QB Controversy Brewing at Oklahoma State as Hauss Hejny Eyes Mid-October Return
When Hauss Hejny went down with a broken left foot in Oklahoma State’s season opener, it was a major blow to the Cowboys’ offensive plans. The redshirt freshman, who had transferred in from TCU and won the starting quarterback job during fall camp, was expected to be the new face of the offense. At the time, few knew how severe the injury was or how soon Hejny could return. Now, with reports suggesting he might be back as early as October 18, the quarterback room in Stillwater could be heading toward a much more complicated situation, especially if backup Zane Flores continues to play well in the meantime.
Since stepping into the starting role, Flores has done what any coaching staff would hope from a backup: manage the offense, avoid critical mistakes, and keep the team competitive. His play hasn’t been flashy, but it’s been steady. While he struggled at times in a tough matchup against Oregon, overall his performance has been solid. He’s shown poise, a grasp of the offense, and enough potential to earn the staff’s continued trust. Every snap he takes over the next few weeks is a chance to prove he’s not just a fill-in — but a legitimate contender to keep the job, even when Hejny returns. If the team is winning and Flores is playing well, it will be hard for the coaches to justify a change at quarterback.
That sets the stage for a potential quarterback controversy once Hejny is cleared to return. While he did win the job out of camp, it wasn’t by a wide margin, and many close to the program noted that the competition with Flores was tighter than expected. If Flores has momentum and has earned the confidence of the locker room, there’s a real possibility he stays under center. Coaching staffs don’t often like to disrupt rhythm or chemistry — especially when the offense is functioning and the team is getting results.
Hejny’s readiness will also play a critical role. Coming back from a foot injury, particularly for a quarterback known for his mobility, is about more than just being medically cleared. The question will be whether he can move confidently, avoid hesitation, and regain full timing with his receivers. If he's even slightly limited, Flores could have the edge, at least in the short term. That said, Hejny has likely spent his time off the field deepening his understanding of the playbook and studying film, which could help him hit the ground running once he's physically ready.
Still, the Cowboys didn’t bring Hejny in just to be a backup. He was recruited and handed the reins with the long-term vision of leading the program. If he’s healthy and starts to show the flashes that made him the starter in the first place, he’ll make a strong push to reclaim his spot. Ultimately, the decision will come down to what the coaches are seeing in practice and how confident they are in his recovery. They’ll also have to weigh their preseason plans against the current state of the offense.
This situation opens the door to multiple potential outcomes. If Flores continues to play well and the team keeps winning, the staff may choose to stick with the hot hand and slowly reintroduce Hejny. On the other hand, if the offense stalls and Flores struggles, Hejny’s return could be the spark the Cowboys need. With pressure mounting after a disappointing 2024 campaign, and the coaching staff reportedly feeling heat from the top, this decision could have high-stakes implications. A strong showing from Hejny down the stretch could even be enough to shift the tone around the coaching staff’s future.
Regardless of how things unfold, Hejny’s potential return around October 18 adds a fascinating wrinkle to Oklahoma State’s season. With conference play looming and a bye week offering a chance to reset after a rough Week 2 loss, the spotlight is now on Flores to continue developing and keep the team moving forward. Each passing week will carry more weight, and every decision the staff makes will be scrutinized. As always, Oklahoma State is aiming to compete with the top-tier programs in the Big 12 and having two capable quarterbacks could be both a blessing and a curse.
The old football saying goes: “If you have two quarterbacks, you really have none.” In Stillwater, the next few weeks will determine whether that’s a problem — or a strength.