The 2026 college football season is shaping up to be significant for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, as they welcome new head coach Eric Morris. Former Georgia star and current analyst David Pollack recently shared his enthusiastic support for the program on his “See Ball Get Ball” podcast while discussing the team”s future with Rece Davis.
Pollack pointed to Morris”s arrival from North Texas as a key factor for optimism. Morris has brought with him a considerable portion of his coaching staff and roster, aiming to revitalize the Cowboys following the exit of Mike Gundy. The offensive system Morris is implementing has caught Pollack”s attention, particularly due to its roots in the Air Raid philosophy.
With a proven track record of developing talented quarterbacks, including Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield, Morris”s influence is expected to pay off quickly in the Big 12. Pollack remarked, “They brought the whole system. They brought the best with them, and Eric Morris obviously can coach. I really like him. And by the way, the quarterback play he”s been around is just stupid; it”s silly.”
The quarterback Pollack referred to is Drew Mestemaker, who followed Morris to Oklahoma State after a standout season in 2025. Mestemaker led the FBS with 4,379 passing yards and 34 touchdowns last year, earning the Burlsworth Trophy, awarded to the nation”s top player who started as a walk-on.
This approach of transferring clusters of players is gaining traction in the era of the transfer portal. Morris has managed to bring a wealth of talent with him, including standout sophomore running back Caleb Hawkins, who topped the nation in rushing touchdowns last season. This strategy enables a new coach to integrate a sophisticated system without facing the usual multi-year learning curve.
Analysts like Greg McElroy have noted that a team can ascend rapidly in the league if they benefit from elite quarterback play. Pollack believes that the combination of Morris and Mestemaker could take the rest of the conference by surprise, stating, “I think the Pokes have a chance to come in and at least poke some people; at least catch some big fish.”
Despite finishing 3-9 in 2024, the influx of talent has placed Oklahoma State in discussions for a turnaround in the 2026 season. Fans will have the opportunity to see the revamped roster during the annual spring game scheduled for Saturday, April 18.
