Big 12 weighs discipline after Oklahoma State field storming
Oklahoma State’s stunning win over Oregon gave Cowboys fans plenty to celebrate, but the postgame scenes quickly became a bigger story. Fans stormed the field, removed a goalpost and carried it to Theta Pond, raising questions about whether the Big 12 could take disciplinary action.
The Big 12 ultimately decided not to fine Oklahoma State after reviewing the field storming. An Oklahoma State official said the school followed its safety protocols and got Oregon’s players and staff off the field promptly.
Fans carry goalpost to Theta Pond
The crowd poured onto the field after Oklahoma State completed a 39-31 upset of Oregon. Fans then tore down the west goalpost, carried it away from Boone Pickens Stadium, and placed it in Theta Pond.
Oklahoma State Athletics later shared footage tracking the goalpost’s journey while stating that it did not condone taking down goalposts. The episode quickly became part of national college football coverage.
Cowboys end long FBS losing streak
Oklahoma State entered the Oregon game after losing 24-10 at Tulsa in Eric Morris’ debut as head coach. The Cowboys also carried a 12-game overall losing streak and had not beaten an FBS opponent since September 2024.
Against Oregon, Oklahoma State produced 554 total yards compared with 281 for the Ducks. The result gave Morris his first victory since taking over the program.
Drew Mestemaker powers the upset
Quarterback Drew Mestemaker delivered the central performance in Oklahoma State’s upset, passing for 317 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 109 yards and scored on a 10-yard run that put the Cowboys ahead 36-31 in the fourth quarter.
Mestemaker’s production helped Oklahoma State overcome two interceptions and Oregon’s brief fourth-quarter lead. The Big 12 later named him a co-Offensive Player of the Week.
Oregon tumbles in the AP poll
Oregon entered Stillwater ranked No. 6 in the AP poll after opening the season with a victory over Boise State. The Ducks were also riding a 12-game road winning streak before Oklahoma State stopped it.
The loss sent Oregon down 15 places to No. 21 in the next AP Top 25 poll. It became the program’s lowest ranking in four years following the road defeat.
Big 12 has punished field storming before
The Big 12 has previously punished schools when field storming created concerns about safe exits. In 2022, Texas Tech received a reprimand and a $50,000 fine after fans entered the field following an overtime win over Texas.
The conference said home teams must provide security for visiting teams and officials. TCU received the same $50,000 penalty that season after its Oklahoma game.
Past penalties have varied
Big 12 enforcement has not produced the same dollar amount in every field-storming case. Arizona State was fined $25,000 and publicly reprimanded after fans entered the field during its 2024 game against BYU.
Commissioner Brett Yormark said the safety of student-athletes and all game participants was the conference’s foremost priority. That history shows the conference evaluates event management when deciding whether discipline is appropriate.
Safety procedures can affect penalties
Recent Big 12 cases show that field-storming penalties can depend on how schools handle safety procedures. Arizona State received a $50,000 fine after fans rushed the field following its 2025 upset of Texas Tech.
Colorado was initially reported as facing a similar fine after beating Iowa State, but the conference did not fine the school. Reports said Colorado had followed its field-storm management procedures.
Interesting fact: Oklahoma State has played 127 seasons of college football, making the 2026 campaign part of a long-running program history.
Goalpost removal extends the celebration
The Oklahoma State celebration involved more than spectators entering the field after the final whistle. Fans removed the west goalpost and carried it to Theta Pond, where it was thrown into the water.
Drew Mestemaker made it off the field safely amid the crowd. After someone took his helmet, police officers carried him through the crowd for a postgame interview.
Interesting fact: The Big 12 reviews every field- or court-storming incident, with conference rules requiring schools to safely escort visiting players, coaches and officials from the playing surface.
Victory carries historical significance
Oklahoma State’s win marked the Cowboys’ first victory over an AP top-six opponent since defeating No. 5 Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl on January 1, 2022.
The Cowboys also earned their fifth win in their last six home meetings with AP top-10 opponents. The victory snapped Oregon’s 22-game winning streak when scoring 30 or more points.
Oklahoma State controls the statistics
Oklahoma State controlled much of the game statistically, recording 25 first downs and 554 yards of offense. Oregon finished with 12 first downs and 281 total yards, including 90 rushing yards on 30 attempts.
The Cowboys ran for 237 yards and passed for 317 while holding the ball for 36:54. Oklahoma State did not allow a sack against Oregon.
Weather delays a memorable home opener
The upset came before an announced crowd of 51,035 at Boone Pickens Stadium after weather had delayed the start of the game. The game began 90 minutes late because of lightning before Oklahoma State completed one of the season’s biggest early upsets.
Fans who remained watched the Cowboys protect an 8-point lead in the closing minutes. Sam Keltner’s 31-yard field goal with 3:11 remaining established the final 39-31 score.
The internet is also talking about Sophie Cunningham missing Team USA World Cup final after being left off roster.
Big 12 decision remains pending
The Big 12 has decided not to fine Oklahoma State after reviewing the field storming that followed the Cowboys’ 39-31 win over Oregon. An Oklahoma State official said the school followed its safety protocols and promptly got Oregon’s players and staff off the field.
Oklahoma State returns to Boone Pickens Stadium against Murray State on September 19. The Cowboys’ Oregon celebration will not result in the previously discussed $50,000 Big 12 field-storming fine.
In other news, Donald Trump receives cheers from Irish Open fans during first-tee appearance.
What do you think about the Oklahoma State celebration and the Big 12 discipline? Like this slideshow and comment with your take.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
Read More From This Brand:
