This story has been updated from the original version

The Cowboys’ quarterback situation is taking a new turn.

Zane Flores will miss the remainder of the season due to a lower leg injury that required surgery The Oklahoman‘s Scott Wright. Robert Allen of Pokes Report reported earlier in the day that Flores did not make the trip to Provo. This comes after a report from The O’Colly‘s Ashton Slaughter that the signs point to Garret Rangel starting against BYU. The Cowboys and Cougars kick off Friday at 9:15 PM CT.

Flores, a 6-foot-2 redshirt freshman, hasn’t taken a college shot yet, but the fan base is certainly excited for him. That excitement only increased in August when Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said Flores was “ready now” but had no experience yet. With Flores not making the Provo trip, that likely means true freshman quarterback Maealiuaki Smith will be in Provo. Smith, a three-star prospect out of California, had offers to BYU, Arizona, Arizona State, Florida State, Miami and others before choosing the Pokes.

This all comes after Alan Bowman, who has started every game at quarterback for OSU this season, was shut down in two of OSU’s three games before last week’s farewell game. In three Big 12 games this season, Bowman has completed 51% of his passes for 686 yards, four touchdowns and six interceptions.

Rangel replaced Bowman on both occasions when the seventh-year was withdrawn. Rangel, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound redshirt sophomore, completed 44% of his passes in those two Big 12 games, throwing for 106 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. In his most recent outing, Rangel went 4-for-5 against West Virginia for 75 yards and a touchdown. Rangel also played a role in the 2023 season’s three-quarterback rotation. He played in five games last season and completed 53% of his passes for 172 yards, two TDs and an INT. He was also thrown into the fire as a true freshman in 2022 due to Spencer Sanders’ injury. He played in four games that 2022 season and completed 51% of his attempts for 711 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions.

Regardless of who plays quarterback for the Cowboys on Friday night, OSU must find a way to run the ball to have any semblance of success. OSU ranks 124th nationally in rushing yards per game despite reigning Doak Walker winner Ollie Gordon in the backfield.