Two of the top rising head coaches in college football, and two names heavily rumored for the Oklahoma State vacancy, went head-to-head Friday night. In what turned out to be a high-scoring affair, Alex Golesh’s South Florida Bulls dismantled Eric Morris and North Texas, 63–36. For OSU fans, it wasn’t just another Group of Five game — it was a glimpse of what the next era in Stillwater could look like.
South Florida Shows Why Golesh Is a Hot Name
From the opening kick, Golesh’s Bulls looked prepared, focused, and physical. His team played with an edge that has become their identity under his leadership. South Florida dominated in every phase, especially up front, where Golesh has made it clear that physicality wins games.
South Florida capitalized on nearly every mistake North Texas made. In a five-minute stretch bridging the second and third quarters, the Bulls flipped the game on its head. They recovered a muffed punt, hit on a pop pass for a touchdown, and then opened the second half with a lightning-fast 69-second touchdown drive. The tempo and aggression overwhelmed North Texas, and the Bulls never looked back.
Quarterback Byrum Brown had a standout performance, accounting for five total touchdowns and over 300 yards of offense. He commanded the offense with poise, capitalizing on short fields and long drives alike. It was the kind of game that showed just how far South Florida has come in a short time under Golesh’s leadership and why he’s on so many Power 4 shortlists.
North Texas Falters Under Pressure
On the other sideline, Eric Morris’s Mean Green had one of their worst showings of the season. Turnovers were the story of the night, something that hadn’t plagued North Texas during their first five games. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker threw three interceptions and the team lost multiple fumbles, setting South Florida up with premium field position.
Even with a strong showing through the air, North Texas still put up over 300 passing yards, the game never felt competitive after the turnover spree. The defense couldn’t get stops, and the offense couldn’t protect the ball. It was a tough night for Morris, whose team simply didn’t look as ready as Golesh’s squad.
That said, the loss doesn’t erase the progress Morris has made at North Texas. He’s still considered one of the top young offensive minds in the college game, and his name remains relevant in OSU’s coaching search. But on this night, the inexperience and mistakes were too much to overcome.
A Look Into Oklahoma State’s Future?
For Oklahoma State fans watching, this was more than just a game. It was a showcase of two possible futures. Both Golesh and Morris are young, energetic, and innovative coaches who could breathe life into a program that desperately needs it. And while either would likely bring a much-needed cultural reset to Stillwater, Friday’s result was telling.
Golesh looked more polished. His team was more disciplined. And the emphasis he places on physical play in the trenches, a hallmark of winning Power 4 programs, was evident from the start to the end. That edge is exactly what Oklahoma State has lacked this season, especially on defense.
Morris still brings a lot to the table — creativity, recruiting upside, and a strong offensive background. But Golesh’s ability to prepare his team for big games, execute with purpose, and dominate the line of scrimmage might give him the edge in the eyes of OSU decision-makers.
Golesh 1, Morris 0 — But the Battle May Just Be Starting
For now, Golesh walks away with the scoreboard win and perhaps a leg up in the unofficial Oklahoma State sweepstakes. But this may not be the last time these two face off, and next time it could be with even higher stakes.
Oklahoma State would be lucky to land either coach. Both represent a new era of college football leadership. Both are innovators with sharp minds, modern schemes, and relentless energy. The question isn’t whether they’re ready for the Power 4. It’s which one is the best fit for Stillwater.
Friday night gave a hint at that answer. But the real decision is still to come.