College football scheduling is always a wild ride, especially when big-name nonconference games pop up on the calendar. Fans and programs both get hyped for these matchups. But lately, the Oklahoma State and Alabama home-and-home series, set for 2028 and 2029, seems to be fading fast.
Bill Haisten, writing in the Tulsa World, says it’s almost a lock that this series is getting the axe. It’s not just a sudden decision—college football itself is changing at a breakneck pace. The transfer portal, NIL rules, and shifting conference schedules are all in the mix.
So, what exactly is going on here? And what does this mean for the future of Oklahoma State football?
Changing Dynamics in College Football
Honestly, the sport looks nothing like it did just a few years ago. The transfer portal opened up, and suddenly players can bounce between schools with almost no friction.
Then there’s NIL—players can cash in on their own name and image now. Recruiting and team-building have turned into a whole new ballgame. Some schools are rolling with it, others are clearly struggling.
The Impact of the Transfer Portal and NIL
With the portal, teams have to expect more roster turnover than ever. Add in NIL, and players have extra reasons to move if the money or exposure is better elsewhere.
Oklahoma State’s been feeling the heat. Mike Gundy, who’d been around forever, just couldn’t get the hang of all these changes. He was fired after a brutal stretch—losing 11 of his last 12 games. That says a lot about how tough this new era can be if you don’t adapt.
The Series That Won’t Be
Back in summer 2021, the Oklahoma State-Alabama series was announced and it was a big deal. Oklahoma State was riding high, a top 15 team, and Alabama’s always Alabama. People were already picturing Nick Saban and Mike Gundy squaring off.
But now? That dream matchup is probably toast.
Alabama’s Scheduling Dilemma
Alabama’s got its own mess to sort out. Saban retired, and now the SEC is adding a ninth conference game. Their schedules for 2028 and 2029 are already stacked—Ohio State and Notre Dame are locked in.
No way are they dropping those games. The money and reputation at stake are just too big. So, odds are, Alabama will pay to get out of the Oklahoma State series. Cowboys fans are left hanging, which honestly stings.
If you want the full scoop, check out Bill Haisten’s article in the Tulsa World here.
Future Nonconference Matchups for Oklahoma State
Alright, so the Alabama games might be off, but Oklahoma State’s still got some fun nonconference battles lined up. Oregon, Arkansas, and Nebraska are all on the schedule in the next few years.
Oregon
The Oregon series wraps up on September 12 this season, with the Ducks coming to Stillwater. Last time, Oregon absolutely crushed Oklahoma State, 69-3, up in Eugene.
This time, the Cowboys get a shot at payback. It could be a statement game for them, honestly.
Arkansas
Next up, Oklahoma State heads to Fayetteville to play Arkansas on September 11, 2027. Their last meeting was a wild overtime win for the Cowboys back in 2024.
Eric Morris is the new coach now, and he’ll be looking to keep that momentum going. There’s more: games with Arkansas are also penciled in for September 18, 2032, and September 10, 2033. But with the SEC’s schedule in flux, who knows if those will actually happen?
Nebraska
The Nebraska series is still on, at least for now. The Big Ten already plays nine conference games, so these nonconference matchups still fit.
It gives both teams a legit Power Four opponent outside their conference. Plus, there’s some old-school rivalry energy there, which is always fun.
The Importance of Regional Rivalries
Maybe the answer for Oklahoma State is to lean into regional rivalries. Take Arkansas and Tulsa—those games would pack the stadium and cut down on travel headaches.
Heck, make those games a yearly thing. Fans would love it, and it keeps the schedule interesting without all the chaos of chasing national matchups.
The likely cancellation of the Oklahoma State-Alabama series is a real letdown for fans. It just shows how much college football is shifting these days.
Programs are juggling the transfer portal, NIL rules, and weirdly complicated conference schedules. It’s honestly a lot, and being able to adapt quickly matters more than ever.
Oklahoma State still has some pretty exciting games on the horizon—Oregon, Arkansas, Nebraska. Those matchups should keep things interesting.
Leaning into regional rivalries and the unpredictable new landscape could help the Cowboys stay strong. Maybe it’s not what everyone expected, but that’s college football now, isn’t it?
If you want more updates or just want to dig deeper, check out the full article on the Tulsa World here.
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