STILLWATER, Okla. — When Oklahoma State travels to Iowa State on Saturday, the matchup will feature two head coaches navigating similar challenges in their first seasons leading established Big 12 programs.
Oklahoma State head coach Eric Morris and Iowa State head coach Jimmy Rogers inherited programs accustomed to success, but both have spent much of the 2026 season integrating large groups of newcomers while implementing their own approaches.
During Tuesday's media availability, Morris acknowledged the similarities between the two situations.
"Both of us are taking over programs that had long tenures before us," Morris said.
Morris pointed specifically to the foundation built at Iowa State by former head coach Matt Campbell, whose lengthy tenure helped elevate the Cyclones' expectations.
"Matt Campbell had been there for so long and built that program up to win a lot," Morris said.
Despite the similarities in their circumstances, Morris believes the two coaches have different approaches to building their teams.
"Different styles, I would say," Morris said. "Iowa State really matches Coach Jimmy Rogers' style, the way they've won games."
Morris also praised Rogers' ability to develop his teams as the season progresses.
"His teams just get better and better throughout the season, and that's always a great sign of a great coach," Morris said.
The Cowboys' head coach noted that Iowa State has played competitive football at home and believes the Cyclones are continuing to develop under Rogers despite some disappointing results.
For Morris, the challenge is familiar. Oklahoma State has worked to establish its own identity through a revamped roster, new systems and a coaching staff looking to build on the program's established expectations.
The similarities extend beyond the coaching changes. Oklahoma State welcomed 91 newcomers during the offseason, while Iowa State brought in 83. Those numbers created substantial challenges for both staffs, particularly when evaluating players and establishing depth across the roster.
Oklahoma State nose tackle Saadiq Clements, one of the Cowboys' newcomers, discussed the adjustment of bringing together so many players.
"First year of a new team, you're trying to see who can play, who can't," Clements said. "And here, we all can. From the ones to the fours, we can all play."
Morris also noted that Rogers brought several players familiar with his system to Iowa State, helping establish continuity during the transition.
"They brought in a lot of players who know the system, know what they're trying to accomplish, which is very similar to us," Morris said.
The challenge for both teams has been turning individual talent into a cohesive unit capable of competing consistently in the Big 12.
Oklahoma State enters Saturday's matchup at 5-2 overall and 3-1 in Big 12 play after defeating Colorado 57-24 on Homecoming. The Cowboys returned to the AP Top 25 at No. 24 following the victory and are one win away from bowl eligibility. Iowa State, meanwhile, is 3-4 overall and 1-3 in conference play after falling to Arizona last weekend.
Although the teams enter the matchup with different records, both coaches are still in the process of establishing the foundations of their programs. For Morris, Saturday's game represents another opportunity to measure Oklahoma State's progress against a team experiencing many of the same challenges.
Both programs have undergone significant changes, but the ultimate goal remains familiar: establish an identity, develop the roster and build sustained success in the Big 12.
