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, with North Texas transfer Drew Mestemaker taking over at quarterback. 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 they return only two of their top eleven: Trip White and Malik Charles. 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 after making six starts, while UCLA transfer linebacker Isaiah Chisom adds 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. With a new coaching staff, major roster turnover, and almost an entirely new offense, Oklahoma State enters 2026 looking to replace its top seven tacklers and build around several North Texas transfers who followed Morris to Stillwater.