Oklahoma State Braces for Major Roster Shifts After Coaching Hire

As Oklahoma State navigates a coaching change and a shifting transfer landscape, the coming weeks promise significant roster movement and recruiting developments worth tracking.

The transfer portal may not officially open nationwide until January 2, but Oklahoma State’s roster movement is already well underway - and things are only going to pick up speed now that the Cowboys have their new head coach in place.

After Mike Gundy’s departure, OSU players were granted a 30-day transfer window, as per NCAA rules. But just weeks later, the rulebook shifted again.

Now, schools that hire a new head coach get a 15-day transfer window starting five days after the hire is made. With Eric Morris officially announced as the Cowboys’ new head coach last week, that clock is about to start ticking.

Translation: buckle up. The next few weeks are going to be busy in Stillwater.

Let’s break down what’s already happened - and what’s coming next - as Oklahoma State navigates the early stages of a pivotal offseason.


Cowboys Already in the Portal

The first wave of departures is already in motion, and while some names are still waiting on their next destination, a few players have already found new homes.

  • Shea Freibaum (LS) is headed to Texas A&M, a move that gives the Aggies a proven long snapper with experience in pressure situations.
  • Michael Riles (DL) is transferring to Toledo, where he’ll look to carve out a bigger role along the defensive front.
  • Noah McKinney (OL) is bound for TCU, staying in the Big 12 and adding depth to the Horned Frogs’ offensive line.

The rest of the list includes several defensive backs and skill players who are still exploring their options:

  • DeAndre Boykins (S)
  • Dylan Smith (S)
  • David Kabongo (S)
  • Cameron Epps (S)
  • Carrington Pierce (CB)
  • Darius Thomas (LB)
  • Josh Ford (TE)
  • Jaylen Lloyd (WR)
  • Tre Griffiths (WR)
  • Grant Seagren (OL)

It’s a sizable group, especially in the secondary - a clear sign that the new coaching staff will need to prioritize depth and experience in the defensive backfield, whether through the portal or high school recruiting.


High School Commitments: The Next Generation

While the portal gets most of the headlines, Oklahoma State is also building the foundation for the future through high school recruiting. The Cowboys have already landed several key commitments across both sides of the ball.

Here’s a look at the names to know:

  • Braeden Presley (DB) - Bixby (OK): A versatile defensive back with strong instincts and a nose for the football.
  • Landon Bland (Edge) - Carthage (MO): A high-motor edge rusher who brings physicality and upside off the edge.
  • Maliek Bracy (DB) - Argyle (TX): Another addition to the secondary, Bracy adds speed and coverage ability.
  • Carter Langenderfer (DB) - Owasso (OK): A local product with solid fundamentals and room to develop.
  • Julius Wilson (WR) - Owasso (OK): A dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field and create after the catch.
  • Sunia Vuki (OL) - Folsom (CA): A powerful lineman from a respected California program, Vuki could be a future anchor up front.

These commitments represent the early building blocks for Eric Morris’ first recruiting class - and with the early signing period just around the corner, more names could be added to the list soon.


What’s Next?

With the 15-day transfer window about to open following Morris’ hiring, expect more clarity - and likely more movement - in the coming days. Whether it’s players leaving, newcomers arriving, or recruits reaffirming their commitments, this is a crucial stretch for Oklahoma State as it retools under new leadership.

The Cowboys are entering a new era, and the next few weeks will go a long way in shaping what that era looks like. Stay tuned - this offseason is just getting started.