BYU's football team concluded their season on a disappointing note, losing to Oklahoma State in a double-overtime thriller. Despite a strong start to the season, the Cougars couldn't maintain their momentum and finished with no wins in their last five games.

In the game against Oklahoma State, BYU held a commanding 24-6 lead at halftime. However, they were unable to hold on as the Cowboys staged a comeback, ultimately winning 40-34 in double overtime. The loss leaves BYU with a final season record of 5-7.

BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff was critical of their missed opportunity to secure a bowl game berth, stating, "We went toe-to-toe with two of the best teams in the country and came up short, but it showed what we are capable of doing, but missing out on a bowl game hurts."

The Cougars put up a strong fight against a highly ranked Oklahoma State team. Their offense struggled in the second half, failing to move the ball effectively and convert on crucial third downs. Despite their efforts, BYU's execution fell short, and they couldn't capitalize on several scoring opportunities throughout the game.

Defensively, BYU had moments of success, with cornerback Eddie Heckard intercepting two passes, one of which resulted in a pick-six. However, the defense ultimately wore down, unable to contain Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon, who tied a school record with five touchdowns.

BYU now shifts their focus to recruiting with the opening of the transfer portal. The team will not have the opportunity for bowl preparation practices. Instead, they will focus on rehab, training, and lifting weights, with limited contact between coaches and players. Head coach Kalani Sitake plans to utilize the NCAA allotted eight hours a week to improve the team's football IQ and develop their skills.

Despite their disappointing season-ending loss, BYU remains optimistic about the future. The team views their season as a valuable learning experience and recognizes the need for improved execution and increased depth in their upcoming ventures in the Big 12 conference.

The Cougars will use the offseason to regroup and make necessary adjustments to build upon their experiences in Season 1 of the Big 12. With the application of lessons learned, BYU football aims to come back stronger in the next season, demonstrating their growth and determination in the highly competitive Power 5 conference.