A New Era for the Cowboys
Eric Morris arrived in Stillwater with a clear mandate: reshape a program that had seen most of its contributors depart for other opportunities. The coaching staff inherited a squad that was essentially brand new, with only a small fraction of last year's lineup returning to the field.
The turnover was stark. Just ten percent of the previous roster remained, placing Oklahoma State among the teams with the lowest retention rates in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Yet, the statistical profile of the remaining group tells a different story: the program now ranks third nationally in total career snaps, a testament to the depth of experience accumulated through the transfer portal.
That experience manifests in the numbers that matter most. The Cowboys sit inside the Top Ten for offensive snaps, defensive snaps, total games played and starting lineups, indicating that the veterans who have arrived bring a level of readiness that few teams can match. Such metrics suggest a foundation that can be built upon, even as chemistry is still being forged.
Recruiting efforts have been aggressive. Nearly twenty former North Texas players have joined the program, adding not only talent but also familiarity with the offensive schemes that Morris and his staff prefer. This influx has been complemented by the arrival of key figures such as Drew Mestemaker, Caleb Hawkins and Wyatt Young, each of whom brings a distinct skill set that could influence the team's performance on both sides of the ball.
Building cohesion will be the next critical step. While the talent pool is deep, the speed at which the new pieces click together will determine whether the Cowboys can translate experience into on‑field success. Early practices have shown flashes of promise, but the coaching staff knows that sustained chemistry is essential for any hope of competing in the highly competitive Big 12 landscape.
The transition also marks the end of an era for Mike Gundy, whose long tenure had defined the program's identity. As the team moves forward under Morris, the blend of veteran savvy and fresh energy creates a narrative that could reshape expectations for Oklahoma State football in the coming season.