A Promising Start Derailed by Injury
Oklahoma State entered the 2025 season with high hopes for freshman quarterback Hauss Hejny, a transfer from TCU whose dual-threat skill set had fans and coaches buzzing. Hejny opened the year as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback, bringing rare mobility and playmaking ability to an offense looking for a spark.
But that optimism took a major hit in Week 1, when Hejny suffered a foot injury that has sidelined him ever since. Now, more than halfway through the season, Oklahoma State is left with just one win, and questions are swirling about whether it’s even worth bringing their young signal-caller back this year.
The Redshirt Question
If Hejny sits out the remainder of the season, he would be eligible for a medical redshirt, preserving an extra year of eligibility, a valuable asset for both him and the program. Given Oklahoma State’s struggles and lack of postseason hopes, the coaching staff is weighing whether pushing him to return is the right call.
On Monday, offensive coordinator Doug Meacham acknowledged the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Hejny’s status.
"“I know he wants to play,” Meacham said. “And I think once we get to the open date (not this upcoming weekend but the next), there will be a hard discussion that has to take place that he and I and his parents and everyone (will have) and see what everyone wants to do.”"Oklahoma State Interim HC Doug Meacham
An Offense in Desperate Need of Life
Hejny’s absence has been felt across the board. The Cowboys have thrown for just 1,293 yards and four touchdowns this season, both being Big 12 lows, and their 53% completion rate also ranks last in the conference. Lifeless might be putting it lightly for a passing attack that has struggled to find any rhythm since Hejny went down.
A Difficult Decision Ahead
From Hejny’s perspective, it makes sense to prioritize long-term health and eligibility. But from Oklahoma State’s side, getting him back, even for a few games, could inject some much-needed energy into an offense that’s been stuck in neutral.
As the Cowboys approach their open week, that “hard discussion” Meacham referenced could determine not only the rest of Hejny’s season, but perhaps the trajectory of Oklahoma State’s offense for years to come.