The latest update from ESPN’s 2026 football recruiting rankings has sent a sobering message to Oklahoma State fans: the Cowboys didn’t even crack the top 50. As of now, OSU sits at a staggering No. 109 nationally. This number is extremely alarming and underscores a troubling trend and signals deeper problems for the program moving forward.
A Concerning Multi-Year Trend
This isn’t a sudden dip. Oklahoma State’s high school recruiting struggles have been a recurring issue in recent years. According to 247Sports, the Cowboys ranked 45th in 2023, 63rd in 2024, and 55th in the 2025 cycle. Failing to reach the national top 40 for four straight cycles paints a picture of a program that’s slowly slipping behind its peers on the recruiting trail. But the 2026 class, currently ranked outside the top 100, could mark a new low.
Fallout From Mike Gundy’s Departure
A major contributor to this recruiting slide is the recent firing of longtime head coach Mike Gundy. While Gundy’s tenure had its ups and downs, his presence offered continuity, something that high school recruits often value. Although Oklahoma State's recruiting ranking wasn't anything great before the firing, he did keep them somewhat afloat. With his departure, several previously committed recruits have decommitted or paused their commitments to explore other programs.
That doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t return to Stillwater, but even the act of reconsidering their options is a worrying sign. The uncertainty around the coaching future makes it harder to secure, and retain, top talent.
New Coach, Big Job
Whoever Oklahoma State hires next will inherit a program at a crossroads. Not only will they need to stabilize the locker room and coaching staff, but they’ll also face the immediate challenge of salvaging a recruiting class that’s nearly off the national radar.
But realistically, the 2026 class won’t be much help in year one. That puts the pressure on the transfer portal, which has become the modern lifeline for programs looking for a quick competitive reset. Bringing in players that fit the clear vision of the next coach will be very important, not just for the 2026 season, but also for instilling the culture for the next generation that comes in years after.
Portal Power: A Fast-Track to Competitiveness
If Oklahoma State wants to remain relevant in the Big 12 then the transfer portal will be the next coach's most critical tool. With a 2026 class unlikely to move the needle, the portal offers a chance to bring in experienced talent who can compete immediately.
This isn’t about rebuilding from the ground up. Oklahoma State isn’t starting over. It’s more of a retool — one that demands precision, speed, and vision. The coach needs to come in ready to hit the ground running and he should have the opportunity for a quick transition. Many other teams have shown this to be possible and now it's up to Oklahoma State to learn from those other examples to use the lessons into their own now.
Urgency With a Side of Patience
Make no mistake: the Oklahoma State athletic department expects to win. Years of consistent success under Gundy built a winning culture, and this current downturn doesn’t sit well in Stillwater. While there will be patience for a new coach to establish his footing, urgency will also be baked into the job.
The challenge is clear: stabilize the program, own the transfer portal, and re-establish OSU as a top-25 recruiting destination in the coming years. The Cowboys aren’t used to this kind of uncertainty — and they don’t plan to get used to it.