Oklahoma State football finds itself at a critical turning point. With the Mike Gundy era officially in the rearview and questions swirling about the program’s direction, the Cowboys are searching for a fresh identity. Fortunately, there’s a blueprint worth borrowing, the one laid out by Curt Cignetti at Indiana. In just his first year in Bloomington, Cignetti took a struggling Hoosiers program and transformed it into a national contender. Indiana finished the season with only one loss and earned a spot in the College Football Playoff. That rapid turnaround offers a powerful example of what’s possible with the right leadership, strategy, and urgency.
Building Culture First, Talent Second
When Cignetti arrived at Indiana, he didn’t try to patch holes or make small tweaks. He immediately focused on building a new standard. Culture came first. He established expectations, held players accountable, and created an atmosphere built on toughness, discipline, and belief. That shift in mindset laid the groundwork for everything else. It wasn’t about waiting for elite recruits or finding a miracle player — it was about building something sustainable from day one.
Oklahoma State will need that same mindset. After years of being a consistent presence in the Big 12, the program has lost some of its edge. Restoring belief within the locker room and the fan base will require a coach who commands respect and sets the tone early. The Cowboys can’t afford a “wait and see” transition. They need someone who brings clarity and structure immediately.
Buying Low on High-Upside Transfers
While culture was the foundation, Cignetti also worked the transfer portal with precision. Rather than chasing high-profile names he knew he might not get in year 1, he focused on players with proven production who had flown under the radar. These guys were often from lower-level programs. Many of those players followed him from James Madison, where they had already bought into his system and identity. Others came from smaller schools but had the skillset and mentality to thrive at the Power Four level. They had a chip on their shoulder mentality that fits the style Coach Cignetti ignites into his team.
Oklahoma State has to be just as aggressive and just as smart. With the 2026 recruiting class currently ranked near the bottom of the Power Five, the Cowboys don’t have the luxury of waiting for high school talent to develop over three or four years. The portal offers immediate help, and OSU needs to treat it as the primary tool for reshaping its roster. The focus should be on finding experienced players who bring maturity, hunger, and untapped potential.
Finding the QB That Fits the System
Perhaps the most critical decision Cignetti made was at quarterback. Last year, he brought in Kurtis Rourke from Ohio University — a steady, veteran passer who helped lead Indiana to the playoff. But Cignetti didn’t stop there. This year, he followed that up by landing Fernando Mendoza, and the move has turned out to be a masterstroke. Mendoza has not only kept Indiana at the top of the national rankings but has also emerged as a leading Heisman candidate and a top NFL Draft prospect. His rise has helped validate the program’s new identity and proven that Indiana’s success wasn’t a one-year fluke.
For Oklahoma State, the quarterback decision will be just as pivotal. The next head coach will need to find a player, likely through the portal, who not only fits the offensive scheme but can lead immediately. A strong quarterback can elevate the entire roster and accelerate the rebuild. If OSU can land a high-upside passer with multiple years of eligibility and a high ceiling, it could jumpstart a return to relevance.
Why This Model Works — and What OSU Must Do
Indiana’s approach under Cignetti worked because it was both bold and grounded. It started with an unshakable culture, was powered by smart roster construction through the portal, and was elevated by exceptional quarterback play. In just one year, Indiana went from being overlooked to being feared — and they’ve followed it up with another undefeated start to the 2025 season. It wasn’t a one-hit wonder. It was a strategy that blended vision, urgency, and execution.
Oklahoma State is in a position to do the same. The program has history, resources, and a winning tradition. What it needs now is direction. A coach who brings identity and intensity. A quarterback who can deliver right away. And a roster filled with players who have something to prove and everything to gain. The window for a quick resurgence is there. But it won’t happen by accident — it has to be earned through bold, immediate action.
If Oklahoma State takes the Indiana model seriously, it could find itself right back in the Big 12 title race, and potentially much more, sooner than anyone expects.