is.” Impacting the campers is not the only positive aspect that the camp brings. Students meet individuals from other colleges such as the University of Arkansas, Mississippi State and the University of Kansas which has been seen as a way to create friendships that will last a lifetime. Sophomore Addy Dalke proved that statement to be true by stating that the people she was surrounded by throughout her eight weeks at camp made the experience memorable and easier. “I made my best friends while I was at camp,” Dalke said. “People I’m going to have in my life, for the rest of my life. Just getting to build those relationships was so incredible. I don’t think that there is a place that will grow relationships faster and stronger than camp.” Aside from growing with other
Review
Courtesy Kierney Holthaus
Kierney Holthaus was a camp counselor last summer.
counselors, Camp War Eagle led sophomore Kierney Holthaus to notice personal growth from the connections she could make for her future. Holthaus wants to be a speech pathologist and took advantage of this summer opportunity to help start her career with kids early. The camp puts three counselors per cabin and within each is a maximum of around 12 campers, which allows for a connection to grow between both as time passes. Holthaus stated that there is importance in what counselors not only teach the campers, but also in what they can learn themselves. “We get an opportunity to show these kids that like ‘what you’re saying does matter,’” Holthaus said. “I feel like this summer gave the staff a really good opportunity to learn the importance of curiosity and the impact that [it] can make.” Holthaus added that having “empathy for people takes you a long way,” and being able to work as a team helped the counselors to continuously grow. Similar to Holthaus, Dalke noticed the effect being at camp had on all the counselors including herself. Being in a new area, surrounded by new people, added a feeling of nervousness but also excitement. “I think camp is such a great way to learn how to work as a team because you are thrown onto a peninsula with 500 other counselors and you just have to figure it out,” Dalke said. “We don’t have our phones, which I thought would be the death of me, but it was incredible.” Both Holthaus and Dalke were positively impacted by their counselor experience and see this summer job as a way for students to learn more about themselves while changing the lives of others. news.ed@ocolly.com
been easily overlooked and made her crucial. Delaney Waterman Despite the opportunity to STAFF REPORTER become one of NBC’s biggest names, Hansen’s life was falling apart. His You see how this looks, right? marriage was under immense strain. Well, if you haven’t seen A24’s He traveled constantly to film “To newest film, “Primetime,” you might Catch a Predator.” He was the man not actually know what Robert who was everywhere he wanted to Pattinson’s character, Chris Hansen, be, but nowhere he needed to be. is referring to. “Primetime” does not humanize Hansen, who hosted the hit or empathize with Hansen, but television series “To Catch a it does not treat him like a god. Predator” in the early 2000s, is often Rather, it focuses on corruption and seen as both a hero and a madman. exploitation in the industry as a “Primetime” latches onto this whole with Hansen at the forefront. ideology and puts both sides of the “Primetime” takes viewers back same coin on display for viewers in time to when hazy, VHS-style nationwide. productions aired on televisions Lance Oppenheim, the director of across the country. “To Catch a “Primetime,” has never been afraid of Predator” never used analog tape to getting his hands dirty. Oppenheim, record, but “Primetime” made the who cut his teeth with films “Some stylistic decision in order to achieve Kind of Heaven” and “Spermworld,” an uneasy, nostalgic atmosphere tends to embrace despair and dark similar to those of early 2000s crime truth rather than delight and false dramas and television. ideals. Compositionally, the film For “Primetime,” Oppenheim is blue. Among Oppenheim, wanted to lean into the unknown cinematographer David Bolen and while also highlighting the colorist Damien Vandercruyssen vulnerable. “I wanted to make worked in sync to recreate the something that felt like a fever striking palette that Oppenheim dream but captured an emotional associates with 2000s television. truth: When you spend a lot of time Oppenheim wanted “Primetime” doing reportage on an extremely to appear “dreamlike,” so heavy dark subject, it must rub off on you,” saturation and bold, opposing colors Oppenheim said in an interview with that seem to bleed together were Variety. chosen. But Pattinson doesn’t just wear The abrupt shifts from neutral the suit and mimic the voice. tones to harsh reds and unpleasant He becomes the disheveled, greens may seem chaotic, but they overwhelmed version of Hansen that work in unity to symbolize the broad mirrored the downfall of his own themes of manic, corrupt behavior television series. He becomes the and the tumultuous, overarching Hansen who was able to hide most of anger that brews throughout his troubles behind a script. That is, the storyline. Such unnatural until he couldn’t. colors work to trick the mind and Alongside Pattinson are Skyler distort the viewer’s idea of what is Gisondo and Phoebe Bridgers, entertainment rather than pure fact, acting as decoys. Gisondo, who further developing the universe that recently appeared in “Superman,” “Primetime” exists in. takes on the role of 23-year-old “To Catch a Predator” never Dan Plumb, an aspiring actor with actually competed against “Lost” an awkward personality. Plumb within the network, but for the fumbles his audition, but ends up purpose of the film, it added a sense on the set of “To Catch a Predator,” of competition and high stakes. Yet, not knowing that it would garner it quickly becomes apparent that the national attention. Plumb’s character pressure of becoming NBC’s mostgoes through particularly intense watched program can break even the situations in the film, and he serves entirely dedicated, as explored with as an example of just how draining the plotline concerning the death of and dangerous pursuing a career in Bill Conradt, a Texas district attorney. the entertainment industry can be. “Primetime” gives viewers a “Primetime” is Bridgers’ first major close-up on Hansen’s downspiral acting role, in which she portrays through the static and blur of “To Del Harvey, an androgynous-leaning Catch a Predator”’s glory days. As young woman who works alongside Hansen and his team chased the one Hansen’s team to lure predators into thing they wanted most, they lost sting operations. She also wrote an everything they ever had, leaving original song for the soundtrack that “Primetime” to conclude on a hollow, mimics the eerie, distorted tone of unresolved note. As the screen goes the film. dark, the credits roll and Bridgers’ The unexpected star of the show original song “On Video” plays; that is Merritt Wever. She becomes feeling continues to sink lower and Andie Bender, the no-nonsense lower until one almost starts to feel producer of “To Catch a Predator.” queasy. Her mannerisms, like the annoying The real-life Chris Hansen watched way she chews her gum and how she “Primetime,” and he was far from looms over the crew to review footage pleased. He called it “bizarre” and as the team records, are all put aside “out of reality,” but it never seemed once it becomes apparent that she is to be totally centered on realism what keeps the team afloat. She is the in the first place. “Primetime” is glue, the fixer and the mother all at meant to be a part-fact, part-fiction once. She is why Hansen is where he place for viewers to relive the is and why “To Catch a Predator” is a gritty complexities of 2000s crime success, even if she is not the world’s documentary television; Hansen just easiest boss to work with. Wever happened to be the main character took a character that could have this time around. news.ed@ocolly.com
The O’Colly
Camp War Eagle tables every year on college campuses around the country.
Camp War Eagle hosts themed activities each week.
Courtesy Addy Dalke
“Primetime” is the newest film from A24.
Trey Creel, The O’Colly
O’Colly
Friday, October 2, 2026 Page 5A
Lifestyle History made at 2026 MTV VMAs Ashley Yarbrough
LISA made VMA history as the first K-Pop artist to perform as a solo act at the VMAs. The 2026 MTV Video Music Performances were also given by Awards took place Sunday at the artists Raye, Shaboozey, Gunna Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and Bruno Mars. and was hosted by Snoop Dogg. The Although she did not perform, award show featured performances Taylor Swift was a defining and appearances from Taylor Swift, presence at the 2026 VMAs. Swift Madonna, Bruno Mars, Charli XCX received the first-ever Artist and Sabrina Carpenter. Director Honor award. After Madonna opened the 2026 VMAs being presented with the award by performing songs from her latest Dakota Johnson, Swift premiered album “Confessions II”. Madonna the music video for her new song was later joined on stage by Sabrina “Patient Zero” starring Johnson. Courtesy CBS Broadcasting Carpenter and Charli XCX to Swift additionally took home Taylor Swift and Dakota Johnson at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. perform “Bring Your Love” and the awards for Video of the Year “Danceteria.” performed her 2026 song “Great At a time when music is most and Artist of the Year, surpassing Kacey Musgraves delivered an Expectation” earlier in the night and often consumed through shortBeyoncé to become the mostemotional tribute to Dolly Parton was in disbelief that she received form videos, the MTV VMAs awarded artist in VMA history. with a rendition of Parton’s 1974 the award. continue to show the importance of “She isn’t just one of the most ballad “I Will Always Love You.” Nirvana received the 2026 Video performance and visual storytelling decorated artists in the history of Musgraves has long cited Parton as Vanguard Award. The band’s in the modern day. the VMAs,” Johnson said. “She is a musical influence. Since Parton’s surviving members, Dave Grohl, the single most recognized video passing, Musgraves has been Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear, director in this show’s history.” performing Parton’s hit songs in accepted the award and were Sienna Spiro took home the tribute on her “Middle of Nowhere” honored decades after Nirvana’s VMA for Best New Artist. Spiro news.ed@ocolly.com tour. most influential period. NEWS AND LIFESTYLE EDITOR
The Rocky Horror Show continues annual tradition Peyton Richards STAFF REPORTER
As temperatures begin to cool, the Student Union Activities Board (SUAB) prepared for the season by holding “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” open auditions this past week. The auditions took place on the second floor of the Student Union on Sept. 24 and 28, seeking out this year’s shadowcast. SUAB members, Vice President of Programming Kaelin Han and SUAB Specialist Haley Monday, held the auditions with the intention to keep this annual tradition alive and noted that the process was fairly smooth. “It’s been a little slow, but that’s normally how it is with these types of things. I really like their turnout today,” said Han. During auditioning, students had to start off performing the Time
Warp dance as the character they were auditioning for. They then followed by performing part of a song that their character would perform in the show. Students were allowed to show their perception of the characters by bringing props, costumes and specific acting techniques. Some of those who were auditioning were former cast members, while others were brand new to acting. Constance Rakes, a senior studying entomology, explained how she prepared for her first audition and what her hopes are. “I watched clips and the music videos of the character that I’m auditioning for,” Rakes said. “So this is actually my first time I’ve never auditioned for anything before. I’m nervous, but I just kind of watched the videos over and
over again. I’m trying for Janet, because I think that would be a nice role for me starting out. Going on stage and doing stuff, but I’d be happy with anything.” Despite auditions being over, students still have a chance to be in the show. As SUAB’s version of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a shadowcast show, audience members are crucial to making the show succeed. According to ‘Charleston’s Absent Friends,’ a shadowcast is when costumed performers act out a movie while performing in front of a screen. These shows usually include prop bags for audience members and they can even participate in call-outs throughout the show. Monday speaks on how her favorite part of SUAB’s Rocky Horror Picture Show is the crowd
involvement. “My favorite part is actually during the show,” Monday said. “We like to give out prop bags, and everybody in the audience gets to also kind of play a part in the show. So you don’t have to be necessarily on stage to also be a part of the show. We’ll have things like newspapers, balloons, lipsticks, and there’s things that they can interact with the show as well. It’s kind of like a prop bag. I think that’s my favorite part because everyone can kind of also be a part of the show as well, even if you’re in the audience.” Once put on by Greek life and now put on by various students, SUAB’s Rocky Horror Picture Show is a fan-favorite tradition. This year’s performance will take place on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. news.ed@ocolly.com
Dancing with the Stars: Week 3 Yacht Rock Night recap Ashley Yarbrough
NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Week 3 of “Dancing with the Stars” has officially concluded, and another pair has been sent home. This week was Yacht Rock Night, where couples danced to smooth rock hits that defined the ‘yacht rock era,’ according to hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro. At the end of the night, singer Taylor Hanson and partner Britt Stewart were eliminated, leaving the studio audience silent. Hanson and Stewart were eliminated, despite not having the lowest scores of the night, with an 18 out of 30. Although the duo was eliminated, judge Derek Hough believed that this was Hanson and Stewart’s best dance so far. “Taylor, that was your Thirteen remaining couples cruise into Yacht Rock Night. best dance. It really was,” Hough said. “I see you in rehearsals, the pair has partner Jan Ravnik, and taking on the notes. I see continued to be consistent Paralympian Ezra Frech you holding that frame up. with their scores this and partner Daniella I see you gliding across the season. Karagach, followed with a floor to really create that Later in the night, actor score of 21 out of 30. smoothness.” Harry Shum Jr. and partner Additionally, “Step Up” Figure skater Amber Jenna Johnson matched star Jenna Dewan and Glenn and partner Pasha Glenn and Pashkov’s score partner Val Chmerkovskiy Pashkov started the night in a jive to “You Make My scored 21 out of 30 in with a foxtrot to “Hold Dreams Come True” and their samba to “Africa.” the Line” and earned the scored a 24 out of 30. Comedian Connor first three eights from the Model Maura Higgins Wood and partner Rylee judges, scoring a 24 out of and partner Mark Ballas Arnold scored a 20 out 30. Glenn and Pashkov’s remain frontrunners of 30 for their foxtrot to performance came after in the competition and “Everywhere.” an injury in rehearsals scored 22 out of 30 with “Summer House” star where Glenn accidentally their quickstep to “Turn Ciara Miller and partner struck Pashkov in the Your Love Around.” Brandon Armstrong face. Despite the setback Actor Tatyana Ali and continue to improve each
Courtsey ABC
week and performed a “You are dancing the ‘70s-inspired cha-cha people, and the people are to “Never Too Much.” loving it,” Ribeiro said as However, judge Carrie Ann Rodriguez and Carson left Inaba still believes Miller the dance floor. and Armstrong’s moves are Hanson and Stewart’s too stiff, so the duo only elimination leaves 12 scored 18 out of 30. couples competing for the Despite being a fan Len Goodman Mirrorball favorite, “Jimmy Kimmel” Trophy as the competition star Guillermo Rodriguez progresses. and partner Witney Carson With Yacht Rock remain at the bottom of Night officially over, the leaderboard with a 15 the remaining duos will out of 30. However, this return to the ballroom was an improvement for next Tuesday for Mariah Rodriguez and Carson, who Carey Night and another previously scored 12 out of chance to advance in the 30 in Week 2. competition. news.ed@ocolly.com
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News OSU Fire Protection Society holds 9th Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Matthew Sammon STAFF REPORTER
The 9th Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb took place early Saturday morning in Boone Pickens Stadium to honor the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Underneath an overcast sky and sporadic rain, participants, made up of alumni, students, first responders and others, completed the equivalent of 110 flights of stairs–the number of floors in both the North and South Towers. Over 343 members of The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) lives were lost in the rescue efforts at the World Trade Center on the The helmet is marked with “9/11 Never Forget” in remembrance of the Sept. 11 victims. morning of 9/11. Since then, many communities Claybrook later out here doing it for the anyway. throughout the nation stated that she plans to remembrance.” “I’ve got a lot of family have organized and held attend the Oklahoma Tanner Noakes, a that are firefighters… got stair climbing events to State Trooper Academy junior and fire student to do it for the 343 that honor those firemen lost. because she would “be at OSU, expressed his passed away,” Noakes “I think that most of proud to be someone satisfaction in seeing so shared. us are here because we who would risk many participants at the Many firefighters and want to put ourselves everything for the safety event. fire students participated in the position they of other people.” “We got military out in the event wearing [Firemen at 9/11] Oklahoma State here, we got police their full gear. Jason were in, and challenge University senior Corbin officers, we got people Berry, a Rolling Hills ourselves with our own Rose completed his that just want to do it, volunteer firefighter, willingness to do what fourth 9/11 Memorial pretty much everyone,” broke down each part of they did because they Stair Climb at Boone Noakes said. his equipment. sacrificed so much for Pickens Stadium Although Noakes also “I’ve got an SCBA, a our country and our Saturday morning. said that the climb “does self-contained breathing people,” said Lilian “It doesn’t get any not get any easier,” he apparatus, my turnout Claybrook, a sophomore easier,” Rose said while was adamant about coat, turnout pants, at Connors State College. catching his breath. “I’m his willingness to do it and boots and I got my
Megan Gibson, The O’Colly
helmet,” Berry said. On Berry’s helmet was a silver pin with the twin towers and an American flag. Berry received the item from his girlfriend’s grandfather, who worked with New York Emergency Management and was there when the towers went down. Berry said that completing the stair climb with all of his equipment was “a small price to pay for their ultimate sacrifice. I would do it every day.” news.ed@ocolly.com
Family farms continue to face drought as Oklahoma opens $2M fund Matthew Sammon
come, first-served basis, and livestock. Funds that would’ve reimbursements can have, individuals deemed eligible for been spent on purchasing hay Brookover stated that this the program could receive up to are then essentially “freed up” amount won’t help familyThe Oklahoma Emergency $7,500. to cover many other utility owned farms as much as some Drought Committee voted on “We definitely couldn’t get costs, allowing families to break think. Sept. 22 to approve the release even. “It doesn’t touch the surface,” of $2 million worth of funds to two cuts this year. We only could do one cut in July,” One of the main goals of the Brookover said. “A lot of policy drought-affected agricultural said Camden Brookover, an Oklahoma Emergency Drought leans towards business and producers throughout the Oklahoma State University Committee program is to assist corporate–style farming, and state. Applications for the in the cleaning out of ponds, the family farmers are just kind program through the Oklahoma junior, about his family’s of squashed out.” Conservation Commission will agriculture business. “We won’t digging of wells, pasture taps, have that break–even point pipelines and pumping plants. The Legislature is expecting open Oct. 5. this year for sure. A huge issue However, neither hay purchases to consider releasing an The state has been in worsening drought conditions we’ve had on our cow ranch is the transportation of water will additional $10 million in ponds going dry.” not be covered or reimbursed drought relief when they since July, with areas in Many family-run farms and by the program. reconvene in February. western Oklahoma being the ranches depend on producing When asked what impact most affected. Applicants their own hay for their the $7,500 potential maximum will be processed on a firstnews.ed@ocolly.com STAFF REPORTER
On This day 1985. 41 years ago. Students join in charity effort “A Monopoly of Giving” is the theme for Campus Chest Week, and Oklahoma State University students have been united in efforts to give since activities began Monday, co-coordinator Sharon Kramer said. Campus Chest is a campuswide fund-raiser for United Way and various other state and local charities. The steering committee, headed by Kramer and David Douglass, have planned activities for living groups, clubs and councils to compete and help raise money. Activities conclude Friday. THE FUND-RAISING began Monday night with a variety show, Kramer said. “I was really pleased with the number of people who attended the shows. We raised over $1,000 on Monday alone,” she said. “All of the acts were good and the people who attended seemed to really enjoy it.” Eric Bolt, The Daily O’Collegian, 1985
Several members of the Greek community spent Tuesday afternoon dancing behind the Student Union to raise money for Campus Chest.
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Friday, October 2, 2026 Page 7A
lifestyle Fashionably navigating inconsistent weather Amanda Nagode STAFF REPORTER
Fall weather has finally arrived on the campus of Oklahoma State University. With that arrives Oklahoma’s unpredictable temperatures and storms. It is not uncommon for a Stillwater morning to start at a cool 60 degrees only to climb up to a muggy 85 degrees by the time afternoon classes are released. An average walk across the library lawn can quickly turn into a battle against this state’s elements. Finding an outfit that is not only stylish, but also practical, is a problem many students face when deciding what to wear for a long day of lectures. To investigate how Cowboys are balancing cute clothes and convenience, four fashionforward students were approached and asked what they were wearing to navigate the inconsistant weather. For freshman Mallorie Metlock, navigating her first autumn on the OSU campus means mastering the betweenclass, mid-day transition. She described her outfit while on the way to class for social media marketing and business real estate. “I’m wearing a denim jean skirt, brown slouchy winter boots and a gray T-shirt,” Metlock said. “My favorite piece of the outfit is definitely the denim skirt, although the boots are a close second. I got them both on Amazon.” As a self-described “fall girl,” Metlock relies on breathability and comfort in her clothing choices for the day-to-day changing weather. “I really like baggy, longsleeve stuff,” Metlock said. “Something you can take off, especially when it’s in-between too cold and too hot in the fall and spring. I always pair my long-sleeve outfits with shorts. If I am wearing short sleeves,
Oklahoma State students Marcus Ugbah, Adrian Colbert and Jossiah wearing fall outfits. then I wear long pants.” While her layering strategy is practical, her style inspiration is unexpected. When asked what inspired her outfit that day, Matlock replies with a special who rather than a what. “I saw a girl on Pinterest, and she was posting a cosplay, actually, of Twilight Sparkle from “Equestria Girls,” and I was like, ‘I have to do that, I have to get that skirt,’” Metlock said. “So I found it on Amazon, and it’s perfect.” While Metlock looks to Amazon for seasonal styles, other students emphasize thriftier choices. Senior screen studies student Mason Hickson shared his strategy for tackling the elements on campus during the fall. “Prepare for rain,” Hickson said. “Boots, I say, are a number one investment when you’re
walking around campus. I wear my Doc Martens, but you can wear any kind, like cowboy boots.” Hickson shared details of his outfit that he pieced together. “Today I’m wearing my Doc Martens with some baggy cargos, a black belt, a black shirt with a grim reaper on it,” Hickson said. “My two necklaces, one with a butterfly and the other with a cross. My favorite part of my outfit is the shirt. I got it from an antique store in Wichita for like 10 bucks. It’s got this beautiful design on it that I have always loved. And it’s a very sturdy shirt, too.” Hickson isn’t the only OSU student who is a proponent of buying clothing secondhand. Junior interior design major Grace Ward also leaned into a unique, vintage aesthetic,
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sharing her eco-friendly outfit for the day. “My outfit is a two-piece set, thrifted, so environmentally conscious,” Ward said. “It has some green pinstripes, a little lace, and fringe on the bottom. It has these little bloomer shorts underneath, and that is my favorite part. It’s very comfortable and very cute.” Sophomore education major Brady Horath agreed with Hickson’s footwear choice, of Doc Martens, while pulling style inspiration from her travels. “So I have on this sweater, I got it in New York, and I love bringing everything I’ve gotten when I go there,” Horath said. “I’ve also got on this brown mini skirt with it. It kind of ties in with the brown Doc Martens I’m wearing. I thrifted those, which I love to do. I feel like
Elliot Oakley, The O’Colly
that’s the way you find the best pieces.” While her thrifted boots pull the look together, it is a smaller accessory that truly completes her ensemble. “The ruffle socks are my favorite part of the outfit,” Horath said. “I think I wear these socks probably every time I wear something where you can see them. Those are the go-to. They make every outfit way cuter.” Like Metlock, Horath emphasizes the importance of layering as the day gets warmer “Layering is super important,” Horath said. “I’ve got on a tank top under this sweater, so that way I can just take off the sweater if it gets too hot. And definitely wear something that makes you feel comfortable in yourself.” news.ed@ocolly.com
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Lifestyle B:11.25" T:11"
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Friday, October 2, 2026
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Oklahoma State is ranked No. 19 in the AP Top 25 after a 3-1 start.
Three things we know about OSU football after four games
Column
Will Thorogood
STAFF REPORTER
W
ith Oklahoma State on its bye week, there is a lot to take away from the first four games of the Eric Morris era. From quarterback Drew Mestemaker finding a rhythm and comfort in the pocket to the
defense proving a lot of people wrong, OSU has started turning heads across the college football landscape. Here are three things that we know about this year’s Cowboy Football team so far. Mestemaker has found a rhythm and is comfortable in the pocket After the Tulsa game, people already began to doubt if Mestemaker could change the narrative for OSU after multiple
years of lackluster offense. Despite throwing another two interceptions, he silenced those doubts with an excellent performance of 317 yards and two touchdowns on 26 completions in a 39-31 upset win against No. 6 Oregon. Part of his improvement in the pocket came from a 52-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Wyatt Young, thrown while he was getting hit, and a 10-yard touchdown run that involved a midair collision at the goal line. Mestemaker carried that
production into the next two games with 324 yards and five touchdowns on 20 completions in a 59-0 win over Murray State, and 389 yards and three touchdowns on 20 completions in the Cowboys’ 41-24 win over West Virginia and first Big 12 win in 1,036 days. His solid performance against the Mountaineers showed that he can handle a rowdy environment like Milan Puskar Stadium.
See THREE on page 3B
From Slovenia to Stillwater How Mojca Jelenc has transitioned at OSU
Cayden Cox
said. “I think [we] clicked right away. We’re both foreigners, but she’s been playing here. I think Five thousand three hundred and she’s been playing in America for twenty-seven miles. six years now. She kinda helped That’s how far Mojca Jelenc’s me with everything. She drove hometown of Zelezniki, Slovenia, me everywhere; we went to eat is from Stillwater. [almost] every day.” Jelenc made the transition to Jelenc didn’t move across the the U.S. over the summer after Atlantic Ocean alone. Nearly Oklahoma State announced it had a month before she moved to signed the 23-year-old 6-foot-7 Stillwater, her sister, Romana Slovenian center on June 22. Jelenc, came to the U.S. to While adjusting to a new Evanston, Illinois, where she is environment wasn’t easy, Nene currently playing for Northwestern. Ndiaye, Jelenc’s roommate over the summer, helped ease the change. “She’s from Senegal,” Jelenc ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
See JELENC on page 2B
Jordan Burks transferred to OSU from UCF.
Andon Freitas, The O’Colly
After stops at three schools, Jordan Burks finds a home at OSU Logan Cole
said. “It’s really just adjusting to what the new staff has for you. When you come in and surrender Jordan Burks has spent his college yourself to be open to whatever the coach asks you to do, then career moving between programs. Now, he’s looking to make a home at it’s an easy transition. I feel like that’s for any program. You go into Oklahoma State. something, and you just want to give OSU is Jordan Burks’ fourth it your all.” school in four years. He started Burks’ junior year at UCF was his career at Kentucky, playing his best season by far statistically, sparingly for the Wildcats before shooting 45% from the field and transferring to Georgetown. He making 37% of his three-point averaged six points a game for attempts. He’s a tall, long forward the Hoyas before heading to UCF, who fits head coach Steve Lutz’s posting a career-high 13 points per game and scoring 10 in its home loss specifications like a glove. to OSU on March 3. Burks has been through the transfer song and dance before. “It wasn’t [a transition],” Burks See BURKS on page 3B
STAFF WRITER
Courtesy OSU Athletics
Mojca Jelenc began talking with OSU coaches in November. The process to get her to the U.S. took more than four months.
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sports
Drew Mestemaker takes on bye week with lots of momentum
Will Thorogood
said. “We got eight weeks coming up of no bye week and straight Big 12 play. Maybe gain Oklahoma State quarterback a few pounds back and just Drew Mestemaker has found a make sure the body’s feeling groove over the last three games, good. Taking a little bit of time and now he looks to carry it on to get away from football and after the bye week. just hang out with my buddies, As the Cowboys are resetting, be outside or just hang out.” Mestemaker spoke with the He spoke more about what his media via Zoom on Wednesday. life outside of football is like. He talked about handling “I like to golf a little bit,” the bye week, improving his Mestemaker said. “Not very pocket presence and working good, but I like to golf, hang out in tandem with wide receiver with my buddies at the house Wyatt Young. and we’ll play cornhole in the Here’s what to know from backyard and stuff like that.” Mestemaker during the bye week: His pocket presence has improved drastically since The off week comes at a the Tulsa game good time for him and his Mestemaker looked teammates uncomfortable in the pocket OSU is 3-1 after a 41-24 win against the Golden Hurricane, at West Virginia to begin Big which led to two interceptions 12 play. The early bye week late in the game. A week later, could help the team avoid losing against Oregon he looked much momentum going forward. more comfortable and poised in Mestemaker mentioned that the pocket. this week is a great time to rest This doesn’t happen his body and take some quality overnight; it takes at least a time away from the game. week. Between the TU and “I’d say it’s an opportunity to Oregon games, he fixed his get my body right,” Mestemaker mechanics in the pocket and STAFF REPORTER
looked like the quarterback fans expected to see on the field. Mestemaker talked about what made it hard to find that comfort. “... Just having bodies around you whenever they’re actually trying to sack you and not just in practice running around,” Mestemaker said. “I think last year I was a little too quick to get out of the pocket sometimes. This offseason, I was doing everything I could to stay in there as long as I could and get through all my reads.” Young has become his main receiver once again Young was Mestemaker’s go-to receiver last year at North Texas, and the two connected for 10 touchdowns to boost the offense to an average of 45 points per game. That chemistry has quickly returned in Stillwater, as Young has been left wide open a lot in the last few games. The WVU game was a big example of that connection when Mestemaker found him wide open down the right side at the end of the third quarter. Young took the catch
Andon Freitas, The O’Colly Drew Mestermaker is a projected first round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
48 yards to the Mountaineers’ 10-yard line. The Cowboys would settle for a field goal from Sam Keltner on that drive, but it brought their lead up to a touchdown. Mestemaker spoke about what he’s seen from opposing defenses that has left Young so open. “I don’t know if they’re trying to leave him wide open,”
Mestemaker said. “They’re trying to cover him and he’s just pretty good at getting open, but I think teams are going to see that and try to take him away. I think Wyatt’s great after the catch, too. I think getting the ball in his hands and just letting him go work after the catch has been a great thing for him this year.”
perform. North Texas’ defense allowed Continued from 1B 26.5 points and 381.9 yards per game last season, but it had a dynamic offense to rely on. Three games after the TU Despite eight players from game, he has looked much UNT’s defense transferring this more comfortable and poised offseason, the group has flipped in the pocket. A big part of that Young is a force not to be the narrative and played a huge is the continued outstanding reckoned with role in the three wins so far. protection from the offensive Like Mestemaker, Young Against Oregon, the Cowboy line, which allowed Mestemaker has drastically improved his defense forced the Ducks to to be hurried 10 times in the production after the season go three-and-out four times, season opener. opener. Opposing defenses have turned the ball over on downs The unit allowed no sacks left the junior receiver wide open Defense has surprised a lot three times and gave up a crucial against Oregon and WVU, but multiple times, and he has made of people fumble on the final drive to seal one against MSU. The Ducks them pay. Heading into the season, most the win for OSU. The unit did hurried Mestemaker three times, Young has three touchdowns people’s main concern about not allow MSU to convert on any the Mountaineers once and the on 22 receptions for 410 yards, OSU was how the defense would of its 12 third-down situations, Racers zero times.
forced WVU to turn it over on downs three times and picked up four sacks in the road win. After long-term stability from Glenn Spencer and Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator, the Cowboys struggled to maintain that stability in that role starting in 2022. From Derek Mason to Todd Grantham, the hires got progressively worse. But after three straight wins highlighted by excellent defensive play, 32-year-old Skyler Cassity has shown real promise as one of the younger minds in college football coaching.
Three
With the bye week here, the next question is: can he continue those kinds of performances going forward this season? He can, but now it’s a matter of doing it when the time comes next week.
and he is getting better every week. He gives Mestemaker another option in a highly talented receiver room. When opposing defenses cover Justin Bowick or Miles Coleman, Young is always open for big-yardage plays. His impact has led to players such as Carson Kolb and Terrence Lewis to step up and provide an extra boost to the receiving game.
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sports
Burks
seasons at the helm, the Cowboys fell short of March Continued from 1B Madness. Winning six games in Big 12 play last season, despite starting the season on “Jordan gives us another a nine-game winning streak experienced, versatile piece and receiving AP poll votes. with size, athleticism, and OSU would finish the scoring ability,” Lutz said season with its second when Burks committed. consecutive NIT appearance, “He can play multiple spots, falling to Wichita State 96-70 stretch the floor and make in the tournament’s second shots in big moments. You round. can see the growth in his The pressure is high for game from year to year, and this OSU team, and Burks we’re excited about the way knows it. he fits with how we want to “We’ve just been building play.” camaraderie, building off Burks has made an impact Puerto Rico,” Burks said. “It’s in his short time in Stillwater, a small thing you need to already being named a minimize, and I feel like we captain for the Cowboys after have a great team.” the team’s summer practices. His teammate, Jacob “The process [for becoming Walker, agreed. a captain] was G.I.D. Get “This has been one of it done,” Burks said. “You the most unselfish teams need to get all your brothers I’ve played for,” Walker along with you. Everybody said. “Obviously, that’s been gets on the same page. We amazing to be a part of that don’t need to butt heads; we and being able to play with need to love each other. … so many guys [who] can put We’re always trying to get it off the ball and guys who everybody together. Either uplift you.” you’re an energy giver or an The Cowboys’ first energy drainer. I want to be exhibition game of the season an energy giver and just lift is on Oct. 11 against New my teammates with me.” Mexico at Gallagher-Iba As for the culture at Arena, a free chance for fans OSU that brought Burks to to see what this new OSU Stillwater, it’s pretty simple. team is made of. Burks isn’t “It’s a college town,” Burks taking the opportunity lightly. said. “There’s no distractions “I’m honestly just excited here. It’s straight basketball. I for all the fans and family to love it, honestly. I come here come out to get a chance to with high energy because watch us play,” Burks said. I’m just looking forward to “And see the team they’re practice every day. …I love it going to be supporting this because there’s nothing else year. I’m just really excited to do but get better and reach to play in front of people in the goal, our individual goal [Gallagher-Iba Arena] and and our team goal. I love the be ready to show them what atmosphere out here.” we’ve been working on and Burks is expected to be preparing all summer.” a big piece on a rebuilt Cowboys roster, one with tournament aspirations. In Lutz’s previous two sports.ed@ocolly.com
Friday, October 2, 2026 Page 3B
Benjamin Ahmed preparing for jump in second season at OSU Timothy Christensen STAFF REPORTER
Forward Benjamin Ahmed brings consistency to an offseason of change for Oklahoma State men’s basketball. The Cowboys have made major moves this offseason, bringing in the top-ranked transfer portal class in the Big 12, according to On3, as well as a consensus top-10 high school signing class. While fans are likely excited about the new talent, head coach Steve Lutz will also see progression from players on last year’s team. Ahmed is one of four returning players for the Cowboys. Entering Chance Marick, The O’Colly his sophomore season, Ahmed said he was taking advantage of a Benjamin Ahmed enters his second year with the Cowboys. second season in Lutz’s system. the first 10 games of his freshman teammates is Jordan Burks, and “Just getting in better shape, campaign. he came up with a one-word and you kind of know what to After returning, Ahmed worked summary of Ahmed. expect in practice,” Ahmed said. his way back from injury off the “Bruiser,” Burks said. “He’s just “Just try to be a leader. Sometimes bench. He showed noticeable a tough guy, and he works hard. you already know how Coach progress during the year and I love it. Like he just got to keep Lutz is gonna come into practice started in OSU’s final six games, [going] day by day, just adding on and what he expects and stuff like averaging 10 points, five rebounds 1% better every day. …He’s still that. You already know, so [I’m] and 23 minutes in that stretch. doing everything he does. Just just letting the new guys know Now that he is working through need to keep getting better every too. This is standard right here. a full offseason of training, day.” This is what he wants, and this is Ahmed feels better prepared to If Ahmed continues the what he expects from us.” start the season strong. progression he started in ‘25, he Ahmed was a four-star “[I’m] just quicker,” Ahmed could be a valuable piece for the recruit, ranked as high as No. said. “Certain ways I’m moving Cowboys this season. 54 nationally and No. 4 among now, I wasn’t moving [last centers by Rivals. At Putnam season], like blocking shots Science Academy, Ahmed helped and stuff like that. I just feel his team reach three straight better, and I just feel great and Prep Championship appearances, comfortable to go out there and winning two. run. So I just feel better than the Ahmed’s 2025-26 season at way I felt last season.” OSU did not start perfectly, with One of Ahmed’s new a foot injury forcing him to miss sports.ed@ocolly.com
‘This team has grown a lot’ OSU soccer midseason report card
Marcus Mesis
STAFF REPORTER
Oklahoma State has more conference wins this season than it did all last season. The season is more than halfway over for the Cowgirls, and they sit at 1-2-0 in conference play and 10th in the Big 12. OSU has had moments of struggle and moments when the team looked like it could be back in the NCAA tournament. The growth that the team has shown throughout the season has been head coach Colin Carmicheal’s takeaway from the first half of the season. “This team has grown a lot,” Carmichael said. “I mean, when you watch us play now on video compared to then [Mississippi State game]. It’s like a different team. And it’s a great credit to the kids.” The coaching staff has a part to play in team development, but Carmichael gives much of the credit to the women on the roster. “But those kids have committed to being tougher, to working harder, to playing harder, to fighting for each other, and that’s been the difference,” Carmichael said. Here’s how the team grades out:
coaching staff trusts her and values her voice in the locker room. “It means a lot that Colin and coaches trust me to have kind of a bigger voice in the locker room,” Mitchell said. “It also just makes me feel incredibly blessed that I found a place that I can be just myself. I don’t have to try to be someone I’m not.” Avery Bass: AAvery Bass was the No. 2 goalkeeper at the start of the season, but through hard work, she earned a chance to become the starting keeper. She got her first start against San Diego State and has not relinquished the net since. Bass earned the role after the coaching staff felt she was practicing well and deserved the opportunity. Once she earned the spot, she seized it and become the starting goalie. As a starter, she has allowed five goals while recording 20 saves in the six games she has started. Her record since Andon Freitas, The O’Colly becoming a starter is 3-2-1, and she has The Cowgirls sit at 1-2-0 in conference play and 10th in the Big 12. looked good in net for the Cowgirls.
Back Line: B Going into last offseason, OSU was concerned about its backline. The focus was on getting players to fit into that backline. Carmichael and the coaching Keaton Mitchell: A staff brought seven new players to the The transfer from Tennessee has backline. had a hot start as a Cowgirl. Her goalSeveral of those additions have scoring ability has flourished, and she had rough starts to the year because has already surpassed her career goal of injuries, international grades or total with the Volunteers. She scored two inconsistency. Freshman Tyller Grimes goals and added one assist at Tennessee was recruited as a day-one starter but over 49 games. With the Cowgirls, she dealt with an unspecified foot injury already has four goals and an assist and did not make the lineup until the through her 11 games. conference opener against TCU. She Mitchell wasn’t brought in to score did not get her first start until Sunday’s a lot of goals; she was brought in for match against Houston, where she her SEC experience and the tempo she played 83 minutes. brings to the midfield. “We had Tyller here all spring,” “I mean, it’s something you know we Carmichael said. “She is an all-Big didn’t bring her in to be a goal scorer,” 12-level center back, maybe not as a Carmichael said. “We brought her in to freshman, but as a recruit, we knew be a physical presence in the midfield, what we had. She’s a great player. And so to be a distributor. She’s really good on we wanted to get her back on the field as the ball, and obviously she had tons of soon as possible. And it probably shows experience competing in Tennessee at a how much faith I have in Tyller. I threw very high level.” her in against TCU.” Her impact on the roster goes beyond Defender Tayrn Thibeau recognizes the on-pitch actions that directly win one of the backline’s strengths: its depth. games. She has already been a leader “I feel like our bench is really deep on the team. The midfielder knows the this year, and so it’s been nice to, if you
work your butt off and then someone else comes in, and they work their butt off… it kind of just flows,” Thibeau said. “Everyone works hard, and you kind of just build off of each other.”
Away games: D The Cowgirls have played away from Neal Patterson Stadium three times this season and have yet to record a win. The Cowgirls have played in half of their total away games so far, have been Midfield: Aoutscored 7-2 in those games and had The midfield has been a bright spot five fewer shots than their opponents. for the Cowgirls throughout the season; In those games, OSU has played every player listed as a midfielder teams ranked in the top 35 in Rating recorded a point. Five different Percentage Index, a statistic that midfielders have more than six points measures how good a team is based on throughout the season. how good its opponents are. Baylor is Laudan Wilson is one of the seventh, Mississippi State is 22nd and midfielders with more than six points; Houston is 33rd in RPI. she has three goals and an assist this “So we’ve played really good teams at season. their home field, and that’s been part of “Laudan has always been a kid when the challenge,” Carmichael said. “But healthy that can score goals for us,” yeah, it’s just harder on the road. When Carmicheal said. “And so early in the you look at the games in isolation, the season, she was struggling with that a Baylor game, we played really well.” little bit, but the last, gosh, three weeks, I For the Cowgirls to make it to the Big think Laudan just played at a super high 12 or NCAA tournament, they will have level and has a couple of goals.” to get wins on the road. OSU has three It’s not just goal-scoring ability; the more regular-season games against UCF, midfield group also sets up plays for Iowa State and Colorado. Two of those teammates to score. Emma Jensen is tied opponents have not yet earned a Big 12 for second on the team with three assists win. and has been a focal point of the team’s offense. sports.ed@ocolly.com
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Jacie Hoyt enters her most anticipated season as the leader of Cowgirl Basketball Will Thorogood
more answers for my as I expected it to players and help put be,” Heard said. “It them in positions to was actually fairly In her four years be successful.” easy. Everyone was as the head coach The main driver so open to coming of Oklahoma State of that increased together and just women’s basketball, motivation is that learning each other. Jacie Hoyt has Hoyt and her staff They were very open turned the program landed the nation’s to feedback and just into one that can top-ranked transfer very welcoming and compete with the portal class this loving.” upper echelon of Another highlight women’s basketball. offseason. That included Audi of an excitementFrom bringing the filled season is the Cowgirls back to the Crooks from Iowa NCAA Tournament State and Liv McGill highly anticipated from Florida, the No. game against Dawn to securing the 1 and No. 2 ranked Staley and the team’s first March transfers according South Carolina Madness win since Gamecocks on Dec. 2021, Hoyt has made to CBS Sports. Along with Crooks 6 in Columbia, a massive impact and McGill, Ellie South Carolina. The on the court. With Brueggemann is coaching matchup a roster featuring another one of between up-andthe No. 1 transfer the 11 newcomers coming coach Hoyt portal class, 11 in Stillwater and three-time newcomers, Stailee this season. national champion Heard returning for Staley will be musther senior year and Brueggemann and Hoyt go back see TV. a highly anticipated a long way, as Hoyt has no game against Hoyt recruited relationship with South Carolina, Brueggemann Staley, but she gave expectations are at while coaching at a lot of praise and their highest in the the University of credit to one of Hoyt era. Missouri–Kansas the best coaches in Despite all the City. women’s basketball changes, Hoyt’s Brueggemann has history. approach to this been excited about “I have so much season hasn’t her arrival at OSU. respect for her,” Hoyt changed compared “I’ve enjoyed it a said. “What she has to previous seasons, lot,” Brueggemann done for women’s but her motivation said. “Just getting basketball as a has shifted. “I think I approach to be with this team player, as a coach, I has been amazing. mean, it’s incredible. every season the In Stillwater, I’m I’m just really same,” Hoyt said. kind of familiar with excited to get the “I can’t say that the area because I opportunity to coach I’ve ever changed. grew up in Tulsa, so against her and begin I think for me, personally, I’m more I came down to a few to see kind of what OSU games before.” we’re made of.” confident than I’ve For Heard, being With excitement ever been just with the only returner on building across the that experience. I’ve this year’s team is Cowgirl Basketball never been more an interesting and program, there are excited about a team. unusual situation. few reasons for fans I’ve never in my career had the talent Luckily for her, she not to be excited built chemistry with for the upcoming that we have on her new teammates season. our roster, which is really, really exciting. fairly quickly. Heard talked about “I’ve never wanted to work harder. I’ve what that was like. sports.ed@ocolly.com never wanted to have “It wasn’t as hard STAFF REPORTER
Courtesy OSU Athletics
Stailee Heard said people have ‘misconceptions’ about 6-foot-7 Mojca Jelenc and her play style.
Jelenc
timeline. However, after spending countless hours Continued from 1B on getting Jelenc added, the Cowgirls coaching staff officially added her “In the summer, she to the roster over the left, I think, almost one month before me,” Jelenc summer. “That was something said. “I came here in July. that Coach Terran had Luckily, we both had a been working on for a break after the preseason, really, really long time,” so we could see each Hoyt said. “We actually other at home for like two wanted to have her on our weeks.” team in December of last Mojca and Romana’s season, and for a lot of hometown is seven hours different circumstances, it ahead of the U.S. Central just wasn’t going to work Time Zone; however, in the U.S., the Jelenc sisters out. Which I’m really are in the same time zone grateful that it didn’t in a way because it gave her and have used that to more time to play with us their advantage. “I’m so glad we’re doing in the future.” Jelenc recalled the this together,” Jelenc said. process entailed lots of “We are both freshmen, paperwork and was more which is weird because complicated because I’m almost five years of her past playing older than her. But I’m experiences. so happy that we are in “For me, it was a little the same situation. Also, bit different, harder we are in the same time because I’ve been playing zone, so we literally talk already overseas, and every day, five times a day [was harder] because of at least. It’s really nice to eligibility,” Jelenc said. have her.” “At first, we didn’t even Recruiting know if I [would] even be internationally is no able to come here. But it easy task; players are involved a lot of contracts. traditionally unable I had to turn in so many to make visits to papers to [the] NCAA. campus, so coaches are I think we started in having to navigate the November or December disconnection via video. with all the process, and it OSU head coach Jacie just took like four or five Hoyt said that her sister months for me to actually and assistant coach, see if I’m able to come.” Terran Hoyt, has helped Not only did the put the Cowgirls on the transition to the U.S. international stage. bring a change of scenery “Terran has been really for Jelenc, but it also good at working on presented her with a new international connections schedule. and building relationships She played for UNI with people that we really Gyor in the Hungarian can trust and lean on, A-Division, and before because international that, for Valencia recruiting is tough,” Jacie Hoyt said. “You can’t see Basket in the Spanish professional league. people in person, and you’re really just going off She also has experience playing at the national film in a lot of different level, playing for ways, and it’s important to have people’s opinions Slovenia’s national team since 2021 and with its that you do trust and value. Thankfully for us, youth teams beginning in 2018. But playing at in Mojca’s case, we had OSU meant Jelenc had to that.” When OSU first became reintroduce classes and school into her calendar. interested in Jelenc, it She said that was contacted her agency, the hardest part of the PRODEP Management adjustment. & Associated, and she “I think the whole met with its coaches via a schedule [was tough]; I conference call. haven’t been in school in “We did a video call,” two years,” Jelenc said. “I Jelenc said. “They played abroad, so I think introduced me to the that transition, and also, school, to their plan, the schedule is different what their vision with me [from] how they practice [was], and everything. I here. I was used to immediately really liked practice two times a day, Coach Jacie. We began one time in the morning the process almost right away; it was a really long and in the afternoon. Here is just one big process to get me here, practice… it takes a lot of but we made it.” energy. I’m still getting OSU had hoped to used to it, but I’m getting add Jelenc to its roster there.” last season, but a series Stailee Heard is no of events delayed that stranger to having
international teammates. She was roommates with Anna Gret Asi, who’s from Estonia, during her freshman year. Heard also witnessed the transition for former teammates such as Praise Egharevba, Favour Onoh and Maria Anais Rodriguez, so when Jelenc moved to Stillwater, she was able to help her adapt. When talking about Jelenc, Heard said that she sees flashes of Asi’s personality. “She’s so sweet,” Heard said. “She reminds me a lot of Anna Gret just because of how sweet she is. She’s a killer on the court. People have misconceptions about her because she’s so tall. She’s not like all 6-foot-7 girls; she can put the ball on the floor, she can shoot the 3. She’s very, very mobile… it’ll be scary but fun to see how far she gets and how good she develops.” Ellie Brueggemann added that Jelenc has handled the change well and has benefited her game. “I love the gratitude that she has being over here,” Brueggemann said. “I can’t imagine being that far away from my home. Getting to know Mo’s been great. She also will bring a lot of height for our team. She’s awesome to go against in practice because it helps me get my shot off quicker. She’s blocked me a few times in practice, so she definitely helps us get better every day. … Her attitude that she brings every day is contagious, so I really like that about her.” Jelenc has felt the presence of the Loyal and True around campus and has witnessed the fans’ excitement for Cowgirl basketball. “Every time I leave my dorm, wherever I go, people are like, ‘Oh, are you on the basketball team?’” Jelenc said. “We’re gonna come and watch. Fans here are really invested. It feels like one huge family, so it’s really great.” It took a long process, and nearly a year after it started, Jelenc will get to suit up for the Cowgirls, and that’s something she’s looking forward to. “I can’t wait,” Jelenc said. “It’s time to play. … I really can’t wait. I can’t wait for people to see our basketball.”
Andon Freitas, The O’Colly
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Jacie Hoyt enters her fifth year as the Cowgirls’ head coach.
O’Colly
Friday, October 2, 2026 Page 5B
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OSU wrestling enters season with high expectations, new developments Weston Wertzberger SPORTS EDITOR
Freshmen embracing expectations OSU’s incoming freshmen have entered the program expecting to contribute right Oklahoma State wrestling head coach away. David Taylor met with the media Tuesday Dreshaun Ross, Jordyn Raney and Jayden with one month remaining before the Raney are among the freshmen with a Cowboys’ season opener on Nov. 1 at the chance to compete for starting spots this OSU Invitational. season. Ross won a silver medal at the U20 With the 2026-27 season approaching, World Championships this summer, while Taylor discussed the team’s returning the Raneys give OSU options at 133, 141 and champions, roster competition and other 149 pounds. developments surrounding the program. Taylor said the expectations extend Here are a few things to know from beyond those three, with the freshman class Tuesday’s media availability: entering the program expecting to compete immediately. Three national champions staying “These kids come in with the expectation hungry OSU returns the trio of Jax Forrest, Sergio to have success right away,” Taylor said. “You recruit them, and they tell you that, Vega and Landon Robideau, all of whom won national championships last season as and you got to filter through it.” Since arriving over the summer, Taylor true freshmen. Still, Taylor said their success hasn’t changed how they approach training. said the freshmen have backed up those expectations by challenging each other, Taylor described the three as among the competing in practice and continuing to ask hardest-working wrestlers in the room. questions as they adjust to the program. Forrest, Vega and Robideau are setting an “But then when you get them, and they’re example of the program’s culture, which is built around expecting wrestlers throughout here, and they really embody what they the lineup to compete for multiple national say, it’s just so much fun to go to practice and watch these guys compete, get better,” championships. Taylor said. “So those young kids are doing “I think it’s cool about our guys, really well. … Culturally, I feel like we’re in a culturally, when those are our three really good spot with the way these guys are tournament national champs, like they are pushing each other, which is pretty fun.” three of our hardest-working guys in the room,” Taylor said. “By design, just continue Balancing a year-round sport to keep them hungry and give them OSU’s wrestlers haven’t spent the perspective. Maybe you go to a different offseason waiting for the college season to school where winning a national title is a surprise. Well, what do you do after that? It’s begin. Bennett Berge, Forrest, Robideau, no surprise here. Our guys are expecting to Ross and Troy Spratley all competed in major offseason competitions, giving the come in and win national titles, and we’ve Cowboys additional opportunities to wrestle laid that vision out for them.” outside the college season. Taylor said the three are also entering Taylor said that desire to keep wrestling another difficult season in their respective comes from the wrestlers themselves. The weight classes, which, he added, can help coaching staff’s job, he feels, is to recognize keep them motivated to improve. “They’re all in really tough weight classes when a wrestler needs to keep pushing and when it is time to pull back. again, which is great for them to have “I just think these kids are different,” those challenges to keep them hungry,” Taylor said. “It’s not like we’re asking them Taylor said. “They have challenges in our to wrestle outside the season. They want to room, which keep them hungry. So yeah, do that stuff. These kids have ambitions to it’s cool to see that culturally, our guys that just be the best, and we have a lot of those are having a lot of success are also our guys in the room, which is awesome. Makes hardworking guys that are trying to get it super fun. Raises the level of our room.” better all the time.” Taylor said the wrestlers’ ambition helps raise the level of competition inside the Vega could move up to 149 room, but coaches still have to monitor how Vega, the reigning 141-pound national much they are doing. champion, could move up to 149 pounds “There’s times we got to pull the reins this season as he continues to develop back,” Taylor said. “There’s times we got physically. Taylor said Vega’s weight hasn’t changed to encourage them a little bit. That’s just the guidance of coaches. Just experience, significantly from last season, but his probably, into what they’re thinking and body composition has. He also said Vega how they’re feeling. I think we have a pretty has matured in the way he approaches good schedule in terms of how we train our wrestling. team.” “His love handles aren’t as much of love handles anymore,” Taylor said. “I feel like Ryder, Mower updates he’s just kind of maturing. If you can see Zack Ryder is continuing to work his his face and his body and his composition way back from offseason shoulder surgery. is matured, just the way he approaches Taylor said Ryder is getting closer but is “not things.” in a position to be full-go wrestling yet.” Taylor wasn’t sure whether Vega would Benji Mower was diagnosed with cancer wrestle last season or take a redshirt. Now, Vega has different expectations heading into this summer and has undergone multiple surgeries. Taylor said Mower’s most recent the season than he did a year ago. surgery went well and that he is recovering “Now he’s kind of has different in the hospital. expectations on his mind, which I think is cool for him,” Taylor said. “I think 149 is a sports.ed@ocolly.com good way possible.”
Trey Creel, The O’Colly
The Cowboys have three national champions and eight All-Americans returning from last years roster.
OSU wrestling’s depth creates competition for every starting spot Weston Wertzberger SPORTS EDITOR
Oklahoma State is bringing back all 10 wrestlers from last season’s NCAA Championships, including eight All-Americans and three national champions. But that doesn’t mean the Cowboys will have 10 automatic starters set for the 2026-27 season. Head coach David Taylor believes every spot will be contested, with the depth in the room creating more competition heading into the season. “Well, I would say all 10 are going to be contested, honestly,” Taylor said. “I think that’s the kind of level of team that we want to have, and it doesn’t really matter what your results were last year. It’s a new year. “‘You’ve got to continue to earn it, and I think just having that mentality is important for our whole team.” That battle for the lineup will continue well before the season starts on Nov. 1 at the OSU Invitational in Gallagher-Iba Arena. Taylor said on Tuesday that he wants the whole team to participate. Taylor doesn’t view the practiceroom competition as a negative, but sees it as necessary for the team to develop and prepare for the season. “It’s a full season,” Taylor said. “We tell our team pretty frequently how lucky we are to have the depth in our room that we have [and] that our guys are very battle-tested. For many of our guys, some of the toughest matches of the season are gonna happen in the room. But being in the room is one thing; being out in competition is another. You’re gonna have a full season to earn your spot for the national tournament, and I think that’s the
way that we look at it.” The depth extends beyond the 10 wrestlers who ultimately make up the lineup. Taylor said there are wrestlers at each weight who could contend for an NCAA championship. OSU is looking to chase Penn State, which has won the last five team national championships and produced eight All-Americans and four national champions last season. “It’s what it takes,” Taylor said. “Look across college athletics. I mean, there was a time 15 years ago you could win the team (title) with five guys contributing at the national tournament. We, as a team, to win the nationals, need 10 guys contributing at a pretty high level at the national tournament, which requires more than 10 people. It takes more than that. It takes competition. Like, these guys need each other pushing themselves. You have to have that.” While the competition inside the room can help prepare OSU’s wrestlers, Taylor said the Cowboys still need to see how those wrestlers perform against outside competition. The recently adopted five-for-five rule gives Taylor more flexibility in the lineup. Depth matters more because OSU can get more matches for wrestlers throughout the season. “It’ll be evaluated week-toweek,” Taylor said. “When we get opportunities to get guys matches when they need matches, we’ll get them matches. It’s really hard to project out because you really don’t know what’s gonna happen. Things could change. You gotta be a little bit mobile, but I like the mobility that we have now as coaches and in our roster, so just be mindful of that.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Big 12 women’s soccer on pace for record NCAA Tournament representation Ryan Ruston
Missouri had years where Carmichael said. “And so, they were excellent. getting those three on top Colorado was excellent. of what we already had Just a year after tying So, we really had a top really just made the league the record for the most league in women’s soccer, strong, and top to bottom Big 12 teams to make the arguably the best league in it’s brutal.” postseason, the conference certain years. And we were Last year, the Big 12 is on pace to break it again. right in the mix of that.” conference shrank its “We were looking at our Colorado, Missouri, tournament from 12 teams RPI games,” Oklahoma Nebraska and Texas to only eight. Last year, all State head coach Colin A&M eventually left the eight teams that made the Carmichael said. “I think conference, while West conference tournament eight of our 11 games are Virginia and TCU joined advanced to the NCAA against teams in the top 50 in 2012. The Big 12 then Tournament. This year, RPI. I mean, that is crazy added BYU, Cincinnati, 10 teams are currently when you think about it.” Houston and UCF ahead inside the top 56 in RPI, Carmichael has been of the 2023 season, before the main metric the NCAA in the Big 12 since the Arizona and Arizona State, Tournament Committee Cowgirls’ inaugural season Colorado and Utah joined a uses to select the 64-team in 1996 and has seen year later. field. the conference change Those additions have In past seasons, if a drastically over the years. helped create a conference Power Four team is inside “It’s been really weird filled with teams that have the top 60 in RPI, it makes because if you go back to recent NCAA Tournament the NCAA Tournament. If 2008, ‘09, ‘10, ‘11, when experience. this stays true, the Big 12 we were really good, you “So yeah, I mean, would send 10 teams to the had Nebraska as a top 10 Arizona State, Colorado, tournament. That would program,” Carmichael UCF, probably left someone break the Big 12 record. said. “[Texas] A&M was off, but these are all The previous record was a top-five program. Texas teams that are always in tied last season and set in was always really good. the NCAA Tournament,” 2003. STAFF REPORTER
Nationwide, the Big 12 The conference has gotten is looked down upon and stronger each season, and is not considered on the this year is the strongest same level as the SEC and yet. the ACC. This season, they “Every single team in the are changing the narrative. Big 12 is so good,” Thibeau OSU midfielder Keaton said. “… You just have to Mitchell transferred from grind every single game; an SEC school, Tennessee. you can’t just go out there Mitchell has played in and give half effort because both the SEC and now the that’s not going to win Big 12 and doesn’t see any games. You have to give it differences. your all every single game “Honestly, the styles of because they’re all good.” play are the same,” Mitchell With the Cowgirls said. “The competitiveness, currently sitting at No. 85 the strength of the girls, in the RPI, they will need it’s a battle to fight every to win a couple of big single game, which is a lot games down the stretch, of similarities to the SEC. I with the Big 12 being so also think that, from top to strong; they have plenty of bottom of the Big 12, just chances to do so. They still like the SEC, it’s all very get to play the Nos. 12, 13, competitive. But I don’t 14, 32 and 46 RPI teams in know if I realized that the conference season and coming into it, but every have already beaten No. 46 team’s good. Every team is TCU at home this season. gonna battle.” OSU defender Taryn Thibeau is playing in her sports.ed@ocolly.com fourth season in the Big 12.
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‘It just felt like home’
Keaton Mitchell embraces her fit at OSU Marcus Mesis
STAFF REPORTER
Transferring as a senior, nearly across the country, is never an easy decision. For Tennessee transfer Keaton Mitchell, she knew Oklahoma State was the right place early on. The visit she and her dad took quickly showed Mitchell that OSU was where she would transfer. “I stepped on campus, and me and my dad kind of looked at each other and were like, ‘This place is awesome,’” Mitchell said. “Just the campus, the people, everyone’s so nice. Like you go to Walgreens, and everyone is so nice. Like all of you guys are great. Just the people are great.” It’s not just the nice people at a convenience store that make someone commit to a college; the people can be a bonus. The most important part is the coaching staff and how they make a player feel. OSU coaches gave Mitchell the impression that they wanted to get to know her and her dad for who they were. She said the coaching staff gave the visit a family vibe. “[The coaching staff] just care about you as people first,” Mitchell said. “Like, they really wanted to get to know you. They’re very personable with my dad and me, and wanted to get to know me for who I am, not as a soccer player, and what
I like to do off the field, my day with the team, that worry family.” went away. That family connection “They all came over to matters to Mitchell, whose our house the first night we family is deeply connected to were all here,” Mitchell said. soccer: her mom and sibling “Everyone was so kind, so played, and her dad coached. welcoming. I felt like I’ve Having a family connected been here since my freshman to soccer gave Mitchell goals year. So I think that moment, she set for herself. just being with everyone for “I always wanted to be the first time, and genuine better than my older sister,” care and wanting to make Mitchell said. “And then once real relationships with me I was better than her, I wanted from the first day I stepped on to do that with my brother. I campus.” always just wanted to be the That closeness didn’t go best and push myself to the away after that first day. Anthony Byrum, The O’Colly best.” Mitchell has been part of Keaton Mitchell transferred to OSU from the University of Tennessee. Mitchell says she is much of the team’s bonding. the best soccer player Her personality has shone on drastically different from last just tell she’s the kind of kid in her family now, but the team; she is roommates season be so close at this point that would thrive here with her teammate offered a with Katelyn Hoppers, Logan of the season. us,” Carmichael said. “You moment of hesitation and Marks and Aubrey Wagner, “I think that off the field know, her personality. She’s encouragement. three established players, and we’re just as good as friends as very outgoing, likes to joke When she visited Stillwater, has fit into that group right we are on the field,” Hoppers around, a lot of smiling. And Mitchell quickly knew OSU away. said. “We’ve had a lot of fun you could just tell she would was the place she wanted “So to break into that group, travel trips. Again, we also fit in with her group.” to go. Head coach Colin it’s kind of hard, but she did it have all of preseason to kind When Mitchell arrived on Carmichael didn’t learn for seamlessly,” Carmichael said. of wake up; we go to practice, campus, she knew that OSU a few days whether she was “And again, it just talks to her and then we’d have all day was going to be the place for coming. nature and how open she is to to just play mahjong, play her next stop in her college “It is funny; she told me people.” Fortnite. We get together, we career. later that she knew on day One way she broke into that do all these random stuff, and “She was like, ‘It just one this is where she was group was by playing Fortnite, I really do think it helps on felt like home. I loved it,’” coming,” Carmichael said. which started when she saw the field.” Carmichael said. “And she “She didn’t tell till a couple Hoppers playing one day. She From the start of her visit goes, ‘I told my dad at the days later; it would have been joined in with her roommate, to her becoming a fullhotel. This is where I’m going.’ nice to know. She’s such a and it has grown into a whole time player, Mitchell has And so obviously it was just great kid.” crew of players. emphasized connecting with a great fit on both ends. And That visit and saying yes “It’s been fun,” Mitchell the coaches and other players. since she’s been here, it’s been to coming here didn’t mean said. “I could not be more The same was happening seamless. She fits right in with she came to Stillwater right thankful that I’m a part of the with the coaches and our group.” away. When she went back Fortnite game. I have so much returning players; they looked home about two months fun. It’s just a time to not at her and her personality to before she would come to think about soccer, hang with see how she fit with the team, OSU, she freaked out about your friends, kill some time.” and it was clear she would. not knowing anyone here and It’s moments like those that “When she came on her going to school here. The first make the team that looks sports.ed@ocolly.com visit with her dad, you could
OSU Football Roundtable
Our Staff’s thoughts on OSU entering the bye week O’Colly Staff
good thing, so they can spend the is, it makes the Cowboys a threat off week resting and preparing coming out of the bye week. for a challenging rest of their Big After winning its first Big 12 12 schedule. atthew Sammon: M game in more than 1,000 days, If Oregon head coach Dan Oklahoma State entered the AP Logan Cole: Lanning was right that the Top 25. It’s easy to see that loss to loss to OSU won’t define the As the Cowboys head into Tulsa as a backbreaker, and for rest of the Ducks season, then their bye week, we asked our many teams, it would be. This the same should be said about staff for their thoughts on OSU OSU team took it on the chin the Cowboys following Tulsa. football. Will Thorogood: in Week 1, but after upsetting a After three straight wins, a Last week answered whether top-10 Oregon team at home and field-storming and one less Weston Wertzberger: this OSU team can handle a their road win over WVU, it’s goalpost later, OSU is ranked Last week in the roundtable, Timothy Christensen: loud, rowdy environment like hard not to feel over the moon No. 19 nationally and is a I said West Virginia would It is fair to say No. 19 OSU has WVU’s Milan Puskar Stadium. about OSU’s chances. serious contender for the Big 12 determine whether OSU was matched preseason expectations That answer turned out to be The Big 12 isn’t easy, but for conference title. a dark-horse contender. OSU so far. The loss to Tulsa is the yes, as the Cowboys defeated the the first time in three years, Last Saturday’s outing in won, and now I believe it. After only thing that keeps me from Mountaineers 41-24 for their first Cowboy fans have the right to Morgantown proved to the snapping a 19-game conference saying that they have exceeded Big 12 win in 1,036 days. feel hopeful about competing in college football world that the losing streak, I think this team any expectations. But since the Mestemaker has found it. This Cowboy roster has the Week 2 upset of Oregon wasn’t is the real deal. The Cowboys home opener, Mestemaker is comfort and stability in the talent to make it to Arlington in merely a one-off. The Cowboy showed they can compete playing at an elite level, running pocket, making some risky, December. defense did exactly what it with a top-ranked opponent back Caleb Hawkins has shown jaw-dropping throws in the last needed to do to: win by playing and handle a hostile road consistency in his powerful play three games. He has picked Marcus Mesis: fast, aggressive football and environment. style, and pass catchers Wyatt up his dynamic connection OSU has looked better than applying constant pressure to The offense is playing lights Young and Justin Bowick have with Young, as the two have most people thought the team dual-threat quarterback Michael out, producing 548.3 yards made big-time catches. connected for three touchdowns would through the first four Hawkins Jr. per game (third-highest in Head coach Eric Morris and on 22 receptions and 410 yards. games. The 3-1 record isn’t the Mestemaker continues to FBS), led by quarterback Drew his staff have shown the ability The dynamic will keep getting one that people expected; losing display a calm and collected Mestemaker with 1,271 passing to adapt within games, a trait stronger the more Young is left to Tulsa but beating Oregon was composure in the pocket, yards (fourth-highest in FBS), that gives hope for the future of wide open. not on most people’s bingo cards. averaging 317.8 yards per game while the defense has adjusted OSU football. Big 12 rivals TTU Hawkins has found his stride The offense looks better than but has logged five interceptions and settled in to help the team and UH will be tough matchups as well, and the Cowboys defense what I thought it would be just in four games. Mestemaker is win three straight games. later in the season, but OSU has has surprised many people. four games into the season. With definitely not afraid of throwing OSU should feel really solidified itself as an issue for the There is a lot to be happy about consecutive 600-plus yard games, the ball, racking up 11 passing comfortable heading into rest of the Big 12. with the team, but next week will it has safely impressed from what touchdowns and 1,271 yards, the bye week and have done determine if they can keep this expectations were. The threebut will need to be mindful of everything right since bouncing Ben Schatzel: performance going. headed monster of Mestemaker, costly turnovers as the season back from the Tulsa loss. Plus, I said last week that I was Hawkins and Young makes continues. I’m very bullish about this is the right time to rest in a wait-and-see mode for the Ryan Ruston: the offense hard to game plan this Cowboys squad heading into before eight consecutive weeks Cowboys headed into Big 12 play. I thought the way this OSU against, and second threats add October and see no reason why of Big 12 action. Well, the 41-24 win over a tough team won last week against to that. Continuing to build and this team can’t shock the world WVU team in Morgantown WVU made me believe in this strengthen offensive connections and win a conference title. Cayden Cox: showed me what I needed to see team more. It trailed 14-3 early will be key for the Cowboys I had questions about how to be all in on OSU. and cut it to a one-point deficit going forward. OSU would handle rowdy road The season-opening loss feels by halftime. They went on the The defense deserves attention environments; it brought an end like a fever dream at this point, road in a hostile environment, for having played really well to those questions after marching with, Hawkins and a plethora responded to adversity and through the last three games, into Morgantown and beating of receivers putting up offensive turned a close game into a shutting one team out and not WVU. Defensive coordinator numbers OSU hasn’t seen since blowout by the end. giving much up in the others. Skyler Cassity’s adjustments 2017 in the last three weeks. I think facing such a run-heavy If the defense continues to play against the Mountaineers Not to mention a defense that team before the bye week is a lights out with the offense like it sports.ed@ocolly.com STAFF REPORT
impressed me, and Mestemaker looks better every week. I still think OSU is susceptible to a slip-up, and still have ranked Texas Tech and Houston on the schedule. OSU looks poised to compete atop the Big 12, but I think the Cowboys fall short of the conference title game and find themselves competing in a high-end bowl such as the PopTarts Bowl and Alamo Bowl.
has surprised many people, with its third-down numbers and ability to adapt on the fly like last week. OSU is right up there with Big 12 contenders BYU, TTU and Utah and is about to make noise after being a conference afterthought for two straight seasons.
O’Colly
Friday, October 2, 2026 Page 7B
sports
Our best photos from osu-wvu
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Wyatt Young celebrates a catch.
Andon Freitas, The O’Colly
Terrence Lewis celebrating with Justin Bowick.
Justin Bowick running with the ball after a catch.
Drew Mestemaker walks of the field.
Oklahoma State wide receiver Wyatt Young catching a touchdown.
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Andon Freitas, The O’Colly
Oklahoma State fans celebrating as players walk off the field.
Andon Freitas, The O’Colly
Caleb Hawkins ran the ball while Justin Bowick blocks for him.
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Andon Freitas, The O’Colly
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Coach Eric Morris stands on the sidelines.
Page 8B Friday, October 2, 2026
O’Colly
sports
OSU’s unexpected contributors making an impact through 4 games Logan Cole
spring and summer, becoming the starting tight end before the season opener against Tulsa. In a football season with high “He’s taken great pride in expectations, there are always the way he’s worked, As far as players who go under the radar. improving the things he knew For Oklahoma State, with he wasn’t very good at.” OSU countless transfers and exciting head coach Eric Morris said. prospects, plenty of guys have “I remember the first time surprised fans and pundits alike. we were going through ballHere are a couple of players catching drills here. I mean, who have been a surprise this shoot, he might’ve dropped season: every single ball that we threw to him. He took great pride in Offense: TE Carson Kolb that and came in and worked and WR Terrence Lewis on it this offseason and is much On offense, a receiver and a improved.” tight end have made names for Kolb’s numbers don’t pop off themselves in the season’s early the stat sheet. But two crucial weeks. Carson Kolb came to touchdowns against Oregon OSU as a walk-on, transferring and Murray State, plus his in as a linebacker from Oregon work as a high-level blocker in State, where he’d never caught a the powerful Caleb Hawkins ball before. Kolb worked his way rushing attack, have made him up the depth chart through the a valuable part of the OSU
STAFF REPORTER
offense. He’s also become a fan favorite, as his high-energy antics have earned him beer baths from the hockey team. Lined up with the receivers is Terrence Lewis, a dependable weapon for quarterback Drew Mestemaker, with 12 catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-tying one against West Virginia last Saturday and the two-point conversion. Lewis has gone from a fourth- or even fifthoption to one of the team’s most consistent pass-catchers. “I think Terrence Lewis has been phenomenal for us this year,” Morris said. “And so really, there’s five guys we feel really comfortable with and with a rotation.”
Defense: LB Tate Romney and CB Mo Horn On defense, veteran linebacker Tate Romney’s name may not get said in the same breath as Ethan Wesloski, but the ASU transfer has been indispensable on that side of the ball, even taking over the communication duty after Wesloski went down for a drive last Saturday. Romney has 14 solo tackles and a sack, including six against West Virginia. In the secondary, Oklahoma native Mo Horn has become a real contender for CB1, competing for the spot alongside LaDainian Fields. Horn showed his downhill tackling skills against Murray State, blowing up multiple attempted screens and breaking up passes in the backfield as the Racers tried to
move laterally. He made crucial plays against WVU, stopping Michael Hawkins from moving the ball downfield as the Mountaineers fell behind, and finished the game with a pass deflection. Special Teams: K Sam Keltner and KS Joseph Kim Special teams has also been a welcome surprise this season. Kicker Sam Keltner is 10/10 on field goal attempts, helping propel the Cowboys to a 3-1 start. Kickoff specialist Joseph Kim has kicked nothing but touchbacks, helping the Cowboys’ coverage team avoid chasing down some of the country’s most dangerous returners.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
THE O’COLLY SPORTS PICKS - COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 5 GAMES
Weston Wertzberger
Cayden Cox
Will Thorogood
Timothy Christensen
Ryan Ruston
Marcus Mesis
Logan Cole
Ben Schatzel
TEAM 1
TEAM 2
Caleson Coon
Ashley Yarbrough
Pitt vs Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Virginia Tech
Penn State vs Northwestern
Northwestern Northwestern Penn State Penn State Northwestern Northwestern Penn State Penn State Penn State Northwestern
#7 Alabama vs
31-24
30-23
37-33
Auburn vs #17 Tennessee
33-27
27-25
28-20
28-24
31-28
31-24
31-21
31-23
28-20
34-28
30-17
30-27
24-17
16-13
23-13
21-13
24-21
Alabama 33-27
Alabama
Mississippi State
Alabama 35-24
Mississippi State
Alabama 38-27
Mississippi State
Alabama 35-24
38-35
35-30
41-38
41-21
Ohio State Ohio State Ohio State Ohio State Ohio State Ohio State Ohio State Ohio State Ohio State Ohio State 28-21 28-13 38-20 28-14 24-17 28-7 38-16 35-17 35-10 28-21
#8 Florida vs #25 Missouri #24 Kentucky vs South Carolina
27-23
Mississippi State Mississippi State
#16 Mississippi State
#5 Ohio State vs #14 Iowa
32-30
Florida 45-21
Florida 41-30
Florida 42-34
Florida 40-35
Florida 45-27
Florida 45-24
Florida 31-17
Florida 42-21
Florida 45-21
Florida 42-10
Kentucky Kentucky 27-17 31-24
Kentucky South Carolina South Carolina Kentucky 27-13 24-21 28-24 28-24
Kentucky Kentucky South Carolina South Carolina 24-21 28-24 24-20 27-20
Tennessee Tennessee 24-13 27-20
Tennessee Tennessee 30-16 20-14
Washington vs #18 USC
Auburn 28-20
Auburn 28-25
Tennesse 34-21
Tennesse 31-20
Auburn 34-21
Auburn 21-17
USC
USC
48-21
USC
47-31
USC 48-21
USC
35-21
BYU 27-17
BYU 35-24
BYU 36-31
BYU 28-13
USC
Washington
42-37
49-30
45-35
48-35
Washington 48-21
#10 BYU vs TCU
BYU 35-24
BYU 38-30
BYU 36-33
BYU 30-27
BYU 42-27
BYU 38-24
Baylor vs Arizona State
Arizona State
Baylor 23-16
34-20
EDITOR BOARD TEAMS
31-27
USC
USC
Arizona State Arizona State Arizona State Arizona State Arizona State Arizona State Arizona State Arizona State
30-12
STANDINGS:
Timothy — 40-10 Ben — 39-11 Marcus — 39-11 Will — 36-14
SELECT THURSDAYS IN OCTOBER
24-20
32-16
Logan — 35-15 Ryan — 35-15 Weston — 33-17 Cayden — 31-19
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38-25
38-35
GUEST TEAM 1: 39-11
Chance — 17-3 Jose — 8-2 Caleson — 7-3 Kaitlyn — 7-3
31-20
24-21
24-21
GUEST TEAM 2: 29-21
Kalina — 11-9 Ashley — 7-3 Megan — 6-4 Andon — 5-5