Oklahoma State Cowboys 2025 College Football Preview, Prediction, Betting insights

Oklahoma State

View from afar: From a purely vibes perspective, this 'Pokes team is undoubtedly heading to the Big 12 title game, right?! That would be the Mike Gundy effect in full force! Last season the Cowboys were loaded up with returning production, the Doak Walker winner in Ollie Gordon in the backfield, skill position galore, and a hot pick to win the Big 12, boy did they lay an egg. Going 3-9 was a major letdown and the drubbing at the hands of Colorado 52-0 felt like the team had quit on the legendary coach. To be fair to Gundy, the QB play at times last year was an abomination, and head-scratching decisions cost them constantly throughout the season. Gundy blew it up and brought in Meachem, a former Cowboy, to run the offense, a sneaky move I liked, as he brought Hejny(QB) with him. Defensively, Gundy hired Grantham, who was working for the Saints, and Nick Saban as an analyst before that, which was more of a wildcard, no doubt. Mike Gundy did what many coaches don't: he evolved and made changes fast. Embracing NIL, ripping the band-aid off with some coaches, and even reworking his deal to get more funds for players. This certainly feels like a roulette wheel team, but Gundy always seems to pull a rabbit out of the hat when you don't expect much, and some of his moves this offseason are certainly intriguing.

Recruiting: Oklahoma State came in with the 12th-ranked class in the conference; in '24, they came in at 10. Gundy has a 3-star factory going in Stillwater. Let's see who develops this year.

Portal: Gundy went portaling this offseason bringing in 39 transfers! Losing Stribling (WR) to Ole Miss hurts as does Daniels (S) to instate rival Oklahoma. Key additions Hejny (QB) Former 4 star QB comes over from TCU. McCoy (LB) was solid for Colorado and knows the league. The one I'm really excited about is Duhon (DL UTEP) he graded out well in CUSA as a freshman lets see how he does stepping up a level!

Roster outlook: If we assume Hejny will get the first crack at the job, we will have to see who is blocking for him. A totally re-tooled transfer-laden group is hard to predict. New O-line coach Bassett was a former player under Gundy. I like that. he also brought over Monney (TE) and Brosseau (TE), so I assume he thinks they are good! Rigby and Fitzpatrick (WR) come over from Purdue and Marshall respectively but the one I'm excited to see if he can make an impact is Terrill Davis, he come's over from Central Oklahoma and had over 1,600 yards receiving, I hope he gets some burn! Defensively, I am intrigued to see if SEC transfers White, Gregory, and Johnson (LB, EDGE, CB, respectively) make an impact.

Statistical tidbits: Oklahoma State ranked 114th nationally last year in expected turnover margin according to Bill Connelley, I was surprised it wasn't lower given the QB play a year ago. Oklahoma State gave up an eye watering 511 yards per game last season ranking third bottom in the nation, this defense was porous and seemed to lack fight and care, you hope Grantham gets that right from the jump.

Schedule: Road trip to Eugene, Gundy magic v Oregon?? Very unlikely but a fun non-conference game none the less, at Texas Tech is the toughest conference road game. You do get Baylor, K-State and Iowa State coming to Stillwater. Seven games without a bye to start league play is not ideal, this team will need to be Buttoned up from the jump.

Prediction: As much as I would love to call this team a dark horse with some serious Gundy magic. I just can't get there with the roster. I love some of the move's bringing over Hejny from TCU with Meachem coming over from the Horned Frogs. But man, it's a re-tool in so many spots. The o-line is a legit mystery how it will fare, the RB room and WR's are also quite unproven. But the defense does intrigue me, especially if these SEC transfers hit! I will say Oklahoma State goes 7-5 and gets one big W. Beware, beware, Kansas State who the 'pokes will be getting off a bye in Stillwater. Gundy ate some humble pie after last year, and I like the move's he made, he finds ways to evolve and adapt, embracing the portal and getting the defense buttoned up with Grantham will go a long way in Stillwater.

Actionable: Over 4.5 wins (DK)- My word, no respect for Gundy here. They had an abhorrent year last season, but Gundy seems to roll his sleeves up when the back is against the wall. You don't get rich typically going against Vegas, but this feels too low.