With Oklahoma State football facing an uncertain future under longtime head coach Mike Gundy, attention has started to shift toward potential successors. One name that continues to surface is Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle. Though still young and relatively new to the college football spotlight, Arbuckle has quickly built a reputation as one of the most innovative offensive minds in the game.
Everyone is searching for the next rising coach before it’s too late—and Arbuckle could be that next name. With a résumé that continues to grow with each passing season, he’s becoming harder to ignore. Let’s take a look at the pros, cons, and possible barriers that could shape the chances of this becoming a reality.
Offensive Innovation and Quarterback Development
Arbuckle’s coaching résumé may be short, but it's impactful. He has already proven his ability to develop quarterbacks and construct high-powered offenses. From Western Kentucky to Washington State, and now Oklahoma, Arbuckle’s systems have consistently produced explosive results and elevated quarterback play.
His track record speaks for itself: he played a role in the development of Bailey Zappe, former No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward, and is currently grooming John Mateer into a rising star. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State has fallen behind in this area. While quarterback play has been solid, it hasn’t reached the elite level needed to compete for championships. The Cowboys' offense has often leaned too heavily on the run, with a lack of creativity in play-calling from game to game—or even season to season.
Predictability is a death sentence in modern college football, where defensive coordinators adjust weekly. For a program that once thrived on creative, high-scoring offenses, Arbuckle represents a return to that identity.
Youth, Energy, and Modern Thinking
At just 29 years old, Arbuckle is part of a new wave of college football coaching—one driven by analytics, tempo, and adaptability. Across the country, programs are turning to younger coaches who bring fresh perspectives and can better connect with today’s players. This isn't a knock on veteran coaches, but the game has changed. Those who don’t adapt are falling behind.
Arbuckle fits that new mold perfectly. His energy, flexibility, and aggressive offensive philosophy are exactly what programs like Oklahoma State need to stay competitive in an evolving Big 12. It would be a bold move—similar to Arizona State hiring Kenny Dillingham, who quickly turned that program around and made them nationally relevant.
With conference realignment and playoff expansion shifting the power dynamics of college football, forward-thinking leadership is more important than ever.
In-State Familiarity and Regional Credibility
Though Arbuckle currently resides on the other side of the Bedlam rivalry, his success at Oklahoma only strengthens his credibility. He understands the region, the recruiting landscape, and the rivalries that define Big 12 football.
This is a major factor when considering a transition after more than two decades under Mike Gundy. The program has thrived on continuity, and while change is difficult, regional familiarity could help ease the transition. Arbuckle’s knowledge of what it takes to win in this conference could be invaluable.
His offensive vision could help Oklahoma State reclaim its footing—on the field and in recruiting battles across Oklahoma and Texas. This type of calculated risk could pay off big in terms of attracting both high school talent and transfer portal players who want to play in a dynamic offensive system.
The Challenges: Experience and Risk
Of course, hiring Arbuckle would come with risk. But every major coaching hire does. The key is to make it a calculated risk—one where the potential upside outweighs the concerns.
Arbuckle has never been a head coach. While he’s proven himself as a play-caller, managing an entire program is a different challenge altogether. A head coach must hire staff, manage the media, deal with donors, and most importantly, build a sustainable culture. Gus Malzahn, for example, has openly discussed how being a head coach didn’t always allow him to be himself—even with his success.
Given the stability Oklahoma State has enjoyed under Gundy, the administration may prefer someone with previous head coaching experience. They may opt for a more established candidate who has already proven himself in a top role.
There are financial considerations as well. If Oklahoma wants to retain Arbuckle, they could increase his salary to make him less poachable. OSU would need to be prepared to make a competitive offer. Additionally, internal politics within the athletic department could play a role. Boosters and decision-makers may have differing views on hiring a young, offensive-minded coach from a rival program.
These are all valid questions to consider when evaluating whether Arbuckle is the right person to lead the program back to national relevance.
A Broader Trend in College Football
Arbuckle’s candidacy also reflects a broader shift in both college football and the NFL. The sport is trending toward hiring creative, innovative minds—coaches in the mold of Sean McVay, Matt LaFleur, or even Andy Reid. Programs are gambling on young offensive minds to lead turnarounds.
Defense may still win championships, but offense wins games—and you can’t win championships without winning games first. The era of waiting for coaches to rack up decades of experience is fading. Modern coaches are surrounding themselves with talented support staff to manage responsibilities while focusing on innovation and player development.
Schools want excitement. They want momentum. Arbuckle brings both in spades. His rapid rise reflects a new generation of coaches poised to define the next era of college football.
Final Thoughts
If Mike Gundy’s tenure at Oklahoma State is indeed nearing its end, the program is at a crossroads. In Ben Arbuckle, OSU may find more than just a promising young coach—they could find a symbol of a new identity.
Yes, there are risks in hiring someone so young and relatively unproven. But in college football, risk and reward often go hand in hand. This might be an opportunity Oklahoma State can't afford to miss. With recruiting struggling and the current roster facing uncertainty, the energy Arbuckle could bring might be exactly what the Cowboys need. He might not just be a speculative name on a list—but the right coach at the right time.
And if Oklahoma State wants to stay ahead of the curve and find a quicker turnaround, they may need to act boldly—before someone else takes the chance first.