The post-Mike Gundy era at Oklahoma State was always expected to bring change. A 30-day transfer window opened the door for players to explore new opportunities, and many Cowboys have already walked through it. But none sting quite like this one.
Oklahoma State has officially lost its top offensive lineman, Noah McKinney, to the transfer portal. The 6-foot-4, 330-pound right guard has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise rocky season for the Cowboys, and his departure is a significant blow to both production and leadership.
A Hot Commodity in the Portal
It didn’t take long for programs across the country to come calling. According to a report from On3’s Pete Nakos, McKinney has already drawn interest from a long list of schools, including Illinois, Michigan State, Florida State, Utah, and Baylor and more will almost certainly follow. With one year of eligibility remaining, McKinney represents an immediate upgrade for programs in need of proven offensive line talent.
His appeal is clear. Pro Football Focus ranks McKinney as the No. 57 offensive lineman in the country, highlighted by an impressive 82.7 pass-blocking grade (minimum 100 snaps). That kind of consistency in protection is rare and highly coveted, especially for teams looking to keep quarterbacks upright in pass-heavy systems.
Against Baylor earlier this season, McKinney didn’t allow a single pressure in 78 snaps. On the year, he’s allowed just four pressures and two sacks. That kind of performance makes him one of the most reliable pass protectors in the portal.
Big Loss in Production and Leadership
For Oklahoma State, the impact goes beyond the numbers. McKinney had become a stabilizing presence on a team in turmoil. With the coaching staff in flux and results not going the Cowboys’ way, his consistency on the line was one of the few constants. Losing him not only leaves a hole in the starting lineup, but also removes a veteran presence from the locker room during a period of major transition.
It’s not just about 2025 either. McKinney transferred into Stillwater from UNLV and quickly became one of the most dependable linemen on the roster. His departure highlights the very real challenge Oklahoma State faces in retaining key talent amid program uncertainty.
A Logical Move for McKinney
From McKinney’s perspective, the move makes sense. With one year left to play, he has a chance to join a more stable program with a clearer path toward winning. Whether that means competing for a Power Four title or simply finishing his career on a team with strong offensive line infrastructure, it’s a valuable opportunity for him to help another program reach the next level and also further develop his potential draft status.
A Symbol of the New Era in Stillwater
Roster turnover was inevitable after Gundy’s exit. The combination of coaching uncertainty, the transfer portal, and NIL has changed the landscape of college football. Programs are no longer just preparing for incoming recruits, they’re constantly fighting to retain their existing stars.
For Oklahoma State, the loss of Noah McKinney is a reminder of how fragile things can be during a rebuild. It's not just about finding the next coach—it's about keeping enough talent around to make the next era successful. McKinney’s departure might be just one of many, but it’s unquestionably the most painful one so far.