For Oklahoma State, the storms in Stillwater have been hard to ignore. Between coaching changes, roster turnover, and the uncertainty that follows a once-unshakable leader’s departure, the Cowboys are navigating rough terrain. And yet, through it all, they’re refusing to fold despite the losses starting to pile up.
Arizona dealt a stinging 41–13 loss, coming just days after the program parted ways with longtime head coach Mike Gundy and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. That kind of upheaval is rarely seamless or smooth. Some players left via the transfer portal. Others redshirted instead of chasing an immediate move. But amid all that, the core message from those who remain has been unambiguous: “We’ll fight,” as interim defensive coordinator Clint Bowen put it.
“All We Need Is 11”: Fighting Through the Flux
Bowen’s approach reflects the broader mentality on the roster now.
"“I’m not even going to worry about the portal,” he said. His eyes are fixed not on those who leave, but on those who stay. “We’ve got kids who want to play … all we need is 11. If we got 11, we’ll go fight.”"OSU DC Clint Bowen
Interim head coach Doug Meacham echoed a similar sentiment. The instability, he suggested, has become part of the business. You adapt, you deal, you work with what you have. He compared it to trading on the stock market—unpredictable, chaotic, but still part of the game.
For the players, the change is tangible. One day you see a familiar face at practice. The next day, someone else is in that same spot. Still, many of them say they’ve embraced the reality.
“We’re all cool with each other,” said safety Parker Robertson. “It’s sad to see a brother go, but … next man up. That’s just the business we’re in now.” This message has been a common one amongst the players in the locker room. The players understand this is more of a business now than ever before so business decisions will be made.
"“Just because Coach Gundy is gone doesn’t mean we can’t represent what Oklahoma State football is … we’re going to fight and battle … for Oklahoma State University and just be the best Cowboys we can be.”"OSU Offensive Lineman Noah McKinney
Legacy Isn’t Given—It’s Earned Now
The storyline here isn’t about doom or decline. It’s about recalibration and grit. The Cowboys find themselves in a test of identity: who are we without the coach, without the stability, without the easy expectations? Those that stay and weather this storm will have even more satisfactionwith eveyrthing going on. This is a big test for players mentally and physically to push themselves to new limits.
Every step forward now carries extra weight. Every win, every effort in practice, every fight to stay mentally sharp in the face of chaos—they all matter more than ever. For the players who stayed, it’s not about nostalgia. It’s about making their own moment, rising to demand respect, and proving that Oklahoma State football isn’t defined by who’s gone—but by who has the fortitude to stay.