Oklahoma State Ends Losing Streak with Shocking Win Over Oregon
Oklahoma State, a four-touchdown underdog, defeated No. 6 Oregon 39-31, snapping a 12-game losing streak and a 21-game skid against FBS opponents. The Cowboys also ended Oregon's 35-game unbeaten run against unranked teams, marking the first time since 1973 that a team with a double-digit losing streak beat an AP Top 10 opponent. The result reshapes the College Football Playoff picture after another top-11 team, Oklahoma, also lost.
The Cowboys entered the game as massive underdogs after a season-opening loss to Tulsa, the smallest FBS program, and had not beaten an FBS opponent in 21 straight attempts. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who struggled badly in that opener despite a reported $3.5 million salary, rebounded with 426 total yards and two touchdowns to spark the upset. The win also avenged a 69-3 blowout loss to Oregon in 2025.
The result carries historical weight: no team with a double-digit losing streak had beaten an AP Top 10 opponent since at least 1973. Oregon, meanwhile, had won 35 consecutive games against unranked teams. With No. 11 Oklahoma also losing to Michigan the same day, the College Football Playoff picture has become notably more uncertain for multiple contenders.
This upset could reshape perceptions of college football's competitive balance, showing that even heavily favored programs remain vulnerable on any given Saturday. Fans of mid-tier programs may feel renewed optimism about their teams' chances, while Oregon supporters may face increased anxiety about playoff positioning. The result could influence how poll voters and committee members evaluate losses, potentially affecting rankings and postseason invitations for weeks to come.