Unexpected Triumph

Oregon faced a tough battle with Oklahoma State, marking their second game against an unranked opponent where the Ducks struggled. Unlike their previous game, sixth-ranked Oregon couldn’t pull off a fourth-quarter comeback. The result was the biggest upset in the 2026 college football season.

Historic Victory

Oklahoma State emerged victorious with a 39-31 win in Stillwater, Oklahoma. This was the Cowboys’ first win in over a year. Coming off a disappointing 1-11 season in the Big 12, they were 24.5-point underdogs after a loss to Tulsa in Week 1. They ended a 12-game losing streak, becoming the first FBS team to snap a ten-game losing streak by defeating a top-10 team.

“Everybody counted them out,” said Cowboys first-year coach Eric Morris. “Told them how bad they were. I’m proud of those kids.”

Fans rushed the field at Boone Pickens Stadium, celebrating alongside Morris.

Oregon’s Struggles

The Ducks encountered issues in the fourth quarter, including a crucial fumble by running back Dierre Hill Jr. A failed fourth-down conversion added to their woes, while Oklahoma State capitalized with a field goal. Oklahoma State dominated the total offense with 554 yards compared to Oregon’s 281, and had twice as many first downs.

“It wasn’t close in a lot of ways,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning remarked. “We got our ass kicked in a lot of areas.”

Moore’s Setback and Mestemaker’s Rise

Oregon’s quarterback Dante Moore faced challenges, potentially ending his Heisman Trophy chances. He completed only 5 of 15 passes for 45 yards in the first half, despite 20 scouts from 13 NFL teams attending. Moore managed two touchdowns in the second half but was overshadowed by Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker, who passed for 317 yards and two touchdowns.

“He’s a dog,” said Morris about Mestemaker. “That kid never wavered, believes in himself.”

Mestemaker achieved a decisive 10-yard touchdown scramble, reminiscent of Fernando Mendoza’s score in last year’s championship for Indiana.

Team Spirit

Mestemaker reflected, “Everyone on this team has been counted out their whole career; that’s what makes this team special. I believe in these guys.”

Wyatt Young also scored for Oklahoma State as Davon Benjamin defended in a tough battle.

Oregon’s Decline

Last week, Oregon struggled against Boise State, eventually securing a narrow victory, which led to their drop from second to sixth in rankings. A further decline is expected next week. Previously, Oregon had defeated Oklahoma State 69-3. Under coach Dan Lanning, Oregon was undefeated against unranked teams until now, and their 12-game road winning streak was broken.

The game was delayed for 90 minutes due to lightning and thunderstorms in Stillwater, Oklahoma.