It appears Oklahoma State could be getting one of its offensive playmakers back this week as the Cowboys prepare to take on No. 14 Texas Tech.
After missing the past two games with a shoulder injury, redshirt freshman quarterback Zane Flores was notably left off the Big 12’s mid-week availability report, signaling a possible return to action in Lubbock.
Flores had taken over as Oklahoma State’s starter earlier this season, starting four games after relieving Hauss Hejny in the season opener. Before the injury sidelined him, Flores showed steady improvements of potential in his first real opportunity under center.
So far this season, Flores has completed 77 of 140 passes for 696 yards and three interceptions, while also adding 114 rushing yards and a touchdown. It’s been a season of growth for the young quarterback, who sat out his first two years in Stillwater before finally seeing the field in 2025.
Interim head coach Doug Meacham didn’t commit to a starter earlier this week but acknowledged that Flores’ status is trending in the right direction.
"“Zane has come a long way, but we'll know probably a little bit more about that part once we get through practice,” Meacham said Monday. “There's nothing that says it can't be a two-quarterback platoon situation, or it could be Sam all the way, or could be Zane all the way. We gotta figure that out.”"Interim HC Doug Meacham
Meacham’s comments suggest that while Flores’ health appears improved, his return to the starting lineup is not yet guaranteed. Wide receiver-turned-quarterback Sam Jackson has handled the offense in Flores’ absence, though the results have been mixed. The Cowboys have struggled to find rhythm offensively without their primary signal-caller, failing to generate much consistency through the air.
If Flores does return, it could provide a much-needed spark for an Oklahoma State offense looking for identity and confidence down the stretch. His time off may have given him a chance to reset mentally, study film, and deepen his understanding of the playbook — all of which could pay dividends if he takes the field Saturday.
For now, signs are pointing toward a potential Flores return in Lubbock, and that could be exactly what the Cowboys need as they look to pull off an upset and reignite their season.