Phil Steele’s 2025 forecast suggests Oklahoma State Cowboys face challenging Big 12 season with limited championship hopes despite roster potential

Phil Steele’s 2025 forecast suggests Oklahoma State Cowboys face challenging Big 12 season with limited championship hopes despite roster potential

Phil Steele, one of the most respected voices in college football analysis, has released his 2025 season forecast, and Oklahoma State finds itself in an interesting position. While the Cowboys have the pedigree, the coaching stability, and certain roster strengths to remain competitive, Steele’s assessment indicates that they are not quite ready to challenge for the Big 12 crown. Instead, the projection paints a picture of a solid but flawed team — one that could cause problems for contenders but may lack the consistency to be one themselves.

The Cowboys’ recent seasons have been a roller coaster, marked by flashes of brilliance but also stretches of frustrating inconsistency. Steele points out that Oklahoma State’s offense will need to take a significant step forward if the team hopes to surpass expectations. Quarterback play will be a focal point, and in the Big 12’s pass-happy environment, efficiency and decision-making will be paramount. Protecting the football and sustaining drives were major issues in 2024, and those weaknesses must be addressed for any real improvement to take place.

Steele also notes that the offensive line’s performance will be crucial. Oklahoma State has had difficulty finding the right balance between pass protection and run blocking, and without more cohesion up front, even the most talented skill players may be neutralized. The Cowboys do have intriguing options at running back and wide receiver, but their ability to shine hinges on better execution in the trenches. Steele emphasizes that in a league where high-scoring games are common, offensive rhythm and line play can be the difference between a top-tier finish and a mid-table result.

On the defensive side, Steele sees both strengths and vulnerabilities. The Cowboys’ pass rush has the potential to be one of the better units in the conference, thanks to returning experience and promising young players. However, the secondary remains a question mark. Against the Big 12’s deep stable of quarterbacks and wideouts, any lapse in coverage could prove costly. Steele highlights that depth in the defensive backfield is thin, and injuries could quickly expose weaknesses that opponents will be eager to exploit.

Special teams, often overlooked in preseason forecasts, earn a mention in Steele’s analysis. Oklahoma State’s kicking game could be a quiet weapon, and field position battles will matter in close games. However, Steele cautions that relying on special teams to bail out an inconsistent offense or defense is rarely a sustainable formula for winning big.

The 2025 schedule adds another layer of difficulty. The Cowboys face a slate of opponents that includes both Big 12 powerhouses and tricky mid-tier challengers capable of springing an upset. Road games in particular could be decisive, as Oklahoma State will be tested in hostile environments where momentum can shift quickly. Steele predicts that the Cowboys will need to win the games they’re supposed to and steal at least one from a higher-ranked opponent to make noise in the standings.

Steele’s forecast also touches on the broader Big 12 landscape. With expansion bringing in fresh competition and traditional rivals sharpening their rosters, the conference is as unpredictable as ever. Oklahoma State’s ability to adapt to these changes will play a key role in their performance. While the Cowboys have historically been a resilient program under Mike Gundy, Steele’s analysis suggests that the gap between them and the conference elite is still evident.

Leadership and locker room chemistry emerge as subtle but important themes in Steele’s projection. He believes that veteran players will have to step into bigger leadership roles, guiding younger teammates through the grind of the season. A cohesive, motivated locker room could help Oklahoma State punch above its weight, even if the roster on paper falls short of championship caliber.

In the end, Phil Steele’s 2025 forecast for Oklahoma State is one of cautious realism. He doesn’t dismiss the Cowboys as a non-factor, but he also doesn’t place them among the preseason favorites. Instead, Steele envisions a team capable of competing hard every week, pulling off a surprise or two, and finishing with a respectable record — but likely falling short of a title run. For Oklahoma State fans, this season may be less about chasing the Big 12 trophy and more about building the foundation for a stronger push in the years to come.