Oklahoma State football’s facing a real shake-up. At least three players have jumped into the transfer portal after the school dismissed longtime head coach Mike Gundy.
With the team in transition, uncertainty is in the air. NCAA rules give players a 30-day window to enter the portal after a coaching change, and some OSU players aren’t wasting any time.
Player Movements in the Wake of Coaching Change
Mike Gundy’s departure has set off a wave of transfers. Long snapper Shea Freibaum, safety Dylan Smith, and safety DeAndre Boykins are among the first who’ve announced they’re leaving.
These guys have played big roles, so their exits are going to sting for the Cowboys’ roster.
Shea Freibaum: A Steady Contributor
Shea Freibaum, a top long snapper recruit, let everyone know on social media that he’s transferring. He’s been a rock on special teams, racking up 173 career long snaps without a single mistake.
That covers 121 punts and 52 place kicks. He came in as one of the nation’s best long snapper prospects for the 2023 class.
Freibaum’s leaving a hole in the special teams unit. The coaching staff will have to figure out how to fill it—and quick.
Dylan Smith: Defensive Standout
Safety Dylan Smith is also testing the waters in the transfer portal. This season, he played in all four games, grabbing a fumble recovery and forcing another.
He’s a junior, so he could sit out the rest of the year and still keep two years of eligibility thanks to a redshirt. Smith made noise as a true freshman in 2023, quickly carving out a spot on defense.
He snagged a clutch interception in the last Bedlam game and made a game-saving tackle on Drake Stoops. Losing Smith would be a blow to the defense, no question.
DeAndre Boykins: Experienced Transfer
DeAndre Boykins, another safety, is heading for the portal too. He came to Oklahoma State from North Carolina, bringing experience from 36 career games and 14 starts.
In 2024, he played in 11 games and picked up six tackles, plus a pass breakup and a 10-yard kickoff return. Boykins’ versatility helped the team, so now the staff has to hunt for someone new to step up.
Coaching Staff’s Response and Future Outlook
Doug Meacham from the coaching staff talked about the possibility of more players transferring or redshirting. He sounded cautiously optimistic, saying the team hasn’t seen a mass exodus.
Meacham stressed how important it is for players to want to stay—and to make their decisions based on real info from the staff. It’s a tough spot, but that’s college football for you.
Team’s Upcoming Schedule
Even with all the chaos, the Cowboys are getting ready for their next games. They’ll take on Arizona this Saturday, with kickoff at 2:00 pm central.
OSU’s next home game is set too. The Cowboys will host Houston on October 11th at 11:00 am. These matchups feel huge right now as the team tries to keep its edge through all the changes.
Conclusion
Mike Gundy’s departure has definitely shaken things up for Oklahoma State football. Now, with key players like Shea Freibaum, Dylan Smith, and DeAndre Boykins entering the transfer portal, the coaching staff faces some tough choices.
They’ve got to rethink the roster and figure out how to fill those gaps. It’s not an easy spot to be in, honestly.
As the Cowboys look ahead to their next games, everyone will be watching to see how they rally. Can they keep the team spirit alive and adapt under pressure? Guess we’ll find out soon enough.
For more on what’s happening with Oklahoma State football, check out the full article on the News On 6 website.
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