Oklahoma State President gives thoughts on the future of Bedlam

Oklahoma State President Kayse Shrum expressed doubt over the future of the Bedlam rivalry with Oklahoma in a social media thread posted Sunday night. Shrum has been one of the most vocal opponents to Texas and Oklahoma’s joint departure to the SEC last week. The two schools have been accused of holding secret meetings with the SEC, excluding other conference members like Oklahoma State.

Oklahoma and Oklahoma State have played the Bedlam Series since 1904, when the two schools met at a park in Guthrie, Oklahoma. The rivalry has been played 115 times, with the streak uninterrupted since 1910. Oklahoma holds the all-time series lead with a 90-18-7 record.

Uncertainty around Bedlam

The longevity and perseverance of this rivalry have made it one of the most intense games in college football, earning the nickname Bedlam. This rivalry continued through two world wars, the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Despite the storied history of the game and historical significance, Shrum says that things are changing.

“Many have asked about the future of Bedlam,” Shrum posted. “We enjoy the intensity and tradition whenever we play (Oklahoma) in any sport. Right now, there are too many unknowns to determine what the future holds.”

Shrum has been one of the most vocal Big 12 leaders since Texas and Oklahoma announced their plan to leave the storied conference for the SEC last week. The new President has been firm in her opposition of the move.

“The past week brings a whole new meaning to #LoyalAndTrue,” Shrum wrote. “While this is a time of uncertainty in college sports, I view this as a time of opportunity.”

Historic rivalry series

Oklahoma and Oklahoma State have not played in different conferences since 1960, when the Cowboys joined the Big Eight conference. With Oklahoma’s departure from the Big 12, the two schools must come to an agreement on a non-conference rivalry series or end the streak beginning in 2025.

Oklahoma President Joe Harroz has praised Shrum and others despite their opposition in recent days. He has also maintained his desire to keep Bedlam alive.

“Even with this change, we want to play Oklahoma State in every sport in every year,” Harroz said in an interview with the Associated Press.

Leaving a conference does not always mean the end of a rivalry, but it does require both schools to engage. Florida and Florida State have made a non-conference rivalry work, but the Gators have been unable to keep the Miami game on the schedule consistently.

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