Oklahoma State entered the 2026 season with a clear strategy: rebuild through the transfer portal. Under new head coach Eric Morris, the program announced a commitment to bring in nearly 90 players, a mix of seasoned veterans and high‑potential newcomers, to overhaul both sides of the ball.
At the center of the offensive revamp is quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who transferred from North Texas after leading FBS in passing yards last year. His familiarity with Morris and the offensive staff gives the Cowboys a proven playmaker ready to command the huddle from day one.
The backfield will feature running back Caleb Hawkins, a North Texas standout who set an NCAA record for combined touchdowns by a true freshman and amassed nearly 1,500 rushing yards. Joining him at receiver is Wyatt Young, who posted 70 catches for 1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns in his last season with the Mean Green.
Defensive Reinforcements
Linebacker Ethan Wesloski, a second‑team All‑American who recorded 113 tackles at North Texas, headlines a defensive group that also includes Isaiah Chisom, who tallied 84 stops and two forced fumbles at UCLA. Their presence is expected to tighten a unit that struggled defensively in the previous season.
In the secondary, cornerback Mo Horn brings four years of starting experience from Texas Tech, where he logged 56 tackles and 31 solo stops. Safety Quinton Hammonds, another North Texas transfer, earned national notice for his performance against Navy, intercepting two passes and forcing a sack.
The offensive line will benefit from versatility provided by Jacob Sexton, who can slide between left tackle, right tackle and left guard after a stint at Oklahoma. Protecting Mestemaker’s blind side, left tackle Braydon Nelson, also a North Texas transfer, earned high grades in the American Conference and is praised for his consistency.
Adding depth to the defensive front, DT Jerry Lawson arrives from Louisville, bringing a focus on improving a run defense that was among the nation’s weakest last year. The collective impact of these transfers could reshape the Cowboys’ competitive outlook in 2026.