Oklahoma State University has reached a pivotal moment in its football program’s history. After a string of disappointing seasons, the school decided to part ways with long-time head coach Mike Gundy.
This move comes on the heels of a turbulent 2024 season. The Cowboys finished winless in the Big 12 and closed with a crushing 52-0 loss to Colorado.
The university now searches for a new head coach, hoping to restore the program to its former glory. With both experienced candidates and promising young coaches in the mix, Oklahoma State stands at a crossroads.
Mike Gundy’s Legacy and Departure
Mike Gundy, the winningest coach in Oklahoma State history, spent nearly two decades at the helm. Under his leadership, the Cowboys hit nine AP top-20 finishes between 2008 and 2021.
But since 2023, the program’s performance has dropped off sharply. Even after overhauling his coaching staff and trying to steady a shaky quarterback situation, Gundy’s time ended after the team’s first home loss to Tulsa since 1951.
The Changing Landscape of the Big 12
When Oklahoma and Texas left the Big 12, Gundy thought Oklahoma State could become the league’s new powerhouse. Instead, things changed quickly.
Schools like Texas Tech started making big investments. Oklahoma State’s future suddenly feels a lot less certain.
The program’s history of winning, shaped in large part by Gundy, still matters. But that advantage only goes so far these days, doesn’t it?
Potential Head Coach Candidates
Oklahoma State’s list of head coach candidates includes both seasoned veterans and rising stars. Each brings something unique to the table.
Jeff Traylor: UTSA Coach
Jeff Traylor, UTSA’s current head coach, stands out as a strong candidate. He led UTSA to 23 wins and back-to-back Conference USA titles from 2021 to 2022.
Traylor’s a four-time Texas state high school coach of the year and has deep connections in Texas. While UTSA’s recent seasons haven’t been as impressive, his track record and experience make him a compelling option.
G.J. Kinne: Texas State Coach
G.J. Kinne is a young, energetic coach with an offensive background and strong ties to the region. At just 36, he’s already built a reputation as a dynamic leader.
Kinne played quarterback at Tulsa and rose quickly in the coaching world, leading Incarnate Word before taking over at Texas State. His exciting style and local knowledge could fit well at Oklahoma State.
Collin Klein: Texas A&M Offensive Coordinator
Collin Klein, Texas A&M’s offensive coordinator, offers another intriguing option. He played quarterback at Kansas State and finished third in the 2012 Heisman voting.
Klein has moved up fast, coaching quarterbacks and coordinating offenses at Kansas State before joining Texas A&M. His Big 12 experience and offensive chops might make him a great fit in Stillwater.
Eric Morris: North Texas Coach
Eric Morris, North Texas’s head coach, deserves a look too. Morris grew up in Texas and played under Mike Leach at Texas Tech, later coaching with him.
He’s shown he can develop players and lead successful teams. Morris brings an offensive mind and plenty of regional credibility.
Ben Arbuckle: Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator
Ben Arbuckle, Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator, has quickly made a name for himself. At just 30, he’s already coached top quarterbacks like Cam Ward and John Mateer.
Arbuckle’s youth and outside-the-box thinking could inject new life into Oklahoma State. Sure, he’s inexperienced, but sometimes you have to take a shot on upside.
Roster Overhaul and Key Players
Oklahoma State tried to turn things around by bringing in 62 newcomers this offseason. That includes 38 transfer portal pickups with a combined 17,056 career snaps.
The roster leans on experience, with 30 seniors—11 of them super seniors. The next head coach will have to blend these newcomers into the mix while keeping young talent engaged.
Key Players to Watch
- OLB Wendell Gregory: A redshirt freshman who tied a Big 12 freshman record with three sacks in the opener against UT Martin. Gregory has started every game since, despite some legal trouble.
- QB Hauss Hejny: A dynamic TCU transfer who looked promising before breaking his foot in the first game. Hejny still has up to four years of eligibility left if he sits out the rest of the season.
- RB Rodney Fields Jr.: One of the few bright spots in a rough loss to Tulsa. Fields broke out of a crowded backfield with a career-high 113 rushing yards and 39 receiving yards.
Recruiting Challenges and Opportunities
Oklahoma State’s recruiting class has some promising prospects, but Gundy’s departure throws things into uncertainty. The Cowboys have commitments from two ESPN 300 defensive tackles—Danny Beale and Tajh Overton—plus safety Braeden Presley.
But those commitments will be tested, as other programs circle and try to take advantage of the coaching change. It’s a tough spot, honestly.
Top Recruits
- DT Danny Beale: The top prospect in Arkansas and a big recruiting win for Oklahoma State. Beale’s commitment could be in jeopardy now that Gundy’s gone.
- DT Tajh Overton: A disruptive force from Owasso, Oklahoma, who picked the Cowboys over Oklahoma and Ole Miss. Overton might be a prime flip target, too.
- S Braeden Presley: The younger brother of former Cowboys Brennan and Braylin Presley. Braeden’s a productive two-way player with strong family ties to the program.
Conclusion
Oklahoma State University stands at a crossroads as it tries to rebuild its football program. Mike Gundy’s departure closes out a long chapter, but honestly, it might be the right moment for something new.
The Cowboys have a mix of seasoned and up-and-coming coaching candidates on their radar. There’s a chance here to claw back some ground in the Big 12, though it’s not going to be a cakewalk.
Whoever steps in as head coach will need to blend a reshaped roster and chase down key recruits. Still, the program’s past success gives them something to build on, even if the road ahead looks a little bumpy.
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