The Oklahoma State Cowboys have made a monumental decision—they’re parting ways with their long-time head coach, Mike Gundy. It’s honestly the end of an era for OSU football, since Gundy was the winningest coach in the program’s history.
This move opens the door for big changes, especially with the NCAA transfer portal and redshirt options now in play for the players. Let’s talk about what this means for the Cowboys and how the NCAA rules factor in.
The End of an Era: Mike Gundy’s Departure
Mike Gundy’s time at Oklahoma State was, well, pretty remarkable. He led the Cowboys to plenty of victories and bowl games, building a legacy that won’t be forgotten soon.
But the decision to fire Gundy points to a new direction for OSU football. The reasons? They’re complicated—some say performance, others just want a fresh start.
Immediate Impact on Players
With Gundy gone, players now have a 30-day window to jump into the NCAA transfer portal. The Next College Student Athlete (NCSA) enforces this rule, letting athletes look for other programs without getting penalized.
It’s not the first time this has happened this season. UCLA and Virginia Tech also fired their head coaches and opened up transfer windows for their teams.
- UCLA: Fired head coach DeShaun Foster on September 14.
- Virginia Tech: Fired head coach Brent Pry on the same day.
For OSU players who decide to transfer, they’ll be able to practice with their new teams, but they can’t play in games this season. The idea here is to give student-athletes some stability when coaches change.
NCAA Transfer Portal: A Game Changer
The NCAA transfer portal has really changed college sports. Now, student-athletes have more say in their futures, and the 30-day window after a coach leaves is a huge part of that.
This window gives players a real chance to weigh their options and figure out what’s best for them.
OSU’s Current Season and Redshirt Options
Right now, OSU has played three games and sits at 1-2. Players who stick around can choose to redshirt this season.
The NCAA’s Division I council approved a rule in 2018 that lets student-athletes play in up to four games during their redshirt year and still keep a year of eligibility. That’s a big deal for anyone wanting to develop skills without burning a year.
Especially now, with all the uncertainty, the redshirt rule gives players a chance to adjust to new coaching without losing eligibility. It’s a bit of a safety net.
Looking Ahead: The Future of OSU Football
Firing Mike Gundy is a bold move by Oklahoma State. The next big step is finding a new head coach who can lead the team into whatever comes next.
Fans, alumni, and honestly, just about everyone in college football will be watching this process closely.
Recruitment and Team Dynamics
The new coach will have a lot on their plate—rebuilding the roster, keeping morale up, and figuring out recruitment. The transfer portal is both a challenge and an opportunity here.
Attracting top talent will matter more than ever. And for the players who stay, they’ll need to get used to new coaching styles and strategies. Building a strong, cohesive team won’t be easy, but it’s essential.
Fan and Alumni Reactions
The decision to move on from Mike Gundy has sparked a lot of emotions from fans and alumni. Some folks think it’s the right call for the future, while others are genuinely sad to see this chapter close.
Whoever steps in as head coach will need to connect with the community and build trust if the program’s going to move forward with everyone on board.
Conclusion
Oklahoma State just fired Mike Gundy. That’s a pretty big moment for the program, honestly.
The NCAA transfer portal and redshirt options give players more ways to control their futures. Some might decide to move on, while others could stick around and see what happens next.
OSU now has to find a new head coach. Whoever takes the job will need to pull the team together and try to make something happen over the next few seasons.
If you want all the details about Gundy leaving and what it could mean, check out the full article on the Oklahoman.
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