Watch: Mike Gundy, Zane Flores & Hauss Hejny Talk QB Battle at Oklahoma State Fall Camp

Mike Gundy: “We Don’t Have a Starter Yet”

Five practices into fall camp, Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy made it clear: the quarterback competition remains wide open.

“We’re just getting into it,” Gundy said. “Those two guys are getting the majority of the reps. They’re doing well, but we’ve got a long way to go.”

Gundy emphasized that while both Zane Flores and Hauss Hejny bring mobility and competitiveness, production and leadership will ultimately decide who earns the job.

“At some point, the team will start to migrate toward one guy,” Gundy explained. “That doesn’t mean the other guy’s not good, but that’s what happens when one of them starts making plays.”

When pressed for a timeline, Gundy didn’t commit.

“I can’t put a timeline on it until I know when it will happen and I don’t know that,” he said. “All options are on the table. We don’t have anyone who’s thrown a pass at this level.”

While Gundy acknowledged the challenge of entering the season without a proven starter, he remains confident in the coaching staff’s ability to evaluate talent — particularly under new offensive coordinator Kevin Johns.

“Coach Johns has brought maturity and a warrior mentality to that room. He comes from a strong background and is highly regarded by people I trust.”

Zane Flores: “I’ve Grown as a Person, Player, and Leader”

Redshirt freshman Zane Flores is using the competition to elevate his game — and his mindset.

“I think I’ve grown a lot since I first got here,” Flores said. “I’m more confident. I’ve added about 30 pounds of muscle and maybe an inch in height. I feel ready.”

Though he hasn’t yet thrown a collegiate pass, Flores believes his poise under pressure is a major asset.

“I think my biggest strength is being level-headed. So much of playing quarterback is mental,” he said.

Flores praised the culture of the quarterback room, saying the group is both competitive and supportive.

“In the back of our minds, we know what’s at stake, but we’re all close. We compete and push each other every day. It’s a good group.”

As for off-field bonding? The QB room hits the golf course.

“I’d say I’m the best golfer in the room,” Flores laughed. “Hauss hits it a long way, though. He’s got power.”

Hauss Hejny: “It’s Not About Me — It’s About the Team”

True freshman Hauss Hejny might be the new face in Stillwater, but he’s approaching the quarterback battle with a mature perspective.

“The competition’s been really good,” Hejny said. “We’re both playing well, and we’re both respecting and supporting each other.”

Hejny credits QB coach Kevin Johns for setting the tone.

“He’s always preaching that it’s not about us — it’s about doing what we can to help the team win,” Hejny said. “We’ve embraced that mindset.”

Johns has also instilled a “warrior mentality” in his quarterbacks.

“He wants a guy who wants the ball when the game is on the line,” Hejny said. “So every day, we show up with that mentality.”

Hejny also addressed the lighter side of the competition like who might win a 40-yard dash or golf match.

“I haven’t raced D-Low [Dwayne Lofton], but it’d be close,” Hejny smiled. “And Zane’s short game is better than mine — he’s got me there for sure.”

What’s Next

With no clear frontrunner yet named and both Flores and Hejny impressing early in camp, Gundy and his staff will continue evaluating as the Cowboys gear up for the season opener. Whether one quarterback pulls ahead or a two-man system emerges, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining who leads the OSU offense into 2025.