The firing of longtime Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy has sent shockwaves through the college football world and the OSU locker room. Almost immediately, a wave of players began entering the transfer portal, many of whom were regulars in the Cowboys’ week-to-week game plan. On the surface, this looks like a massive setback. Key contributors are walking out the door. Stability is disrupted. And to top it off, there’s no clear successor in place just yet.
But dig a little deeper, and there’s a case to be made that this reset—though painful—is not just necessary, but potentially beneficial for the long-term health of the program.
A Reflection of the Bigger Problem
Mike Gundy’s dismissal wasn’t random. It was the result of a trend that’s become too hard to ignore: declining production, especially in the win column. And while coaching schemes and player development fall squarely on the shoulders of the head coach, the personnel on the field plays a part, too.
The harsh truth? If wins weren't coming, then maybe it wasn’t just the coaching that was lacking—it could be the roster composition as well. A system-wide cleanse may have been overdue, not just from a schematic standpoint, but from a personnel one. The current exodus could be seen as the first real opportunity in years to do a full reset.
A Chance to Re-Evaluate the Foundation
With Gundy out, Oklahoma State now gets to reassess everything—from coaching philosophies to the depth chart. A new head coach brings new energy, a fresh approach, and most importantly, a clean slate. That also means a genuine opportunity to evaluate which players truly fit the new direction of the program.
Those choosing to leave likely don’t align with the vision that will be implemented moving forward which is perfectly fine. It’s better to know now who’s bought in and who’s not. The players who stay will be motivated, hungry, and eager to prove they belong. They could end up being cornerstones of the program’s future.
The False Narrative of a Total Overhaul
There's a common misconception that a new head coach always wants to “start from scratch” with a completely new roster. In reality, that's rarely the case. Continuity matters. Culture matters. A locker room isn’t built overnight, and experienced players who are already bought in are vital to bridging the gap between regimes.
That’s why the players who stick around should be seen as assets, not leftovers. They deserve a fair shot to impress the next coach and especially the younger players who may not have had their breakout moment yet.
The Youth Movement Begins
This transition creates a wide-open runway for underclassmen to shine. Take quarterback Hauss Hejny, for example. With increased reps, he’ll have every opportunity to develop and show what he can bring to the table. The same goes for freshman running back Rodney Fields, who has already flashed potential and now has the chance to become a foundational piece in this rebuild.
Expect more names to emerge and players who might’ve been buried on the depth chart but now step into larger roles. These aren’t just replacement bodies; they’re future leaders and difference-makers who will benefit from meaningful playing time in a transition year.
Embracing the Opportunity
Change is always uncomfortable, especially when it comes swiftly and unexpectedly. But not all change is bad. Sometimes, it’s the only way to break free from stagnation and move toward something greater. Though this transfer portal exodus may not seem like the best thing for the program right now, it could definitely help the future by finding diamond in the roughs and keying in on which areas on the roster need more attention.
Oklahoma State now has the rare opportunity to reshape its identity, top to bottom. While the transfer portal losses might sting today, they could be the very thing that clears the path for long-term success. This is a program that’s been on the edge of evolution for some time. Now, with fresh leadership and a renewed sense of direction, it has a chance to build something stronger, smarter, and more sustainable.