Oklahoma State loses key defensive tackle Justin Kirkland to transfer portal

Oklahoma State defensive tackle Justin Kirkland entered the transfer portal as a graduate transfer on Monday, according to reports from 247Sports’ Chris Hummer.

The 6-foot-3, 335-pound lineman played in 26 games for the Cowboys over the past two seasons, recording 40 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and a sack.

“Oklahoma State has truly been one of the biggest blessings in my life,” Kirkland wrote in a post on X. “From the moment I arrived in Stillwater, I was welcomed with open arms by the fans, my teammates, and the entire OSU community. … This decision was not easy, and it does not change the love and pride I have for Oklahoma State. Cowboy Nation, thank you for everything. I will always be proud to say I was a Cowboy, and Stillwater will always feel like home.”

Kirkland, a native of West Haven, Utah, originally signed with Utah Tech after completing a religious mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He later transferred to Oklahoma State ahead of the 2023 season

In 2023, Kirkland made six starts, recording 22 tackles, three tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries, and two pass deflections. This past season, he made one start and finished with 18 tackles, 11 tackles for loss.