Oregon suffered a 39-31 defeat at the hands of Oklahoma State on Saturday after entering the game as a heavy favorite. The loss came against a team with an estimated roster payroll of about $15-$23 million, over $30 million less than Oregon’s projected $48-$54 million payroll.

Oklahoma State pulled off the upset against Oregon at Boone Pickens Stadium. The result ended the Cowboys’ 21-game losing streak against FBS opponents. The team outgained the Ducks 554-281 and controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the game.

Quarterback Drew Mestemaker led Oklahoma State with 317 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, 109 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown. Running back Caleb Hawkins recorded 110 rushing yards and one touchdown on 23 carries, while receiver Wyatt Young had five catches for 121 yards and a 52-yard touchdown.

Oregon struggled on offense in the first half, trailing 353-101 in total yards at halftime. Quarterback Dante Moore completed just 1 of his first 7 passes before finishing 14-of-29 for 191 yards. The Ducks stayed in the game because of two defensive takeaways, including a 96-yard interception return for a touchdown by linebacker Devon Jackson and an interception by Matayo Uiagalelei.

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The Ducks took a 31-30 lead early in the fourth quarter when Moore threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Evan Stewart. Oklahoma State answered on the next drive, going 75 yards and taking the lead back on a 10-yard touchdown run by Mestemaker.

Kicker Sam Keltner then made his fourth field goal of the game after Oklahoma State stopped Oregon on fourth down, extending the Cowboys' lead to eight points. Oregon's final drive ended when running back Dierre Hill fumbled with under two minutes left.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning said after the game that the eight-point margin made the game look closer than it really was. The loss ended Oregon’s 12-game road winning streak and gave Oklahoma State its first win over a top-six opponent since 2022.