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Oklahoma State fans stormed the field and tossed a goalpost into Theta Pond after a 39-31 upset win over No. 6 Oregon, ending a 21-game skid against FBS opponents and celebrating Coach Eric Morris’ first home victory as the Cowboys’ leader.
Oklahoma State’s 39-31 victory over No. 6 Oregon on September 12, 2026, was more than a football game—it was a cathartic release for a program drowning in frustration. The Cowboys ended a 21-game losing streak against FBS opponents, snapped a 12-game overall skid, and delivered a 23.5-point upset as underdogs, all while fans turned the field into a chaotic celebration. The win marked Coach Eric Morris’ first home victory, capping a transformative week for a team that had endured a 1-11 season under Mike Gundy, who was fired after a 69-3 loss to Oregon in September 2024.
The Upset That Ended a Skid
Oklahoma State’s victory over Oregon was a seismic shift for a program that had struggled to find consistency. Mestemaker threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns, rushed for 109 yards and a score, and became the focal point of a team that had lost 24-10 to Tulsa in Morris’ debut. Oregon, the preseason No. 2 team, was vulnerable after a win over Boise State, and the Cowboys exploited every weakness.
We challenged our players this week in a really tough way,
Morris said, highlighting the team’s intensity. They had to listen to how bad they were after hearing how good they were for such a long time.
The Cowboys’ defense forced a turnover on downs, while Mestemaker’s 10-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter sealed the win. Oregon coach Dan Lanning admitted the Ducks got our (butts) kicked in a lot of areas,
acknowledging the Cowboys’ physicality and execution.
Fan Chaos and the Goalpost’s Fate
The celebration turned chaotic as fans stormed the field immediately after the final whistle. A goalpost was torn down, carried to Theta Pond—a campus waterbody known for hosting goalposts after major wins—and thrown into the water. The scene was captured by Sen. James Lankford, who posted a video of the moment on social media, joking, I’m probably supposed to say they shouldn’t, but upsetting the No. 6 team in the nation to end a 12-game skid seems like a pretty good reason to rush the field!
Coaches’ Reactions and Team Dynamics
For Morris, the win was a validation of his approach. To see them practice this last week, the intensity, the focus, the effort they had… for them to have that moment, for me as a coach, that’s what’s rewarding,
he said. The Cowboys’ roster included Mestemaker, who had previously played under Morris at North Texas. The coach praised his quarterback’s “dog” mentality, noting Mestemaker’s 109-yard rushing performance and a 317-yard passing day.
Oregon’s Lanning, meanwhile, acknowledged the program’s struggles. The score was closer than it really was because it wasn’t close in a lot of ways,
he said. The Ducks faced scrutiny for their inconsistency. Mestemaker’s 10-yard touchdown run—described by the quarterback as feeling like I was in the air for a year
—became a defining moment, even as he admitted, I got the wind knocked out of me so bad, I couldn’t breathe.
What Comes Next for Oklahoma State?
Oklahoma State now heads into its next game against Murray State on September 19, aiming to build on the momentum. The Cowboys, who had not won since last September, will look to solidify their resurgence. However, the Big 12’s potential fine looms, adding a layer of uncertainty. For fans, the victory was more than a score—it was a long-awaited vindication. As Lankford put it, This OSU squad came to play.
The win also highlighted the program’s resilience. After a 1-11 finish in 2024, Morris’ arrival brought a fresh start. With a 1-1 record and a home win under their belt, the Cowboys are now 1-1 in the 2026 season, their first against an FBS opponent since September 2024. For a fanbase that had endured years of disappointment, the upset over Oregon was not just a game—it was a statement.
