The OU Sooners Are Now a Poverty Program, but the Oklahoma State Spring Game Is Back
The rivalry between the University of Oklahoma (OU) Sooners and Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cowboys has always been fierce, filled with passion, and centered around the pride of the Sooner State. However, recent seasons have seen a dramatic shift in the dynamics of college football in Oklahoma. The Sooners, once a dominant powerhouse in both the Big 12 and national college football, have begun to experience a steady decline. On the other hand, Oklahoma State, long considered the little brother in the state’s football scene, has seen a resurgence of success. One of the brightest moments in this newfound optimism for OSU fans is the return of the Oklahoma State Spring Game, a highly anticipated event that marks the unofficial start of the college football season in the state.
In this article, we will explore how the OU Sooners have fallen from grace and how the Oklahoma State Cowboys are taking full advantage of the opportunity to capitalize on the momentum in the state. We will also take a closer look at the significance of the Oklahoma State Spring Game and how it has become a symbol of the changing tides in Oklahoma college football.
The Decline of the OU Sooners
The Oklahoma Sooners’ football program was once the gold standard of college football. With a rich history of success, a collection of national championships, and a roster that seemed to consistently churn out NFL talent, OU was feared across the nation. But over the past few seasons, things have started to change.
While the Sooners have not experienced total collapse, the program’s performance on the field has been notably inconsistent. Head coach Lincoln Riley, who helped guide the team to the College Football Playoff multiple times, left for USC in 2021, signaling the start of a significant transition. Riley’s departure left a void that Brent Venables, a former defensive coordinator at Clemson, has struggled to fill. Venables’ first year as head coach in 2022 was disappointing, as the Sooners finished with a losing record for the first time since 1998. While 2023 showed some signs of improvement, it was clear that the Sooners were not the same dominant force they once were.
Offensively, OU’s once-potent attack, led by quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, has been far less explosive. The offense has lacked the same level of firepower, and the team’s overall execution has faltered under the leadership of Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby. Despite having talent at the skill positions, the lack of cohesion on offense has been a glaring issue.
On the defensive side of the ball, while Venables was heralded as a defensive mastermind, the Sooners have yet to fully realize that potential. In 2022 and 2023, Oklahoma’s defense was inconsistent, plagued by blown assignments and missed tackles. The defense has not been able to complement the offense, which has left the team unable to compete at the highest level.
Moreover, recruiting has seen a downturn, especially when compared to the high standards set by previous coaching staffs. OU’s inability to consistently land top-tier recruits and develop them into elite players has further contributed to their decline. With a new era of college football brought on by the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, it has become increasingly difficult for OU to maintain its place at the top of the Big 12 and national rankings.
For all their history, tradition, and prestige, the Oklahoma Sooners are now facing a hard truth: they are no longer a juggernaut. Many are beginning to view them as a “poverty program,” a term that refers to a program that is no longer among the elite, unable to sustain championship-level success, and lagging behind in recruiting and overall performance.
Oklahoma State’s Rise and the Return of the Spring Game
While the Sooners are struggling, Oklahoma State has been quietly building a competitive program. Head coach Mike Gundy, in his 19th year at the helm, has transformed OSU from a program long overlooked in the shadow of its big brother to a team that consistently challenges for Big 12 championships and national recognition. Gundy’s blend of offensive innovation and defensive improvement has made Oklahoma State a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12.
The Cowboys have steadily improved over the years, and 2021 marked one of their best seasons ever. The team finished the regular season with an 11-2 record, including a thrilling victory over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. The Cowboys have been able to recruit well, especially with Gundy’s ability to develop quarterbacks and other key positions, and they’ve proven to be one of the most disciplined and well-coached teams in the conference.
What has been particularly noteworthy is Oklahoma State’s ability to play with consistency, especially against top-tier programs. They’ve not only competed well against the traditional powerhouses of college football, but they’ve also found ways to knock off teams in crucial moments, establishing themselves as one of the most dangerous programs in the Big 12.
As the Sooners have faltered, Oklahoma State has surged. Their program is now viewed as one of the most stable and promising in the Big 12. And perhaps nothing symbolizes this resurgence more than the return of the Oklahoma State Spring Game, which had been delayed due to the pandemic in recent years.
The Oklahoma State Spring Game is an annual event that offers fans the first glimpse of their team’s progress as they prepare for the upcoming season. It serves as an opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate talent, test new schemes, and build excitement for the next season. The Spring Game has grown in significance over the years, becoming not just a practice session, but an event that captures the attention of fans and media alike.
This year’s Spring Game is particularly important for OSU, as the team looks to build on its success and continue to rise within the ranks of college football. Fans are eager to see how the team’s young players will develop, how the offense will adapt under Gundy’s leadership, and whether the defense can take another step forward. With several key players returning, including quarterback Spencer Sanders, the Spring Game is seen as an opportunity to solidify the team’s depth and identify the next wave of stars.
In many ways, the Oklahoma State Spring Game serves as a celebration of the Cowboys’ ascension in the state. What was once a one-sided rivalry has become a more balanced and competitive affair. Fans in Stillwater are filled with optimism, and the energy surrounding the program is palpable. OSU’s success on the field is now matched by the excitement surrounding the Spring Game, with record attendance and heightened expectations for the season ahead.
The Changing Rivalry
The rivalry between OU and OSU has long been a defining feature of college football in Oklahoma. For decades, the Sooners dominated the rivalry, often with their national championships and consistent success. However, as the Sooners have faltered, the rivalry has taken on new meaning. OSU fans now see their team as legitimate contenders, not just in the state but in the entire Big 12 Conference.
The recent shift in the balance of power between the two programs has led to a reimagining of the rivalry. OSU is no longer just playing for bragging rights; they’re playing for the respect of the college football world. The upcoming seasons will likely see the Cowboys continuing to challenge the Sooners for supremacy in the state, with each game between the two programs carrying more weight and significance than ever before.
The Sooners’ move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2025 will undoubtedly add another layer to this dynamic. While OU will face stiffer competition, it will also open up new opportunities for OSU to dominate the Big 12 and perhaps even establish itself as a consistent contender for a spot in the College Football Playoff. The spring game for OSU will be even more important as they seek to position themselves for the future, especially as the landscape of college football shifts with realignment and new playoff formats.