The renewal of Tulsa vs. Oklahoma State on the college football calendar can only be a good thing for college football. These two programs have an immense shared history, with the 2025 edition serving as a prove-it spot for both sides.
Our Tulsa vs. Oklahoma State preview provides the current PFSN player and team grades, analytical insights, and our pregame prediction for Friday’s 7:30 PM ET kickoff on ESPN.
Tulsa vs. Oklahoma State Details
- Date: Friday, Sept. 19, 2025
- Game time: 7:30 PM ET
- Location: Boone Pickens Stadium | Stillwater, OK
- Predicted weather at kick: 80 degrees, mostly cloudy, six mph winds
- How to watch: ESPN
Tulsa vs. Oklahoma State Head-to-Head Record
Natural in-state rivals, Tulsa and Oklahoma State, have played each other 77 times since 1914 and now compete in the Gateway First Bank Turnpike Classic. The Cowboys boast an impressive lead in the all-time series with a 44-27-5 record and have won the last 10 matchups between these two rivals dating back to 1999.
The rivalry reached its peak during the Missouri Valley Conference era from 1935 to 1956, when both schools competed in the same league. During those 22 seasons, either Oklahoma State or Tulsa claimed the conference championship 16 times. The schools played annually for 40 consecutive years from 1926 to 1965, making the 70-mile trip via the Cimarron Turnpike an annual tradition.
Tulsa vs. Oklahoma State Grades
PFSN College OFFi
- Tulsa (70.1, C-)
- Oklahoma State (70.89, C-)
PFSN College DEFi
- Tulsa (71.05, C-)
- Oklahoma State (72.56, C-)
PFSN College OLi
- Tulsa (70.08, C-)
- Oklahoma State (83.89, B)
PFSN College QBi
- Kirk Francis, Tulsa (71.3, C-)
- Zane Flores, Oklahoma State (66.4, D)
PFSN College RBi
- Dominic Richardson, Tulsa (71.94, C-)
- Kalib Hicks, Oklahoma State (64.42, D)
PFSN College WRi
- Zion Booker, Tulsa (79.05, C+)
- Oklahoma State (N/A)
PFSN College TEi
- Brody Foley, Tulsa (72.62, C-)
- Oklahoma State (N/A)
PFSN College EDGEi
- J’Dan Burnett, Tulsa (78.47, C+)
- Wendell Gregory, Oklahoma State (90.4, A-)
PFSN College DTi
- Tim Hardiman, Tulsa (83.16, B)
- De’Marion Thomas (68.93, D+)
PFSN College LBi
- Ray Coney, Tulsa (76.77, C)
- Bryan McCoy Jr., Oklahoma State (79.19, C+)
PFSN College CBi
- Elijah Green Tulsa (80.98, B-)
- Cam Smith, Oklahoma State (85.31, B)
PFSN College SAFi
- Zach Williams, Tulsa (72.68, C-)
- David Kabongo, Oklahoma State (77.09, C+)
Tulsa vs. Oklahoma State Prediction
Tulsa and Oklahoma State enter their Friday night matchup after sloppy starts to their respective seasons.
The Cowboys are currently 1-1 coming off a bye week after suffering a historic 69-3 loss at the hands of the Oregon Ducks. Mike Gundy has had 13 days to refocus his team for Tulsa, with a victory necessary to end a 10-game losing streak to FBS opponents. The Oklahoma State head coach’s seat is heating up with each passing week, and a loss to Tulsa will only add fuel to the flame.
The outlook doesn’t look promising for the Cowboys. Oklahoma State has the 91st-ranked defense with a 72.56 (C-) PFSN College DEFi grade, while the offense has struggled equally, holding a 96th-ranked 70.89 (C-) PFSN College OFFi grade over the opening weeks of the season.
Hauss Hejny’s injury in Week 1 has elevated Zane Flores to a starter in his freshman season, and the first-year signal-caller has had growing pains, ranking 126th nationally with a 66.4 (D) PFSN College QBi grade. The offense has averaged just 285.0 yards per game (126th nationally) and has had to rely on defensive star power.
Tulsa, on the other hand, has not fared much better, losing to Navy and New Mexico State to start the season 1-2. An injury to Kirk Francis has thrust Baylor Haynes into the spotlight, meaning the Friday night clash will likely feature a battle between two inexperienced quarterbacks.
Haynes will rely on Dominic Richardson, who ranks 59th nationally with a 71.94 (C-) PFSN College RBi grade and has the 15th-most rushing yards in the FBS (296).
However, Tulsa’s offensive line, which ranks 86th in PFSN OLi, will have to contend with standout pass rusher Wendell Gregory, who must make an immediate impact if the Cowboys are to win this game. The Oklahoma State edge rusher ranks 11th nationally with a 90.4 (A-) PFSN College EDGEi grade and has three sacks in two games.
Tulsa vs. Oklahoma State has the potential to be a sloppy affair, but that just adds intrigue to the matchup. Which inexperienced quarterback can find their rhythm, and which unit can finally get back on track in primetime? Or can Tulsa take advantage of the Cowboys’ recent struggles?
Prediction: Tulsa24, Oklahoma State 17
