The “I’m a man. I’m 40” era is over in Stillwater, as Mike Gundy’s 21-year run ended following a 1-11 season. Eric Morris and several members of his North Texas staff take over a program that went winless in Big 12 play last year and face near-complete roster turnover. Offensive coordinator Sean Brophy follows Morris to Stillwater to rebuild the offense around North Texas transfer quarterback Drew Mestemaker. Running back Caleb Hawkins and receiver Wyatt Young also follow Morris from North Texas, while Illinois transfer Justin Bowick, Wake Forest transfer Chris Barnes, and former LSU tight end Donovan Green provide additional options in the passing game. The Cowboys also feature a completely rebuilt offensive line, with Oklahoma transfer Jacob Sexton bringing 14 career starts despite making just one last season. Michigan State transfer Ashton Lepo also joins the group after making two starts in 2025. Update (Sept. 21): OL Jacob Sexton suffered a season-ending lower-leg injury in the opener against Tulsa and will miss the remainder of the 2026 season.
Skyler Cassity follows Morris from North Texas as Oklahoma State’s new defensive coordinator. The Cowboys must replace their top seven tacklers from last season, and only two of their top eleven return: Trip White and Malik Charles. That leaves the defense with significant turnover and a thin core of proven production. Among the returning defensive players, LaDainian Fields and Kale Smith bring the most starting experience, each making six starts last season. Florida State transfer James Williams joins the defense with six starts, while UCLA transfer linebacker Isaiah Chisom brings 10 starts of experience.
Drew Svoboda takes over as special teams coordinator, with SMU transfer Sam Keltner leading the competition at placekicker and Stephen F. Austin transfer Lachie Pozzobon leading at punter. Wake Forest transfer Chris Barnes brings experience to the kick-return game after averaging 37.7 yards per return last season, while North Texas transfer Miles Coleman provides an option at punt returner.
Update (Oct. 14): Oklahoma State has emerged as an early surprise of the 2026 season, opening 4-1 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play while climbing to No. 18 in the AP rankings. Drew Mestemaker has delivered four consecutive 300-yard passing performances with multiple touchdowns, while Caleb Hawkins has established himself as the lead running back. The Cowboys have already improved significantly under Eric Morris despite extensive roster turnover and the loss of Jacob Sexton at offensive tackle.