In recent years, the transfer portal has become a game-changer for college football programs, allowing teams to quickly fill gaps in their rosters with experienced talent. While powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State have generally dominated the transfer portal recruiting scene, smaller programs have also found ways to make a significant impact. One such program that has quietly overachieved in the transfer portal is Oklahoma State University.
Oklahoma State has long been a competitive team in the Big 12, but in 2025, they are taking a major step forward, largely due to their innovative and strategic approach to the transfer portal. By bringing in key contributors from across the nation, head coach Mike Gundy has not only bolstered the Cowboys’ roster but has also positioned them to be a contender in the conference and potentially on the national stage.
### The Transfer Portal Advantage: Oklahoma State’s Smart Strategy
When the NCAA implemented the transfer portal in 2018, it radically changed the landscape of college football recruiting. No longer bound by the restrictions of traditional recruiting cycles, athletes now have the ability to transfer with greater ease and make an immediate impact at their new school. For programs like Oklahoma State, this has been a double-edged sword: while some teams with larger recruiting budgets and higher visibility can attract big-name talent, smaller programs must rely on strategy, careful scouting, and a deep understanding of their team’s needs to make the most of their transfer portal opportunities.
In 2025, Oklahoma State’s transfer portal success is a product of several key factors:
1. **Identifying Immediate Needs**: Unlike many teams that make splashy, high-profile transfers without regard for fit, the Cowboys have been methodical in identifying areas where they need immediate help. Whether it’s in the trenches, the secondary, or the quarterback room, Gundy and his staff have been diligent in assessing the team’s current roster and understanding which positions are most critical to their success.
2. **Targeting Undervalued Talent**: Oklahoma State doesn’t have the same name recognition as some of the powerhouses in college football, but that hasn’t stopped them from bringing in high-quality talent. The Cowboys have shown an ability to target under-the-radar players who may have been overshadowed at their previous schools but have the potential to thrive in Stillwater’s system. From overlooked former four-star recruits to former starters who lost their jobs to younger talent at bigger programs, Oklahoma State’s staff has been able to find players who may not have been widely coveted but have a chip on their shoulder and a drive to prove themselves.
3. **Building Relationships and Trust**: A key to Oklahoma State’s transfer portal success has been the program’s reputation for building strong relationships with players. For athletes looking to transfer, it’s not just about finding playing time—it’s about finding a coach who will develop them and help them reach their full potential. Mike Gundy has fostered a culture of trust at Oklahoma State, where players are given the opportunity to grow both on and off the field. This has been a significant selling point for many of the transfer portal players that have chosen the Cowboys.
4. **Emphasis on Depth and Culture Fit**: While many programs focus on adding stars, Oklahoma State’s recruiting in the transfer portal has been focused on building depth and filling out the roster in a way that enhances the overall team chemistry. By bringing in players who fit their culture, Oklahoma State is ensuring that their team is united and that every position is strong from top to bottom.
### Key Transfer Additions and Impact Players
Oklahoma State’s success in the transfer portal is not just theoretical—it’s been demonstrated through tangible, on-field results. The 2025 roster features a number of transfer players who have already made a significant impact. Here are some of the top transfer additions that have elevated Oklahoma State’s chances in the Big 12:
#### 1. **Quarterback – Alan McNair (Formerly of Indiana)**
One of the most high-profile additions to Oklahoma State’s 2025 roster is quarterback Alan McNair, who transferred from Indiana after a strong but inconsistent career with the Hoosiers. McNair, a dual-threat quarterback with a rocket arm, has the potential to be the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ offense. His decision-making and ability to make plays with his legs will give Oklahoma State a dynamic element at the quarterback position, something they have lacked in recent years. McNair’s experience in the Big Ten against elite defenses will allow him to step into the Big 12 with confidence and poise, making him a key cog in Oklahoma State’s championship aspirations.
#### 2. **Wide Receiver – Trey Simmons (Formerly of Auburn)**
Oklahoma State’s offense has traditionally been high-powered, and with the addition of wide receiver Trey Simmons from Auburn, that trend is set to continue. Simmons, a 6’3”, 210-pound wideout with exceptional speed and ball-tracking ability, gives the Cowboys a reliable deep threat. His size and athleticism will allow him to create mismatches on the outside, and he’s already developing great chemistry with McNair in the offseason. If Simmons can live up to his potential in 2025, he will be one of the most dangerous wide receivers in the Big 12.
#### 3. **Defensive Line – Malik Johnson (Formerly of Arkansas)**
On the defensive side of the ball, Oklahoma State hit a home run with the addition of Malik Johnson, a 6’5”, 290-pound defensive lineman who spent the past few seasons at Arkansas. Johnson’s combination of size, strength, and quickness allows him to dominate both in the pass rush and against the run. His presence in the trenches will allow Oklahoma State to control the line of scrimmage and make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. With his experience in the SEC, Johnson brings a level of toughness and physicality that will elevate Oklahoma State’s defense to new heights.
#### 4. **Cornerback – Jalen Harris (Formerly of Baylor)**
The Cowboys’ secondary has been a major area of focus in the portal, and the addition of cornerback Jalen Harris from Baylor addresses a critical need. Harris, a versatile and smart corner, brings excellent ball skills and the ability to lock down receivers in one-on-one coverage. His experience in the Big 12 will help him adjust to Oklahoma State’s defensive system quickly, and his presence will provide stability in a defensive backfield that had been a weakness in previous seasons. With Harris and a growing group of young talent, Oklahoma State’s pass defense should take a significant step forward in 2025.
### The Broader Implications for Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State’s success in the transfer portal not only bolsters their chances in 2025 but also sets a blueprint for other programs in similar situations. By strategically filling critical roster spots with experienced talent and focusing on team fit rather than pure star power, Oklahoma State has shown that they can compete with the best programs in the country. Their approach to transfer portal recruiting emphasizes careful planning, relationship-building, and an eye for undervalued talent—principles that can help smaller programs thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.
For fans of the Cowboys, the 2025 season has the potential to be something truly special. The team’s ability to maximize its transfer portal acquisitions combined with its established coaching staff and culture could result in a breakout season. If Oklahoma State continues to make smart moves in the portal, they could very well be positioned as one of the top teams in the Big 12 and a dark horse contender on the national stage.
In a world where recruiting is more fluid than ever, Oklahoma State’s strategic success in the transfer portal serves as a testament to the power of thoughtful, targeted roster building. As the Cowboys look toward 2025, they could very well be setting the stage for a program-defining season.