Oklahoma State’s quarterback situation in 2025 has been anything but clear. For several seasons now, the Cowboys have failed to field a consistent starter from Week 1 through the end of the year. After Spencer Sanders moved on, Alan Bowman stepped in for 2023 and opened 2024 as the starter. But with underwhelming performances and a disappointing 3-9 finish last season, the position has remained a revolving door.
This summer, all eyes were on the QB battle between redshirt freshman Zane Flores and transfer Hauss Hejny. Hejny earned the starting nod in fall camp, but fate had other plans. He went down with a broken foot in the first quarter of the season opener, forcing Flores into action. As unfortunate as Hejny’s injury was, the most logical move moving forward is to roll with the freshman and see what he’s made of.
Flores’ season debut was modest. He helped lead Oklahoma State to a win over UT Martin, but the offense lacked any real spark. His first true test came the following week against Oregon, one of the best defenses in the country—and to put it bluntly, he struggled. Flores looked rattled, threw erratically, and tossed back-to-back pick-sixes in the third quarter. The Cowboys quickly shelved the passing game and shifted into "let's get into next week" mode.
But that performance shouldn't define him. It’s far too early to slam the brakes on the Flores experiment. Despite the rough outing, he’s shown flashes of potential which boasts a strong arm and confidence in the pocket. Most importantly, he represents one of the few paths left for this offense to find life. Under offensive coordinator Doug Meacham, OSU’s attack has lacked identity and production. The running game has been virtually nonexistent dating back to last season. The answer may not lie in playing it safe but instead may be in opening things up and letting Flores cut it loose.
Sure, there’s always risk in leaning on a freshman quarterback who’s still learning on the job. Mistakes are inevitable. Growing pains are guaranteed. But what other choice does Oklahoma State have? Flores taking off could be the very thing that saves Mike Gundy’s job—or at the very least, buys the program time. This is a team searching for answers. And while turning him loose could either elevate or expose him, it’s a move the Cowboys may have no choice but to make.
If Oklahoma State commits to handing Flores the keys, what does that look like? It starts with building game plans that suit his strengths. That means more passing volume, earlier reads, and fewer conservative, play-it-safe scripts. The coaching staff must prioritize his development—not just managing him, but actively investing in his growth. A West Coast-style offense with quick reads and short, efficient throws might help build rhythm and confidence. As the season progresses, the playbook should evolve with him. Flexibility will be key.
And then there's the looming question: what happens when Hejny returns? There’s still no definitive timeline for his recovery, but he did win the job out of camp. If Flores is struggling and OSU is underperforming by the time Hejny is healthy, a switch might be back on the table. But that’s a discussion for another time. With uncertainty surrounding the coaching staff’s future and the team’s trajectory, Flores is the guy—for now.
At this moment, Zane Flores is more than just a quarterback option—he’s a symbol of opportunity. For a program in desperate need of stability under center, for an offense craving energy and identity, Flores might be the spark that lights a fire. There are no guarantees. But the alternative, more quarterback uncertainty and stagnation, comes with its own cost. If Oklahoma State sees Flores as part of its long-term future, the time to find out is now.