ESPN’s recent rankings of every starting quarterback across the Power 4 conferences weren’t kind to Oklahoma State. Zane Flores, currently leading the Cowboys' offense, landed at 65th out of 68 — a number that underscores just how much OSU has struggled to find stability at the most important position on the field. The ranking reflects not only Flores’ tough start to the year but also the larger uncertainty surrounding the Cowboys’ quarterback situation.
Flores Thrust Into Action Before He Was Ready
The plan for Oklahoma State heading into the season wasn’t for Zane Flores to be under center. That role was meant for Hauss Hejny, a dual-threat freshman with significant upside. But Hejny’s injury in the first game of the season forced the coaching staff to turn to Flores much earlier than anticipated.
It quickly became clear that Flores may not have been ready for the responsibility. His early performances were marked by costly turnovers, inconsistent decision-making, and an inability to lead sustained drives. Flores’ Total QBR of 37.6 places him near the bottom of the Power 4 landscape, and even though he’s shown slight improvements in each outing, the progress hasn’t translated into wins. The offense remains largely stagnant, and Flores has yet to demonstrate the ability to elevate the players around him, something great quarterbacks are often defined by.
Supporting Cast Isn’t Ideal, But Great QBs Elevate
It’s fair to point out that Flores hasn’t been surrounded by elite talent. The offensive line has had its struggles, the run game has been inconsistent, and the receiving corps lacks a dominant playmaker. Still, part of what separates top quarterbacks from the rest is their ability to raise the level of play around them, especially when things break down.
Flores has yet to do that. In key moments, when OSU has needed a spark or a clutch throw to keep a drive alive, the offense has faltered. Whether it’s a mistimed throw, poor pocket presence, or simply not seeing the field well, Flores has left too many opportunities on the table and the ESPN ranking reflects that reality.
Hejny’s Return Could Spark a Reset
The good news for Oklahoma State fans is that Hauss Hejny is expected to return soon. Once fully healthy, he should regain the starting job. His athleticism, speed, and ability to create plays with both his arm and legs offer a much-needed dynamic element to an offense that has been far too predictable under Flores.
Hejny may not be a perfect solution — he’s still young and unproven — but his skill set could help open up the playbook and create more space for the Cowboys' struggling offense. If he can return to the form he showed during the offseason and early practices, OSU might find itself with a midseason spark that could help turn things around. However, if Hejny returns and doesn’t look like the same player, or if the injury lingers, Oklahoma State could be staring down a much bigger issue.
Looking Ahead: Transfer Portal and Coaching Changes Loom
If neither Flores nor Hejny shows the kind of consistency and playmaking ability required to compete in the Big 12, Oklahoma State could be active in the transfer portal come winter. With a coaching change possibly on the horizon, a new staff might prioritize bringing in a veteran quarterback to stabilize the position and lead a reset of the program.
The modern college football landscape demands production at quarterback. Teams without solid QB play fall behind quickly — not just in games, but in recruiting, development, and national relevance. Oklahoma State is dangerously close to falling into that category unless they find a long-term answer soon.
Final Thoughts
Zane Flores’ low ranking in ESPN’s quarterback list feels accurate. He was put in a difficult spot, and his development may have been rushed due to circumstance. But college football doesn’t wait for learning curves, and Oklahoma State is paying the price. The return of Hauss Hejny could provide a lift, but if it doesn’t, OSU may be shopping for a quarterback, and possibly a new identity, very soon.
The quarterback position is the heartbeat of any football team, and right now, Oklahoma State’s heartbeat is faint. ESPN’s ranking wasn’t just a snapshot of where the Cowboys are today, it was a warning of where they could be headed tomorrow.