Oklahoma State vs Houston Picks and Prediction for Saturday October 17, 2026
The Oklahoma State Cowboys will travel to Houston, Texas, Saturday night for a Big 12 matchup against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM with national coverage on FOX. Oklahoma State enters the weekend ranked No. 18 nationally with a 4-1 overall record following an impressive 42-28 victory against UCF. The Cowboys will look to continue their strong play against another conference opponent. Houston comes into this matchup ranked No. 20 nationally with a 5-1 overall record after picking up a convincing 35-16 road victory against Kansas State. The Cougars have been effective offensively and will look to use their home crowd to secure another important victory. Houston is a 4.5-point favorite, with the total set at 62.5 points. The Cougars are -192 on the moneyline, while Oklahoma State comes in at +160. Stay in the action with our College Football Picks.
Oklahoma State looks to stay undefeated in conference play
Drew Mestemaker has led the Oklahoma State offense this season with 1575 yards and 13 touchdowns on 114 completions, along with 15 carries for 108 yards and two scores. Caleb Hawkins is the top ball carrier on the roster with 524 yards and two touchdowns on 106 carries. Ayo Adeyi has added 28 carries for 180 yards this season. Wyatt Young leads all Oklahoma State receivers with 462 yards and four touchdowns on 27 receptions. Justin Bowick has added 442 yards and five scores on 26 catches, and Miles Coleman has chipped in 206 yards and one score on 16 grabs.
Offensively, Oklahoma State was the better team last week, scoring 42 points after 21 in each half on 414 total yards. Defensively, Oklahoma State did have some trouble, giving up 28 points on 375 total yards, and forced 2 turnovers to seal the win. Drew Mestemaker led Oklahoma State last week, leading the team with 19 completions for 304 yards and two scores, and ran the ball twice for two yards and one touchdown. Caleb Hawkins led the way on the ground for Oklahoma State with 83 yards on 23 carries. Justin Bowick was the top receiver on the roster with 98 yards and one touchdown on 6 receptions. Miles Coleman chipped in four catches for 69 yards, and Wyatt Young added 52 yards and one touchdown on five catches.
Houston goes for 4 in a row
Conner Weigman has led the way for the Houston offense this year with 1428 yards and 15 touchdowns on 110 completions, along with 177 yards and six scores on 48 carries. Re’Shaun Sanford II is the top running back on the roster with 404 yards and two touchdowns on 75 carries. Makhi Hughes is second on the team with 387 yards and three scores on 80 carries. Patrick Overmyer is leading Houston this season with 33 catches for 400 yards and six scores. Amare Thomas has chipped in 361 yards and four touchdowns on 29 receptions. Trent Walker has added 19 catches for 258 yards and one score, and Koby Young has added 216 yards and four touchdowns on 10 catches.
Offensively, Houston overwhelmed Kansas State a week ago, scoring 35 points including 21 in the first half, on 475 yards. The Houston defense did the work, giving up 16 points on 299 yards. Connor Weigman led the way for the Houston offense last week, completing 19 passes for 242 yards and four scores. Re’Shaun Sanford II boasted a team-high 90 yards on 20 carries, and Makhi Hughes chipped in 78 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries. Patrick Overmyer erupted against Kansas State with 83 yards and four touchdowns on 8 catches. Trent Walker was second on the team with 60 yards on five grabs.
Oklahoma State vs Houston Picks and Prediction
Pick: Houston Cougars -4.5
Houston will have the advantage on Saturday night against Oklahoma State, as home field will play a big factor in this BIG 12 matchup. The Cougars ability to establish a strong running game and create manageable third-down situations will be particularly important against a Cowboys defense that has struggled with consistency. Houston will focus on controlling possessions, keeping their offense on the field, and forcing Oklahoma State to execute lengthy drives rather than allowing explosive plays. Connor Weigman has been the anchor for the Cougars this year, and his success through the air and with his feet will be too much for the Cowboys defense. While Oklahoma State has the offensive talent to keep the game competitive, Houston's balanced attack and ability to control the line of scrimmage will likely be the deciding factor. Expect the Cougars to capitalize on their opportunities and secure the win and cover at home.
Pick: Over 62.5
Oklahoma State and Houston enter Saturday's matchup with both offenses playing well enough to produce a high-scoring contest. The Cowboys have scored at least 41 points in three consecutive games, including 42 against UCF last weekend. Oklahoma State has been particularly effective through the air, and its ability to stretch the field should challenge a Houston defense trying to contain the Cowboys' passing attack. The Cougars have also been putting points on the board, averaging better than 45 points per game across their last 4 wins. Houston's balanced offensive attack should allow the Cougars to establish their running game while creating opportunities through the air. Oklahoma State allowed four touchdown passes against UCF, which could give Houston opportunities to capitalize in the red zone. With both offenses capable of producing points in bunches and neither team likely to abandon its offensive approach, expect scoring opportunities throughout the game. Take the over in what should be an entertaining Big 12 matchup.