Cowboys Primed: The 2025 college football season bursts into action as the Oklahoma State Cowboys prepare to host the UT-Martin Skyhawks tonight, Thursday, August 28, 2025. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT (7:30 p.m. ET) at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. This season opener represents a fresh start for Oklahoma State after a challenging 2024 season, while UT-Martin looks to prove their mettle against a formidable FBS opponent. Various sports outlets, including PFB, have released their predictions for the game, adding to the anticipation surrounding this matchup.
Oklahoma State’s Rebound Opportunity
Following a disappointing 3-9 campaign in 2024, including a winless run in Big 12 play, the Oklahoma State Cowboys are eager to turn the page. Head coach Mike Gundy has overseen significant changes to both the roster and the coaching staff, injecting new energy and talent into the program. According to Oklahoma State University Athletics, this game serves as a crucial opportunity to establish a new identity and build momentum for the season ahead. Gundy himself has emphasized the importance of minimizing penalties and turnovers, highlighting the focus on fundamental execution in these early-season contests.
New Faces in the Spotlight
The Cowboys’ offense will feature several new faces, most notably at the quarterback position. Hauss Hejny has been named the starter, offering a glimpse into the future of the program. Zane Flores is also expected to see playing time. The running back room boasts a diverse group of players, including Trent Howland and Rodney Fields, each bringing a unique skill set to the offense. As noted by 247 Sports, the performance of these newcomers will be critical in determining the Cowboys’ success this season. The coaching staff is keen to see how these players perform under pressure and how quickly they can adapt to the college game.
UT-Martin: A Formidable FCS Foe
The UT-Martin Skyhawks, led by veteran head coach Jason Simpson, arrive in Stillwater as a proven force in the FCS ranks. Having secured four consecutive conference titles and made two FCS playoff appearances in recent years, the Skyhawks are not to be taken lightly. UTM Athletics highlights the program’s consistent success and the experience of its coaching staff as key factors in their continued competitiveness. This game offers UT-Martin a chance to test their abilities against an FBS opponent and showcase their program’s strength on a larger stage.
Key Players for the Skyhawks
UT-Martin’s offense is spearheaded by quarterback Jase Bauer, who will look to connect with receiver Phaizon Wilson. Running back John Gentry adds another dimension to the Skyhawks’ attack. Defensively, JaMichael McGoy, Jacob Stevenson, and Keyshawn Johnson are players to watch, bringing experience and talent to the unit. According to Pokes Report, the Skyhawks’ ability to control the line of scrimmage will be crucial in limiting Oklahoma State’s offensive opportunities. Coach Simpson will be relying on these key players to execute their game plan and keep the game competitive.
PFB Picks and Expert Predictions
PFB and other sports analysts have weighed in with their predictions for the Oklahoma State vs. UT-Martin game. While most anticipate an Oklahoma State victory, the predicted scorelines vary. Marshall Scott of PFB forecasts a 38-10 win for the Cowboys, naming Trent Howland as the Game MVP. Kyle Cox of PFB projects a 35-10 OSU victory, with Christian Fitzpatrick as his MVP pick. Tyler Waldrep of PFB predicts a 41-13 win, also favoring Fitzpatrick for MVP.
Contrasting Views and Potential Challenges
Ivan White of OK State on SI offers a more cautious prediction, suggesting a 27-16 win for Oklahoma State. White cites the new roster and the potential for rainy conditions as factors that could keep the game closer than expected. Other predictions from Sports Illustrated contributors include a 45-14 win for OSU by Taylor Skieens and a 37-17 win by Alec Elijah. McBets, in an Oddschecker prediction, anticipates a dominant win for the Cowboys, highlighting the talent disparity and OSU’s desire to rebound. Sporting News echoes this sentiment, emphasizing Oklahoma State’s need to start the season strong. College Football Picks also leans towards an Oklahoma State victory, acknowledging UT-Martin’s capabilities but ultimately favoring the Cowboys’ talent advantage.
Impact and Expectations
This game is widely regarded as a crucial building block for Oklahoma State’s 2025 season. It provides the first opportunity to see how the revamped roster and coaching staff will perform together. As News On 6 reports, all eyes will be on quarterback Hauss Hejny as he makes his first start for the Cowboys. While a decisive victory is expected by many, some analysts caution that the game could be “too close for comfort” due to the newness of the OSU squad and the potential for adverse weather conditions.
Looking Ahead
Regardless of the final score, a win is paramount for Oklahoma State to start the season 1-0 before a challenging Week 2 matchup at Oregon. The Skyhawks, despite being underdogs, are expected to be well-coached and competitive, aiming to leverage their program’s stability. FBSchedules.com confirms that this game marks the beginning of a challenging non-conference schedule for both teams. The outcome of this game will set the tone for the rest of the season and provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of both programs.
In conclusion, the Oklahoma State vs. UT-Martin season opener is more than just a game; it’s a crucial opportunity for the Cowboys to establish a new identity and build momentum for the 2025 season. While predictions favor a decisive victory for Oklahoma State, UT-Martin’s proven track record and the potential for unforeseen circumstances suggest that this matchup could be more competitive than anticipated. Ultimately, this game will provide valuable insights into the progress of both programs and set the stage for the challenges that lie ahead.
