STILLWATER, Okla. — Saturday's matchup between Oklahoma State and Kansas State will carry extra meaning for Cowboys cornerback LaDainian Fields. Across the field will be a familiar face: his cousin, Rodney Fields Jr., a former Oklahoma State running back who transferred to Kansas State.
After growing up competing alongside each other and spending time together in Stillwater, the two cousins will now find themselves on opposite sidelines in a Big 12 matchup. For LaDainian, the family connection adds another storyline to an already important game for the Cowboys.
The cousins have a history that stretches back well before their college careers. Both played football together growing up in Oklahoma before eventually becoming teammates at Oklahoma State.
Their competitive relationship continued during practices in Stillwater, where LaDainian lined up at cornerback against Rodney and the Cowboys' offense. LaDainian recalled how competitive those matchups could become, even though his cousin typically isn't someone who talks much.
"We're both competitive," Fields said during his weekly media availability. "He's not talkative, but on the field, he's in that mood."
Fields described Rodney as someone whose personality changes once he puts on his helmet.
"He's not really a people person, but he puts on that helmet and he's ready to go," Fields said.
Now, instead of competing during practice, the cousins could find themselves matched up during a conference game with plenty at stake.
LaDainian has a general rule when it comes to facing former teammates: he prefers to keep communication to a minimum until after the game. That approach has become particularly relevant this season with several former Cowboys now playing for other Big 12 programs.
However, Rodney is the exception. Following Oklahoma State's 51–49 loss to Iowa State, Rodney reached out to his cousin Sunday morning to discuss their upcoming matchup.
"I only talk to Rodney because that's my cousin, and he called me about the game as soon as Sunday morning after this last game, so I had to talk to him," Fields said.
LaDainian explained that he views these reunions as part of college football and tries not to let personal relationships interfere with his preparation.
"Everybody deals with adversity. I just look at it as another game," Fields said.
He also mentioned speaking with former Oklahoma State players Wendell Gregory and Jacobi Oliphant Jr. before the Iowa State game, although he generally prefers to reconnect with former teammates after competing against them.
Rodney transferred to Kansas State following the 2025 season after establishing himself as a contributor in Oklahoma State's backfield. During the 2025 campaign, he rushed for 614 yards and added 276 receiving yards while starting eight games. His versatility made him an important part of the Cowboys' offense before his move to Manhattan.
Now, Rodney has an opportunity to face his former program and compete against a family member who knows his tendencies better than most defenders. For LaDainian, the matchup represents another challenge in a season that has seen him take on an increasingly important role in Oklahoma State's secondary.
Oklahoma State enters Saturday's matchup at 5–3 overall and 3–2 in Big 12 play, needing one more victory to secure bowl eligibility. Kansas State stands at 4–4 overall and 1–4 in conference play.
While the cousins share years of football memories, both will have different priorities when the game begins. For LaDainian, the focus remains on helping Oklahoma State bounce back from its narrow loss at Iowa State.
And while the family connection will make Saturday memorable, the two cousins will have plenty of time to catch up once the final whistle sounds.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan on TNT.
