Oklahoma State football is searching for its first Big 12 Conference win of the season as they prepare to face Kansas on Saturday. The Cowboys received encouraging news ahead of the game: young quarterback Zane Flores is returning to the field, according to On3.

Flores, a freshman quarterback, had been sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained on October 4. He missed the past three games, during which the Cowboys started transfer quarterback Sam Jackson. Brett McMurphy reported, “Oklahoma State freshman QB Zane Flores returns to starting lineup at Kansas, sources told (On3). Flores injured his shoulder October 4 and missed the past 3 games.”

Oklahoma State is enduring yet another difficult season. The Cowboys have gone nearly two years without a conference win. After a rough start to the 2025 campaign—including a blowout loss to Oregon—Oklahoma State made the decision to fire legendary head coach Mike Gundy.

Currently, the Cowboys hold a 1-7 record this season. Flores has thrown for 696 yards but has yet to record a passing touchdown, with three interceptions so far.

The team is also in search of a new head coach. Doug Meacham, who was an assistant under Gundy, is leading the team as interim coach. Meacham is considered a candidate for the full-time position, but he still is seeking his first win this season.

The next head coach will face substantial challenges. Since the start of the 2024 season, the program has won only four games. University president Jim Hess commented on Gundy’s dismissal, stating, “This is a decision about what’s best for our football program, our student-athletes and Oklahoma State University and it reflects our unwavering commitment to championship-level football and competing for national success,” as reported by ESPN.

Other potential coaching candidates include Zac Robinson, the Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator and former Cowboys player.

Oklahoma State enters the game against Kansas on a seven-game losing streak. Their sole victory this season came against UT Martin. Currently, the Cowboys are tied with West Virginia for last place in the Big 12 Conference.

Kansas comes into the matchup with a 4-4 overall record and a 2-3 mark in conference play, looking to build on their solid season so far.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/oklahoma-state-football-news-zane-flores-expected-return-kansas