Eric Morris debuted as Oklahoma State's football coach during the spring game, leading the offense to a 42-33 victory in front of approximately 13,000 fans. Morris emphasized his commitment to revitalizing the program.
Key points
Eric Morris is the new head coach of Oklahoma State football.
The spring game ended with a score of 42-33.
Approximately 13,000 fans attended the event.
Morris emphasizes his commitment to the program's success.
Mentioned in this story
Eric MorrisBoone Pickens Stadium
Oklahoma Statespring game
STILLWATER — Each day, Eric Morris walks into his office and opens the window blinds. The view is spectacular.
And a daily dose of what matters to Oklahoma State’s first-year coach.
“I make it a point every morning to go open the blinds and look and just realize my responsibility is to make this place great again and for the people that love this place,” Morris said. “I don’t take that lightly and it’s a great reminder every single day.”
Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker throws a touchdown pass during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Chris Barnes scores a touchdown during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Q&A
What was the score of Eric Morris' first spring game as Oklahoma State coach?
The score of Eric Morris' first spring game as Oklahoma State coach was 42-33 in favor of the offense.
How many fans attended the Oklahoma State spring game?
Approximately 13,000 fans attended the Oklahoma State spring game.
What does Eric Morris say about his responsibilities as head coach?
Eric Morris stated that he feels a great responsibility to make Oklahoma State great again and takes that duty seriously.
Where did Eric Morris coach before joining Oklahoma State?
The article does not specify where Eric Morris coached before joining Oklahoma State.
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Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris applauds during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker celebrates with Oklahoma State's Wyatt Young after a touchdown during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Chris Barnes runs to the end zone after a reception during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris talks wuth players in front of Jacob Sexton (79) and Joseph Hanson (79) during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Miles Coleman is brought down by Cameron Epps during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker is interviewed during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker, right, celebrates with Chris Barnes and Jacob Sexton after a touchdown during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris calls a time out during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Chris Barnes is brought down by Cooper Lai, left, Kobi Foreman and Taurean Davis, right, during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Wyatt Young catches a touchdown pass in front of Braeden Presley during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Wyatt Young celebrates after a touchdown during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker smiles after throwing a touchdown pass during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris walks on the field during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma States Tre Page III carries the ball during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Cameron Epps intercepts a pass intended for Wyatt Young during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Cameron Epps, right. and Cooper Lai celebrate after Epps intercepted a pass during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Chris Barnes runs beside Cooper Lai during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Miles Coleman is brought down by Christian Bodnar during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Luke Logan runs a drill during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker drops back to pass during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Miles Coleman is brought down by Cooper Lai, left, and Jeremy Cook Jr. during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker hands off to Caleb Hawkins for a touchdown during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Caleb Hawkins runs for a touchdown during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker celebrates after an OSU touchdown during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's runs for a touchdown as Jack Puckett tries to stop him during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Chris Barnes returns a kick during a drill in a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Dennis Moody III carries the ball during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Jeremy Cook Jr. brings down Wyatt Young during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker throws a touchdown pass during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
1 / 30
Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker throws a touchdown pass during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
2 / 30
Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Chris Barnes scores a touchdown during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris applauds during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker celebrates with Oklahoma State's Wyatt Young after a touchdown during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Chris Barnes runs to the end zone after a reception during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
6 / 30
Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris talks wuth players in front of Jacob Sexton (79) and Joseph Hanson (79) during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
7 / 30
Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Miles Coleman is brought down by Cameron Epps during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker is interviewed during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker, right, celebrates with Chris Barnes and Jacob Sexton after a touchdown during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris calls a time out during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Chris Barnes is brought down by Cooper Lai, left, Kobi Foreman and Taurean Davis, right, during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Wyatt Young catches a touchdown pass in front of Braeden Presley during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Wyatt Young celebrates after a touchdown during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker smiles after throwing a touchdown pass during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris walks on the field during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma States Tre Page III carries the ball during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Cameron Epps intercepts a pass intended for Wyatt Young during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Cameron Epps, right. and Cooper Lai celebrate after Epps intercepted a pass during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Chris Barnes runs beside Cooper Lai during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Miles Coleman is brought down by Christian Bodnar during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Luke Logan runs a drill during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker drops back to pass during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Miles Coleman is brought down by Cooper Lai, left, and Jeremy Cook Jr. during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker hands off to Caleb Hawkins for a touchdown during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Caleb Hawkins runs for a touchdown during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker celebrates after an OSU touchdown during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's runs for a touchdown as Jack Puckett tries to stop him during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Chris Barnes returns a kick during a drill in a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Dennis Moody III carries the ball during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Drew Mestemaker makes Oklahoma State football spring game debut, see our top photos
Oklahoma State's Jeremy Cook Jr. brings down Wyatt Young during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Butterflies.
Excitement.
Even if things felt a little wonky directionally.
“It was cool for me finally to walk out and see so many fans on the south side,” he said with a bit of hesitation, “I’m not used to this east-and-west field yet. I’m getting there, though.
“The south side was full and the energy in there and hearing the crowd, the roars after some explosive plays was a lot of fun.”
For the better part of the past five months, Morris has rebuilt the Cowboys.
He brought in an entirely new coaching staff, most with connections to himself. He brought 18 players from North Texas, including the offensive triplets built on grand expectations. And he’s worked to restore the Pokes’ reputation as a winning program.
Saturday was the advanced screening of what could come in the fall.
Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris calls a time out during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris calls a time out during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Quarterback Drew Mestemaker threw an interception on the game’s first play — a deep pass with the intention of starting the new era with a massive play. Then Mestemaker went to work and picked apart OSU’s secondary for three touchdowns.
Wake Forest receiver transfer Chris Barnes adds a speed element OSU has lacked. See his 98-yard TD reception.
The Cowboys’ defensive ends look to be a problem for opponents. The linebackers — led by UNT transfer Ethan Wesloski — impressed as well.
“We have a lot of work to do before we're ready to put our product on the field and drive down to Tulsa (for the season opener),” Morris said, “but I think the strides that we've made, I'm really happy with the progression of it.”
The progression from a year ago when the Cowboys hit rock bottom as Mike Gundy was fired is obvious. There was excitement in the stands Saturday. A new energy on the field.
“Stepping out there, I see 20,000 people for a spring game,” Wesloski said. “I mean, that was our average attendance (at North Texas) last year. So, coming with Coach and coming to such a unique city, unique town that supports football so much, you take a step back and go, ‘Wow. I haven’t made it yet but I’m here.’
Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris talks wuth players in front of Jacob Sexton (79) and Joseph Hanson (79) during a spring football for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris talks wuth players in front of Jacob Sexton (79) and Joseph Hanson (79) during a spring football for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Morris’ next task is to keep the momentum going throughout the summer.
He first plans to shave his not-so-great mustache, a source of some strife in his home.
“My 5-year-old loves it and my wife hates it,” Morris said.
But there is no second transfer portal window, so the Cowboys are who they are as they add nine new players — including six true freshmen — in June. There will be high school recruiting and some hands-on work, too.
Then much-needed vacations.
Then, football for real.
Boone Pickens Stadium will have even more life.
“That was a cool experience to be out there and just imagining the first time we walk out vs. Oregon and the thing’s packed here at Boone Pickens for the home opener,” Morris said. “That will be something that’s one for the ages.”
Jacob Unruh is the deputy sports editor for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jacob? He can be reached at junruh@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @jacobunruh. Support Jacob's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
