The Future of Bedlam Football Hangs in the Balance—Will This Legendary Rivalry Ever Return?
The iconic Bedlam football game, a cherished tradition in college sports, seems unlikely to make a comeback anytime soon. According to a recent report from Tulsa World (https://x.com/MasonYoung0/status/1976042216641683792), Oklahoma’s athletic director, Joe Castiglione, revealed that he reached out to Oklahoma State a few months ago to explore the possibility of reviving this historic rivalry. However, his efforts were met with what he described as only "minimal" interest from the Cowboys’ side.
For decades, the Sooners and Cowboys clashed annually on the gridiron, fueled by their shared history in the Big Eight and later the Big 12 conferences. This rivalry was more than just a game—it was a cultural event that united fans across the state and beyond. But everything changed after the 2023 season when Oklahoma made the significant move to join the SEC, marking the last time these two teams faced off.
Adding complexity to the situation, the SEC recently announced a shift in its scheduling format, increasing conference games from eight to nine starting in 2026. On top of that, SEC teams are now required to schedule at least one nonconference opponent from the Power 4 conferences. This new structure makes scheduling traditional rivalries like Bedlam more challenging, especially when the teams are no longer in the same conference.
Given their geographic proximity and deep-rooted history, Oklahoma State would seem like the natural nonconference opponent for Oklahoma. Yet, when Castiglione reached out, OSU showed little enthusiasm for rekindling the football rivalry. It’s important to note that Mike Gundy was still the head coach at Oklahoma State during those discussions, and since then, the Cowboys have parted ways with him. Could this change in leadership open the door for a fresh perspective and renewed interest? Only time will tell.
For over a century, Bedlam was a staple of college football, with the two teams meeting every year from 1910 through 2023. The rivalry was dominated by the Sooners, who hold a commanding 90-21-7 record over the Cowboys. Yet, in a poetic twist, it was Oklahoma State who delivered the final blow in their last encounter, defeating Oklahoma 27-24 in Stillwater and sending the Sooners off from the Big 12 on a high note.
While Oklahoma and Oklahoma State continue to compete in other sports like men’s and women’s basketball, softball, and baseball, football has become a tougher puzzle to solve due to the new scheduling demands and conference alignments.
At least one party—the Sooners—is eager to bring back this beloved rivalry. Now, the question remains: will Oklahoma State reconsider and join in? The Bedlam game has created countless unforgettable moments for fans on both sides, and college football undeniably feels richer when such classic matchups are part of the schedule.
But here’s the part most people miss—should tradition always take precedence over the evolving landscape of college football? With conference realignments and scheduling constraints, is it realistic or even fair to expect these historic rivalries to continue unchanged? What do you think? Should Oklahoma State be more open to reviving Bedlam football, or is it time to let go of the past and embrace new rivalries? Share your thoughts below—this debate is far from over!
