Oklahoma State vs. CU Boulder
The Matchup
11-29-24
Oklahoma State
Stillwater, Oklahoma
#1 Online College in Oklahoma (Forbes, 2024)
Top 3% of Global Universities (Center for World University Rankings, 2023)
#1 Best Value Public University in Oklahoma (U.S. News & World Report, 2023)
Boulder, Colorado
#4 in World, Geosciences (US News and World Report)
#1 City for Green Startups (Promoleaf, 2022)
#8 in Aerospace Engineering Sciences (US News and World Report)
The Academic Matchup
Oklahoma State University
Feeding the World
For the second straight year, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings awarded Oklahoma State University the highest rank in the U.S. for its work to combat hunger and food insecurity. This ranking evaluated more than 800 universities' efforts in researching hunger, teaching food sustainability, and addressing food waste and hunger among students and local communities.
First of Its Kind
Oklahoma State University is home to the nation's first tribally affiliated medical school — the College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation. In spring 2024, it celebrated its first graduating class, which is now making a difference in critical need health care areas across Oklahoma and beyond.
Out of This World
The is a prominent center for aerospace research, known for its cutting-edge facilities and contributions to space science and technology. CU Boulder is the top public university in NASA funding and boasts 19 university-affiliated astronauts.
Leading the Way in Climate Awareness
In December 2022, the inaugural Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit addressed the interconnectedness of human rights and climate change. CU Boulder held the first summit, which gathered some of the world's foremost human rights, scientific, political, educational, cultural and industry leaders. The second summit will take place in Oxford, England, in June 2025.
Traditions
Oklahoma State University
America's Greatest Homecoming
Homecoming truly separates OSU from other universities. Each fall, the university comes together to showcase the Cowboy spirit, creating a family atmosphere that brings everyone together with decorations at residence halls, and over 80,000 in attendance.
Pistol Pete
When they put on the head and costume, all Pistol Pete mascots know they are representing more than the university — they’re also portraying the real-life character they play: Frank Eaton. A legendary U.S. marshal, Eaton worked for “hanging Judge” Isaac Parker. Pistol Pete became the official mascot in 1958.
Ralphie Running
Since 1967, CU Boulder’s live mascot, Ralphie the Buffalo, has kicked off each home football game with an electrifying run down the field, leading the way for the team. Running with Ralphie and wearing cowboy hats and Western belt buckles, the Ralphie handlers are rostered as NCAA athletes at CU Boulder.
Singing the Fight Song
For decades, Buffs fans have stood "shoulder to shoulder" at campus sporting events to sing CU Boulder's beloved fight song. The Golden Buffalo Marching Band plays the song as Buffs fans cheer on their team.
Notable Alums
Oklahoma State University
T. Boone Pickens, famous petroleum executive, who became an advocate of using a mix of natural gas and renewable sources, in particular wind power, to meet the United States’ energy needs
Wally Funk, the oldest woman to travel to space as a 2021 crew member of Blue Origin
Barry Sanders, Heisman Trophy winner and record-setting NFL running back, rushing for over 1,000 yards in 10 consecutive seasons
Kalpana Chawla, an engineer, pilot and fallen astronaut who became the first Indian-born woman in space in 1997 aboard the shuttle Columbia
Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, technology entrepreneur, philanthropist and member of the Inventors Hall of Fame
Trey Parker and Matt Stone, co-creators of the hit animated series “South Park” who famously met in a CU Boulder film class