Oklahoma State snaps 12-game skid with 39-31 upset over No. 6 Oregon

Key points

• Oklahoma State defeated No. 6 Oregon 39-31 on September 12, 2026, in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
• Oklahoma State snapped a 12-game losing streak, the longest in college football, and ended a 380-day winless streak.
• Oklahoma State had not won an FBS game since 2024, and this was their first top-10 win since 2022.
• Oregon quarterback Dante Moore completed 14 of 29 passes for 191 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
• Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker recorded 317 passing yards and 109 rushing yards.
• Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris secured his first win, following a 24-10 loss to Tulsa in Week 1.

Background

Dante Moore turned down a reported $55 million NFL contract in July 2026 to return to Oregon for the 2026 season, aiming to chase a national title and position himself for the 2027 NFL draft. He bulked up to 220 pounds and helped tailor a new offensive scheme with OC Drew Mehringer. Oklahoma State had fired Mike Gundy last season and hired Eric Morris, who brought quarterback Drew Mestemaker from North Texas. The Cowboys lost 24-10 to Tulsa in Week 1, marking their second-straight loss to the Golden Hurricane.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports emphasized Dante Moore's struggles, noting his less-than-50 percent completion rate and difficulty dealing with Oklahoma State's pass rush, while acknowledging his elite arm talent. USA Today focused on the historic nature of the upset, highlighting the 12-game losing streak and the 380-day winless streak, and noted the field storming and goal post removal. Both outlets agreed on the final score and the significance of the win for Oklahoma State, but NBC Sports focused more on Moore's performance, while USA Today emphasized the broader context of the program's turnaround.

Why it matters

The upset highlights the unpredictability of college football and the potential for new coaching regimes to turn around struggling programs. For Dante Moore, the loss may raise questions about his consistency, but it does not necessarily diminish his status as a top 2027 NFL draft prospect. For Oklahoma State, the win marks a significant milestone in the program's history and sets the stage for increased expectations in the Big 12.

What to watch

Oklahoma State will face Big 12 play starting September 26, with increased expectations following the upset. Oregon will need to address Dante Moore's accuracy and consistency issues as they continue their season. The Big 12 may consider fining Oklahoma State for field storming, though the conference has been inconsistent in applying such fines.