Oklahoma State will have the opportunity to seek revenge against their in-state rivals before the end of 2024.
Cowboys head coach Steve Lutz informed reporters on Wednesday that the Bedlam rivalry game against Oklahoma is expected to take place in mid-December. This announcement comes after weeks of speculation and reports that the rivalry would continue as a non-conference game, with the Sooners set to move to the SEC next month.
“I don’t have the exact date,” Lutz said on Wednesday. “From everything I’ve been told, it’s going to happen. It will be at Paycom Center. Porter and I discussed it last week. I just haven’t seen a contract. I don’t anticipate any issues with it. Until a contract is signed, nothing is certain.”
Oklahoma head coach Porter Moser, entering his fourth season with the Sooners in 2024-25, expressed confidence in February that the two teams would continue their rivalry.
“I personally don’t believe this will be the last time we play,” Moser said. “I envision a future where this great rivalry continues. The timing depends on logistical factors, but I see a future where this great rivalry continues.”
Almost every sport except football will see the rivalry continue next year, albeit less frequently, as the teams are no longer conference opponents.
Coaches from the baseball and softball programs have expressed their desire to continue the rivalry. Oklahoma State’s soccer team will host the Sooners in Stillwater on August 22 this season.
In basketball last year, Oklahoma swept the two meetings, winning 66-62 in Norman and 84-82 in overtime in Stillwater on a buzzer-beater.
Despite being on the job for only two and a half months, Lutz understands the significance of the rivalry.
“Let’s be honest: Cowboys don’t like Sooners,” Lutz said with a smile. “We’ve had a lot of success in the Bedlam series. I don’t know the exact numbers.”
Over the last five years, Oklahoma State has a 9-7 record against Oklahoma. They are 4-2 against Moser-led Oklahoma teams and have a 9-7 record against Oklahoma on neutral courts.
Why was it important for Lutz to continue playing their southern rivals?
“More importantly, it’s great for our state,” Lutz said. “Everyone wants to be able to say, ‘this is the year we beat the Sooners in basketball, football, and so on.’ It’s about bragging rights and everything that comes with it.”
Other games reportedly on Oklahoma State’s 2024-25 schedule include a season opener at home against Green Bay on November 4, a trip to Seton Hall on December 8 as part of the Big East-Big 12 Battle, and participation in the 2024 Charleston Classic during Thanksgiving week.
