Doug Meacham’s first media session as Oklahoma State’s interim HC set the tone: fight, fun, and accountability. The former offensive guard and high school boxer from Arlington, Texas, emphasized energy and effort. “We want them to go out there, battle, fight, and have fun as a unit this Saturday,” he said. Although Meacham has shortened practices slightly to keep players fresh, the urgency to win remains. That’s why, speaking to fans, he urged support for the team, saying, “Just hang in there and join the fight with us… think about these kids. That is my message to the fans.” So his mission is clear: give Oklahoma State’s players everything he’s got. And here’s the scoop on the QB situation.

Interestingly, redshirt freshman QB Hauss Hejny was a major topic of discussion. He suffered a Jones fracture early in the season opener against Tennessee-Martin, putting him unexpectedly on the sidelines. Why? Recovery from this type of injury typically takes six to eight weeks. But there’s hope he could return in the next month or so, according to the interim HC. “Hauss will probably be back here in the next few weeks,” stated Meacham. “He’ll be walking next week, doing some work, and trying to get back. He wants to play, and we’re excited to maybe have him back soon.” Still, nothing’s settled.

With limited blood flow to the area, Jones fractures are tricky, and recovery can be unpredictable. So Hejny could come back this season or sit out and seek a medical waiver. Either way, the Cowboys are keeping their fingers crossed that their rising QB will return to the field sooner rather than later. But now with the starting QB sidelined by injury, who’s taking the reins and how is he leading the team?

With the QB1 sidelined, redshirt freshman Zane Flores stepped into the spotlight. And he got his first snaps against Martin, going 13-of-20 for 136 yards. Although it was a solid debut, the next test against Oregon was rough. Flores struggled, completing just 7-of-19 for 67 yards. But he didn’t stay down. Against Tulsa, he bounced back, going 25-of-40 for 214 yards and a TD on 10 carries. So day by day, Flores is growing and showing why he could be the Cowboys’ next leader under center. But why did OSU choose Doug Meacham as head coach?

In his first year at TCU, Meacham transformed the offense. The Horned Frogs became the nation’s most improved team in total yards, gaining 188.2 more YPG. Scoring jumped by 21.4 points per game. By season’s end, TCU ranked second nationally in scoring and tied for 5th in total offense. So Doug Meacham has a track record of turning offenses around. In 2025, Oklahoma State’s offense is struggling and scoring near the bottom. Here, Meacham could be just the coach to turn it around. Now, while after a Week 4 loss to Tulsa led to Mike Gundy’s firing, Meacham is stepping in, following in the footsteps of his longtime teammate to revive the Cowboys’ attack.

Doug Meacham’s latest confession

Oklahoma State’s own Doug Meacham is now at the helm as interim HC, stepping into the role once held by his longtime teammate Mike Gundy. Yeah, their history runs deep: teammates back in 1986 when Gundy was the Cowboys’ QB, and Meacham later worked under him twice as an assistant. Now, while Gundy didn’t offer any coaching tips, Meacham welcomed the gesture when his former teammate stopped by Tuesday practice to speak to the team. “Yeah, we texted, and he came and addressed the team, kind of an ‘appreciate you’ type of thing for the team,” admitted Meacham. “He and his wife Kristen came out, heartfelt, and I’m glad he had the opportunity to do that.” But what is the interim coach’s task now?

On game day, Meacham will be the play-caller, but he’s not going it alone. Todd Grantham takes the reins on defense, while the rest of the staff chips in on key situations: 3rd downs, 4th downs, short yardage, blitz reads, and more. But when it comes to game management, Meacham says it’s all about instincts: reading the field, feeling the momentum, and making the right call in the moment. “Do we have the right play? Is the defense playing well? Will they hold if the offense doesn’t convert?” said Doug. So next up?

Above all, Meacham wants his team to have fun, play free, and fight—yes, fight is a word he loves to repeat. But why? He’ll bring energy and grit, guiding the Cowboys through this transitional period.