Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Tulsa Golden Hurricane Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 5, 2026
The Oklahoma State Cowboys visit the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Saturday at 3:45 p.m. ET at H.A. Chapman Stadium in Tulsa and can be seen on ESPNU. Oklahoma State finished 1-11 overall last season and lost its final 10 games, including a 20-13 defeat to Iowa State. Tulsa went 4-8 overall and closed 2025 with a 31-24 loss to UAB after winning its previous two games. Oklahoma State is a 14-point road favorite after opening at -11.5, while the total has moved from 61.5 to 60.5 points. Find your opening-week betting angle with our free NCAAF picks.
Oklahoma State Cowboys Preview
Oklahoma State starts over under Eric Morris, who brings several major pieces from a North Texas offense that ranked first nationally in scoring last season. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker threw for more than 4,800 yards and 36 touchdowns, while running back Caleb Hawkins rushed for more than 1,400 yards and 25 scores. Wyatt Young also followed Morris after catching 70 passes for 1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns. The biggest question is an offensive line featuring five transfers.
The Cowboys also rebuilt much of a defense that will be tested by the offense's fast pace. North Texas transfer Ethan Wesloski recorded 113 tackles and nine tackles for loss last season, while UCLA transfer Isaiah Chisom made 84 stops. Oklahoma State added size inside with Jery Lawson, Saadiq Clements and Enai White, but generating consistent pressure remains a concern for a defense with several new pieces.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane Preview
Tulsa has more continuity under second-year coach Tre Lamb. Baylor Hayes returns at quarterback, with Kennesaw State transfer Dexter Williams II providing another experienced option. The Golden Hurricane added Auburn running back Damari Alston, who averaged five yards per carry during his career, along with Seth Davis and Trequan Jones. Tulsa's offense produced 4,775 total yards last season but gave the ball away multiple times in seven games, losing six of them.
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The Golden Hurricane defense struggled to create takeaways, forcing only six across 10 games. Cornerback Elijah Green was the exception with five interceptions and seven pass breakups, while Tulsa added edge rushers Thomas Davis and former Oklahoma State defender Kyran Duhon. Run defense is another concern after Tulsa allowed at least 4.5 yards per carry five times last season.
Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Tulsa Golden Hurricane Prediction
Oklahoma State's roster turnover creates uncertainty, but Morris already has his quarterback and several proven playmakers from the North Texas system. That familiarity matters in an opener, especially against a Tulsa defense that struggled to force turnovers and consistently stop the run last season. The move from -11.5 to -14 raises the requirement for Oklahoma State, but Mestemaker, Hawkins and Young give the Cowboys more proven production at the key offensive positions. Tulsa has enough offensive talent to score at home, yet keeping pace for four quarters will be difficult if Oklahoma State's new attack quickly resembles the one Morris operated at North Texas. Oklahoma State will create separation after halftime and cover the road spread. Final Score Prediction: Oklahoma State Cowboys win and cover ATS, 41-24.
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Best Picks
- Oklahoma State Cowboys -14 (-110)
- Over 60.5 (-108)
