{
  "id": 2403594,
  "title": "Oklahoma State faces a rebuild after 1-11 season, with new coach Eric Morris banking on 88 newcomers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/oklahoma-state-faces-a-rebuild-after-1-11-season-with-new-coach-eric",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-21T16:25:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/uncategorized/2026/08/21/oklahoma-state-faces-a-rebuild-after-1-11-season-with-new-coach-eric-morris-banking-on-88-newcomers"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Oklahoma State Cowboys are set to embark on a rebuilding journey following a disappointing 1-11 season under the helm of first-year coach Eric Morris. The new coaching staff hopes to capitalize on the talent of 88 new recruits, including 21 former teammates, to transform the team's fortunes.\n\nProminent among the newcomers are running back Caleb Hawkins and quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who both transferred from North Texas last season. Hawkins led the FBS with 1,434 yards and 25 touchdowns rushing, setting an FBS record for most total touchdowns by a freshman (29). Mestemaker, also a freshman, delivered an FBS-best 4,379 yards passing.\n\nWide receiver Wyatt Young, Mestemaker's primary target, added 70 receptions for 1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns. Coach Eric Morris' up-tempo offense aims to spread the ball around and score early and often, bolstered by the talents of his new additions.\n\nDefensively, the team is focusing on building chemistry among the players, with former North Texas coordinator Skyler Cassity joining the staff. Cassity led the Mean Green from 127th in total defense in 2024 to 77th last season. The return of players like Ethan Wesloski, Sadiq Clements, Keviyan Huddleston, and Evan Jackson is expected to bolster the defensive lineup.\n\nHowever, the offensive line remains unproven, with Oklahoma transfer Jacob Sexton expected to start at left tackle and Kansas transfer Tyler Mercer taking the center position. The coaching staff also brought in transfer QB Hauss Hejny from Colorado State, wide receivers Gavin Freeman from Baylor, Rodney Fields from Kansas State, and tight end Josh Ford from Alabama.\n\nOklahoma State faces tough road games against No. 2 Oregon on September 12, No. 23 Houston on October 17, and No. 12 Texas Tech on November 14.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Oklahoma State faces 1-11 season, initiates rebuild",
    "Coach Eric Morris leads new coaching staff",
    "88 newcomers, including 21 former teammates, join team"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}