Oklahoma State Schedules Starting Quarterback for Opener: Hauss and Hejny in Spotlight

News">

Oklahoma State Turns to Freshman Quarterback Hauss Hejny for Season Opener

Stillwater, OK – August 29, 2025 – Oklahoma State Football has announced that Redshirt Freshman Hauss Hejny will take the helm as the starting quarterback for their upcoming season opener against UT Martin on Thursday. The decision, reported by sources on Tuesday, marks a pivotal moment for the Cowboys as thay begin their 2025 campaign.

A Tight Competition Under Center

Hejny emerged victorious from a closely contested preseason battle with fellow Redshirt Freshman Zane Flores for the starting position. Coaches have indicated that Flores will also see playing time during the game, suggesting a potential dual-quarterback approach. The Cowboys’ coaching staff appears determined to utilize both young signal-callers, providing them with valuable game experience.

Hejny’s Background and Potential

The 6-foot, 206-pound Hejny is no stranger to significant playing time, having previously competed at TCU before transferring to Oklahoma State alongside Offensive Coordinator Doug Meacham. Last season, Hejny participated in four games for the Horned Frogs, demonstrating his capabilities in crucial road contests against Stanford, Kansas, Utah, and Cincinnati.

Hejny showcased his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback, accumulating 48 rushing yards on eight carries, including a notable 21-yard run against Cincinnati. Although he did not attempt any passes last season at TCU, his speed and elusiveness are expected to be key assets for the Cowboys’ offense.

Quarterback Carousel and Team Dynamics

The quarterback competition initially involved four players.Though, garret Rangel transferred to virginia Tech, and Ifimate Sefort Smith moved to Ole Miss, streamlining the focus to Hejny and Flores. This preseason shift underscores the program’s commitment to finding the best fit for their offensive strategy.

Flores Presents a Different Skillset

While Hejny brings a dynamic rushing element, flores is recognized as a more traditional pocket passer. Like Hejny, Flores is yet to throw a pass in a collegiate game, with his previous playing time hampered by a medical hardship waiver granted after missing last season due to injury. This represents a fresh prospect for both players to make their mark.

Player	year	Key Attributes	Previous Experience
Hauss Hejny	Redshirt Freshman	Dual-Threat, Speed, Elusiveness	4 Games (TCU), Road Wins vs. Stanford, Kansas, Utah, Cincinnati
Zane Flores	Redshirt Freshman	Pocket Passer	None (Medical Redshirt, Injury)

Did You Know? The quarterback position is arguably the most scrutinized in all of sports, with accomplished programs often cycling through multiple players before finding long-term stability.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on how quickly Hejny and Flores adapt to game speed.The ability to make quick decisions under pressure is paramount for a successful quarterback.

The evolving Landscape of College Quarterbacks

The modern college football landscape increasingly favors versatile quarterbacks.While pocket passing remains valuable, the ability to extend plays with their feet and make defenses account for the run is becoming essential. The rise of dual-threat quarterbacks like hejny reflects this trend, as programs seek players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. NCAA.com reports a consistent rise in rushing yards from quarterbacks over the last decade.

Frequently Asked Questions about Oklahoma state’s Quarterback Situation

• What makes Hauss Hejny the starter? Hejny’s experience in meaningful games last season, coupled with his dual-threat abilities, likely contributed to the coaching staff’s decision.
• Will Zane Flores get significant playing time? Reports suggest Flores will see action in the season opener, indicating the coaching staff intends to evaluate both quarterbacks.
• What are Hauss Hejny’s strengths as a quarterback? Hejny is known for his speed, elusiveness, and ability to make defenders miss in the running game.
• How did the quarterback competition unfold? Initially four players competed, but transfers reduced the competition to Hejny and Flores.
• What is the meaning of doug Meacham’s arrival? Hejny transferred to Oklahoma State alongside Meacham, suggesting a pre-existing rapport and a system that suits his skillset.
• How important is the opener against UT Martin? The game provides a valuable opportunity for both Hejny and Flores to gain experience and establish themselves in the Cowboys’ offense.
• What shoudl fans expect from Oklahoma State’s offense this season? With a dynamic quarterback duo, the Cowboys are likely to implement an offense that utilizes both passing and running effectively.

What are your predictions for Hauss Hejny’s debut? How will the Cowboys utilize both hejny and Flores this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How might the offensive line need to adjust it’s strategy to effectively protect both Hauss and Hejny, given thier differing strengths?

The Quarterback Battle: A Deep Dive

Oklahoma State football fans have been eagerly awaiting news on who will lead the Cowboys onto the field for the season opener. Head Coach Mike Gundy has officially announced a plan involving both Alan Hauss and Gunnar Hejny, creating a unique dynamic for the team’s first game. This decision follows a highly competitive training camp where both quarterbacks showcased impressive skills, making the choice a difficult one for the coaching staff. The focus now shifts to how this dual-quarterback approach will unfold on the field.

Hauss vs. Hejny: Key Stats and Strengths

Both Alan Hauss and Gunnar Hejny bring distinct strengths to the table. understanding thes differences is crucial for predicting their roles in the opener and beyond.

alan Hauss: Known for his arm strength and ability to make deep throws. During spring practice, Hauss consistently demonstrated accuracy on long passes, a key asset for stretching the field against opposing defenses. He’s a pro-style quarterback with experience in reading defenses.

Gunnar Hejny: A dual-threat quarterback, Hejny excels in scrambling and making plays with his legs. his agility and rapid decision-making have impressed coaches, offering a different dimension to the Cowboys’ offensive attack. Hejny’s ability to extend plays could be vital against aggressive pass rushes.

The Game Plan: Utilizing a two-QB System

The decision to start both quarterbacks isn’t simply a matter of giving each player a series. Coach Gundy has indicated a more strategic approach.

1. Pre-Steadfast Packages: Expect specific offensive packages designed to highlight each quarterback’s strengths.Hauss might be utilized in passing situations requiring deep throws, while Hejny could be called upon for run-pass options and short-yardage conversions.
2. Situational Football: The coaching staff will likely leverage the quarterbacks based on game flow and opponent tendencies. If the Cowboys need to move the chains quickly, Hejny’s mobility could be key. If thay need to drive downfield with precision, Hauss’s arm talent will be valuable.
3. Potential for Rotation: While a clear rotation pattern hasn’t been revealed, it’s possible we’ll see both quarterbacks take snaps throughout the game, keeping the opposing defense guessing.

impact on Offensive Strategy: Beyond the Quarterbacks

The quarterback decision impacts more than just the passing and running game.it necessitates adjustments from the entire offense.

offensive Line Adjustments: The offensive line will need to be prepared to protect against different types of pressure,adapting to the varying styles of both quarterbacks.

Receiving Corps: Receivers will need to be versatile, capable of running routes for both a strong-armed passer and a mobile quarterback.

Running Backs: The running backs’ roles will also evolve, potentially being involved in more pass-catching scenarios to capitalize on hejny’s ability to extend plays.

oklahoma State Football: Historical Context & Quarterback Decisions

Oklahoma State has a history of strong quarterback play. Looking back at past seasons provides context for this current situation.

2011 Brandon Weeden: Led the Cowboys to a record-breaking season, showcasing the impact a dominant quarterback can have.

2016 Mason Rudolph: Another standout quarterback who guided the team to important success, demonstrating the program’s ability to develop top-tier talent.

Recent Trends: In recent years, Oklahoma State has favored quarterbacks with strong passing abilities. The decision to utilize Hejny’s running skills represents a potential shift in offensive ideology.

fan reaction and Expectations

The declaration has sparked considerable debate among Oklahoma State fans. Social media platforms are buzzing with predictions and opinions. Many fans are excited about the potential of a dynamic offense, while others express concern about the lack of a clear-cut starter. The key for the Cowboys will be to execute the game plan effectively and minimize any potential disruption caused by the quarterback rotation.

Looking Ahead: beyond the Opener

The season opener is just the first step. The coaching staff will be closely evaluating both quarterbacks throughout the game,gathering valuable data to inform future decisions. It’s likely that one quarterback will emerge as the primary starter as the season progresses, but the initial plan provides both Hauss and Hejny with an opportunity to showcase their abilities and compete for the job. The Cowboys’ success this season may well hinge on finding the right quarterback to lead the team to victory.