Vailahi to See Familiar Face in Season Opener

STILLWATER - When Oklahoma State kicks off the 2025 season against UT Martin Thursday, running back Sesi Vailahi will see a familiar face on the opposite sideline - his cousin, UT Martin running back Siona Vailahi.

For Sesi, the matchup is more than just another season opener. It's an opportunity to carry a childhood rivalry onto the college stage.

"Competition-wise, we were always like, 'How much did you rush?' or, 'How many catches did you have?'" Vailahi said. "'I did better, you did better.' So, I think it'll just be fun to see each other at the collegiate level."

The cousins grew up constantly pushing each other, and though the stakes are higher now, the bragging rights feel just as important.

"It feels good to be on the winning side," Vailahi said. "I don't know how it feels to be on the losing side, I just hope I stay on the winning side."

Vailahi enters the 2025 season as a developing playmaker in the Cowboys' backfield. After appearing in all 12 games last season, he tallied 145 total yards and got in the endzone two times.

Even after losing Ollie Gordon II to the NFL, Oklahoma State's running back room may be deeper than it's been in recent years. Alongside Vailahi, the group features collective talent in Oklahoma transfer Kalib Hicks, Rodney Fields Jr., Trent Howland and Georgia State transfer Freddie Brock IV, creating a competitive rotation with a mix of speed, size and experience.

"I think we really had a good fall camp," Vailahi said. "We're all downhill running backs. We make the first guy miss, and we've all developed a really good pass protection. We got close with our O-line, getting to know the whole playbook and scheme. We all came together as one."

When kickoff arrives Thursday, the focus will be on helping the Cowboys start 1-0. In the back of his mind, Vailahi will have extra motivation.

"We just try to not let it get in our heads and keep it as a game," Vailahi said. "At the end of the day, he'll always be my brother."

A rivalry that started in the backyard is about to see its biggest stage yet—Boone Pickens Stadium on Thursday night.

Oklahoma State University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Freddie Brock IV

Rodney Fields Jr.

Ollie Gordon II

Kalib Hicks

Trent Howland

Sesi Vailahi

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