Oklahoma State will be without one of its most experienced voices on the court for the rest of the season. Forward Robert Jennings II, who’s been sidelined for over a month with a nagging hip injury, is officially shutting it down for the year and will take a medical redshirt.
Jennings made the announcement himself, posting a heartfelt message to fans, teammates, and coaches. “It hurts not being able to compete,” he wrote, “but the goal hasn’t changed. I’m embracing the grind, trusting the process and looking forward to being back out there at 100% next year.”
That mentality - gritty, focused, and team-first - is exactly what’s made Jennings such a respected presence in Stillwater, even if his time on the floor has been limited this season.
Head coach Steve Lutz echoed that sentiment, calling the situation “incredibly disappointing” for a player who’s worked tirelessly to get back on the court. Jennings underwent offseason surgery to address the hip issue, but the recovery hasn’t gone as planned. After consulting with team doctors, the decision was made to prioritize long-term health.
“We’re certainly going to miss him on the floor,” Lutz said, “but Rob will continue to lead and support this team in a big way behind the scenes.”
And that leadership still matters - a lot. Jennings isn’t just another name on the roster.
He’s a veteran who’s seen the grind of Big 12 basketball up close. After spending two seasons at Texas Tech, he transferred to Oklahoma State ahead of the 2024-25 campaign and quickly carved out a role, averaging 5.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in just over 16 minutes per game.
This season, he managed to appear in only three games before the injury sidelined him again. But even in limited action, he remained a steady presence, putting up four points and four rebounds per game in just 13 minutes of floor time.
For a young Cowboys team still finding its identity under Lutz, losing Jennings is more than just a hit to the rotation - it’s a loss of a calming, experienced voice in the locker room. But the silver lining is clear: Jennings isn’t going anywhere. He’ll still be around the team, still leading, still pushing his teammates - just not in a jersey.
And if his message is any indication, don’t expect this to be the last we hear from Robert Jennings II. He’s already got his eyes on next season.