Oklahoma State’s Zane Flores faces first career start at Oregon: Former QB Clint Chelf weighs in

When Oklahoma State takes the field Saturday night at Autzen Stadium, all eyes will be on redshirt freshman Zane Flores. The highly touted quarterback is making his first career start, and he’s doing it in one of college football’s loudest, most intimidating environments.

The Cowboys enter the matchup against No. 8 Oregon looking to bounce back after offensive struggles in Week 1. For head coach Mike Gundy, the message has been clear: keep things steady, protect the football, and lean on a balanced attack.

Full interview available below:

Flores, a former four-star recruit from Nebraska, has shown flashes of poise in practice and mop-up duty. Now, the question becomes how he handles the pressure of leading OSU’s offense on the road against a veteran Ducks defense.

Quarterback’s Perspective: Clint Chelf on Zane Flores

Few understand the challenges of a first start better than former Oklahoma State quarterback Clint Chelf. He knows the game inside and out, and this week he broke down what to expect from Flores.

On finding early rhythm:

“For a young guy, you’re trying to figure out how to get into a rhythm early,” Chelf said. “You’ve got to see the first throw, get it completed, and then everything slows down.”

On the importance of the run game:

“It comes down to the offensive line and run game. If you can lean on that, it makes everything easier. Zane doesn’t have to do too much, just manage the game, hit the throws that are there, and keep the chains moving.”

On Oregon’s defensive pressure:

“They’re going to disguise things and bring pressure. The key is how he responds after that first mistake. That tells you a lot about a quarterback.”

For Chelf, Flores’ first start is less about perfection and more about growth.

“These are the moments that shape quarterbacks,” Chelf said. “If he can settle in and keep his composure, it’ll be a great sign for Oklahoma State moving forward.”

What’s at Stake

A win in Eugene would be a signature moment for Oklahoma State, while even a competitive showing could signal progress for an offense searching for consistency. For Flores, it’s the beginning of what Cowboy fans hope is a long and successful run under center.

MORE OSU FOOTBALL COVERAGE:

1. Terrill Davis Reflects on First Game, Leadership, and Confidence Boost at Oklahoma State
2. Cowboys defense looks to slow down high-flying Oregon offense
3. Gary Danielson breaks down Oklahoma State vs. Oregon: Mismatch, first-start quarterback, and more