Oklahoma State may have entered the 2025–26 college basketball season unranked in the preseason AP Top 25, but the Cowboys aren't flying under the radar for long. As they head toward a challenging Big 12 conference slate, there’s a growing sense that this team could exceed expectations. With the opportunity to face multiple ranked opponents and a roster trending in the right direction, OSU has all the tools it needs to make a national statement before season’s end.
Early Polls Hint at Respect, Not Hype
While Oklahoma State didn’t start the year with national buzz, early indicators suggest that voters are keeping an eye on Stillwater. The Cowboys didn’t earn a spot in the initial AP Top 25, but they’ve begun to pick up votes, signaling that their performance isn’t going unnoticed. This isn’t a team being ignored—it’s a team earning its respect the hard way.
Preseason rankings are based heavily on reputation and returning talent, which meant OSU, under second-year head coach Steve Lutz, had to prove themselves from day one. That’s exactly what they’ve started to do. With strong early showings and a roster beginning to find its rhythm, Oklahoma State is quietly building the kind of season that catches national attention.
Brutal Conference Slate, Big Chance
Oklahoma State's path through the Big 12 won’t be easy, but it’s exactly what they need if they hope to crack the rankings and earn a tournament bid. Their conference schedule includes single matchups against some of the nation’s best, including No. 8 BYU, No. 10 Texas Tech, No. 13 Arizona, and No. 19 Kansas. While they catch a bit of a break by only playing each of those teams once, they’ll have to face No. 16 Iowa State twice in what could be pivotal home-and-away matchups.
With seven of their 18 Big 12 games coming against ranked teams, there’s no shortage of opportunities for the Cowboys to boost their résumé. Every win against those opponents carries serious weight, not just in the polls but when Selection Sunday arrives. A winning record in conference play would not only make noise nationally but could secure OSU’s place in the NCAA Tournament conversation.
From Snub to Narrative Shift
There’s a certain freedom that comes with being left out of the preseason rankings. Without the pressure of meeting lofty expectations, Oklahoma State can define its own season. The lack of early recognition isn’t a setback, it’s fuel. Each game becomes a chance to show the college basketball world that they were overlooked.
Steve Lutz has this team playing with purpose. The chemistry is building, the talent is emerging, and the road ahead is lined with opportunities to prove the doubters wrong. While preseason polls are snapshots of speculation, the season itself tells the real story. If OSU continues on its current trajectory, there’s no reason why they can’t not only break into the rankings but also give the Big 12 a legitimate scare.
For Oklahoma State, the goal is clear—let their play do the talking, and let the rankings take care of themselves.