Mestemaker and Hawkins lead Oklahoma State's dominant effort over Kansas State
Oklahoma State overwhelmed Kansas State 66-28, riding a prolific offensive showcase to a dominant win as the Cowboys moved to 6-3 (4-2 Big 12) while K-State dropped to 4-5 (1-5). Drew Mestemaker became the first FBS quarterback since 2021 to throw four TD passes, rush for one, and catch one, finishing 22-for-28 for 313 yards and three first-half TDs. Caleb Hawkins fueled the attack with multiple early scores and a standout rushing performance, contributing multiple TDs and a receiving score. The result underlined OSU’s momentum as it eyes a home matchup with Texas Tech, while Kansas State heads to a road test at TCU, hoping to snap its skid. The game featured explosive OSU scoring in the first half and disciplined defense to limit K-State early, setting the tone for the lopsided final margin.
Dive Deeper:
Mestemaker completed 22 of 28 passes for 313 yards and had three first-half touchdown passes, with the quarterback also scoring on a 1-yard rush early in the game.
Caleb Hawkins produced a standout performance with a 175-yard rushing effort and three rushing touchdowns, plus a receiving TD, helping Oklahoma State take a commanding early lead.
Oklahoma State wasted no time, forcing a three-and-out on Kansas State's opening possession and answering with a 72-yard, three-play drive capped by a 32-yard TD pass to Justin Bowick.
Kansas State briefly replied with a quick-strike TD pass from Blake Barnett to Derrick Salley after a coverage breakdown, but the Cowboys answered with multiple scores to pull away.
A pivotal sequence included Mestemaker extending the lead to 35-14 with a 1-yard rushing score, followed by Hawkins' third rushing TD of the half and a late 19-yard TD connection from Mestemaker to Miles Coleman before halftime.
In the third quarter, Mestemaker added a 5-yard TD pass to Hawkins and later caught a 5-yard TD from Wyatt Young, accelerating OSU’s offensive rhythm.
Kansas State struggled to slow Oklahoma State, allowing touchdowns on OSU's first six red-zone possessions, contributing to the wide final margin as the teams prepare for their next opponents.