The Oklahoma State Cowboys are trying to find their footing after firing long-time head coach Mike Gundy. A wave of players have entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, all hunting for new teams and fresh starts.
This post takes a look at the midseason transfer activity, the impact of these departures, and what might be next for Oklahoma State football. For the full rundown, check out the Oklahoma State midseason transfer portal tracker.
Oklahoma State’s Midseason Transfer Exodus
Since Mike Gundy left, the transfer portal has been busy. His firing triggered a 30-day window for players to look around, and several important pieces have already decided to move on.
Notable Player Departures
Some of the players who jumped into the portal made a real impact on the field:
- Longsnapper Shea Freibaum: Played in the first four games of the 2025 season and earned a 64.2 Pro Football Focus rating.
- Safety DeAndre Boykins: Played one defensive snap without recording a stat.
- Safety Dylan Smith: Started four games, recording 12 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
- Defensive lineman Michael Riles: Didn’t see the field in 2025 as a true freshman.
- Safety David Kabongo: Played in the first four games of the 2025 season, recording 12 tackles and a fumble recovery.
- Tight end Josh Ford: Started the first four games, finishing with three catches for 45 yards and a touchdown.
- Linebacker Darius Thomas: Didn’t play in 2025 after transferring from Louisville and Western Kentucky in the offseason.
- Safety Cameron Epps: Played one defensive snap without recording a stat in 2025.
- Kicker Gabe Panikowski: Didn’t play in 2025 after transferring from Idaho State in the offseason.
- Offensive lineman Noah McKinney: Started five games at right guard, earning a 64.1 Pro Football Focus rating.
- Cornerback Carrington Pierce: Didn’t play in 2025 after transferring from Chaffey Junior College in the offseason.
- Wide receiver Jaylen Lloyd: Played one snap, had a handoff for a one-yard gain.
- Offensive lineman Grant Seagren: Started seven games at right tackle and will finish out the 2025 season with the Cowboys.
Oklahoma State’s Struggles on the Field
It’s been a rough season. The Cowboys dropped to 1-7 after a 42-0 loss to No. 14 Texas Tech.
That blowout marked their first shutout since last season. Interim head coach Doug Meacham and interim defensive coordinator Clint Bowen spoke to the media after the game, trying to keep spirits up and focus on what’s next.
Coaching Staff’s Perspective
Meacham pointed out that the defense held Texas Tech to their lowest yardage total of the year. Even with the ugly score, he said he felt proud of the defense’s effort and the energy the guys brought.
He wants the team to move on from the loss and put their attention on the next game against Kansas. It’s easier said than done, but what else can you do?
Player Development and Challenges
Bowen talked about the defense’s progress and stressed the need for daily effort and a winning attitude. He benched two players during a Thursday practice for not meeting those standards.
Bowen gave the defensive line and linebackers credit for understanding run fits and playing hard with good pad level. It’s not all bad news, at least not in his eyes.
Looking Ahead: Oklahoma State’s Future
Meacham and Bowen still sound optimistic about what’s ahead. They think the Cowboys are close to turning things around, maybe even picking up a win soon.
The staff wants to build on the positives and keep the defense strong. It’s a tough road, but they’re not ready to throw in the towel.
Key Areas of Focus
Oklahoma State will need to keep an eye on a few things as they finish out the year:
- Defensive Consistency: The defense has to keep showing up, especially the line and linebackers.
- Player Development: Daily effort and growth matter more than ever right now.
- Quarterback Stability: They’ve got to figure out the quarterback spot if they want to get the offense moving.
Conclusion
The Oklahoma State Cowboys find themselves in a period of transition. They’re facing plenty of challenges, both on and off the field.
Key players have left through the transfer portal. The current season hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing, testing the team’s resilience at every turn.
The coaching staff isn’t giving up, though. They’re determined to build a stronger foundation and do whatever they can to turn things around.
If you want the latest updates on Oklahoma State’s transfer news and more details, check out the Oklahoma State midseason transfer portal tracker.
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