Oklahoma State offensive tackle Noah McKinney has jumped into the NCAA transfer portal, and it’s got college football fans buzzing. This comes after a string of roster shake-ups following Mike Gundy’s firing in late September.
McKinney started out at UNLV, then made the move to Oklahoma State for the 2023 season. Even with the Cowboys facing their own set of struggles, McKinney stood out—he snagged the fourth-highest pass-blocking grade in the Big 12, at least according to Pro Football Focus.
He opened up in an interview with 247Sports about his future, sounding committed to helping Oklahoma State finish out the season. You can feel the mix of uncertainty and hope in his words.
Background on Noah McKinney’s Transfer
Noah McKinney’s college football path has been anything but boring. He came from Henderson (NV) Coronado and got his start at UNLV, where he showed flashes of real promise.
Transferring to Oklahoma State was all about testing himself at a higher level. He wanted to see just how much he could grow and what he could do on a bigger stage.
Oklahoma State’s Roster Changes
Mike Gundy’s firing set off a domino effect in the Oklahoma State locker room. Players have started looking elsewhere, entering the transfer portal and searching for new opportunities.
McKinney joining the portal feels like part of this larger shift. The whole program’s in flux, and you can sense the uncertainty.
McKinney’s Performance and Impact
Even with Oklahoma State’s ups and downs, McKinney managed to shine. His pass-blocking? Seriously impressive. That Big 12 ranking from Pro Football Focus isn’t just a number—it speaks to how well he handled tough situations.
Pro Football Focus Rankings
Pro Football Focus is known for digging deep into player stats. McKinney’s high pass-blocking grade is a nod to his effort and skill.
That kind of recognition can only help as he weighs his next move.
Future Prospects and Next Steps
Talking to 247Sports, McKinney came across as genuinely grateful for his time at Oklahoma State. He’s still all-in for the rest of the season, backing his teammates and doing his part.
Potential Destinations
With his name in the portal, you’ve got to think plenty of programs will come calling. His track record and those PFF numbers make him a hot commodity for any team looking to beef up their offensive line.
The next few weeks will be interesting as McKinney sorts through his options. Where will he land? Hard to say, but he’s got choices.
Broader Implications for Oklahoma State
Losing someone like McKinney is a big deal for Oklahoma State. The team’s going to have to find ways to fill the holes and stay relevant in the always-tough Big 12.
Recruitment and Roster Management
The coaching staff has their work cut out for them. They’ll need to recruit hard and develop the guys they’ve got, hoping someone steps up to fill the gaps left behind.
Conclusion
Noah McKinney’s move into the NCAA transfer portal is definitely shaking things up in college football. He’s shown a ton of promise, and it’s no surprise that a lot of folks are keeping a close eye on what he’ll do next.
Oklahoma State has to figure out how to adjust and move forward. Honestly, it’s going to be interesting to see how they handle the changes ahead.
If you want more details or just want to follow Noah McKinney’s story, check out the full article on 247Sports.
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