Mike Gundy talks OSU roster overhaul, team chemistry, and Big 12 depth in Interview with John Holcomb

With fall camp just weeks away, Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy opened up about the state of the program during an interview with News on 6 Sports Director John Holcomb. Gundy addressed a wave of roster and staff changes, the uncertainty of college football’s new era, and why he remains confident heading into his 21st season as head coach.

The Cowboys have brought in 65 new players, with 35 arriving after June 1, including 18 transfers. Remarkably, he said 12 to 14 of those newcomers could be playing in the first game, without ever having practiced with the team before.

“The uncertainty and unpredictability of college football just keeps going,” Gundy said. “People think if we’d had a better year last season, we wouldn’t be in a rebuild, but that’s not really true anymore. Everyone’s trying to raise their talent level at every position, just like the NFL with free agency.”

The Cowboys also underwent major staff changes, including the hiring of new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, who brought in eight new staff members with him. The shift resulted in the departure of some longtime coaches, a byproduct of the modern trend where coordinators don’t come alone.

Despite the turnover, Gundy remains confident in the direction of the program. “I like the coaches. These guys are workers, they’re grinders, aggressive recruiters,” he said. “The players seem to be getting to know each other, it’s a real challenge, but it’ll be interesting in August.”

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When it comes to team chemistry, Gundy used the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder as an example of what he’s preaching. “Everybody talks about how the Thunder like each other. It’s a college atmosphere. They’re unselfish, they play the right way,” Gundy said. “That’s what we’re looking for. But this year, that culture has to be built in August.”

While admitting it’s “unsettling” to not yet know who will start at key positions, he’s optimistic about the group. “I believe in what’s happening. I feel good about our players. I feel good about our coaches. And I feel good about our fans—we’re getting close to selling out. That support will be important.”

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As the Big 12 expands to 16 teams, Gundy echoed Commissioner Brett Yormark’s belief that the league may be the deepest in the country. “It’ll be competitive. You talk to coaches in this league and nobody knows who can beat who,” Gundy said. “The transfer portal just adds even more uncertainty.”

With fall camp on the horizon and a fresh-faced roster full of potential, Gundy knows August will be critical: “We’ll just have to trust that we have a good August. If we do, I think we’ll be just fine.”