Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy faces intensified scrutiny after the Cowboys were routed 69-3 by No. 6 Oregon on , a lopsided defeat that deepened concerns about the program following a 3-9 2024 season.
Key Takeaways
- The 69-3 loss to Oregon is Oklahoma State’s largest margin of defeat in school history.
- Oregon led by 38 points at halftime and gained 473 yards on just 36 plays (over 13 yards per play).
- OSU finished 3-9 in 2024 and surrendered nearly 36 points per game last season, allowing 6.8 yards per play.
- Long plays from Noah Whittington and Jayden Limar and a 65-yard TD catch by Dakorien Moore highlighted Oregon’s attack.
- Gundy hired Doug Meacham (offense) and Todd Grantham (defense) as coordinators; neither had called plays since 2021.
- Gundy’s contract was restructured this offseason (now through 2028) with a reported buyout of $15 million and new fundraising responsibilities.
- With 10 games remaining, a difficult slate including Baylor and Arizona will shape Oklahoma State’s direction.
Verified Facts
The Cowboys’ 69-3 defeat to No. 6 Oregon on September 6 set a new program mark for largest margin of loss, eclipsing the previous high of a 62-point differential. The result followed a 3-9 campaign in 2024, the worst for Gundy in his roughly 20-year tenure at Oklahoma State.
Oregon dominated from the outset, leading by 38 at halftime. The Ducks totaled 473 yards on 36 plays, a rate that exceeded 13 yards per snap. Big plays included runs of more than 50 yards by Noah Whittington and Jayden Limar, plus a 65-yard touchdown reception and a separate 25-yard scoring run by Dakorien Moore.
Defensive struggles were not new: in 2024 Oklahoma State allowed nearly 36 points per game and conceded an average of 6.8 yards per play. Only a small handful of FBS teams gave up more points or more yards per snap last season.
In response to last year’s offensive and defensive shortcomings, Gundy brought in Doug Meacham as offensive coordinator and Todd Grantham as defensive coordinator. Both coaches are veterans with prior connections to Gundy and reported history calling plays through 2021, but they have been out of play-calling roles in recent seasons.
Gundy’s contract was reworked this offseason to extend through 2028 and lower the buyout to a reported $15 million from a previously higher figure. Part of the revised deal reportedly increases the coach’s involvement in fundraising activities.
Context & Impact
The magnitude of the loss magnifies existing questions about roster talent, coaching direction and program momentum. A historic defeat against a top-10 opponent tends to accelerate scrutiny from donors, boosters and the fanbase, especially after a prior subpar season.
Off-field incidents have added to the pressure. In November, Gundy made comments on a media call that he later apologized for; those remarks drew sharp reactions from fans and local media and have lingered as a public-relations challenge for the program.
Hiring experienced coordinators signaled an urgency to return to winning quickly, but neither Meacham nor Grantham had been primary play-callers recently. That raises questions about whether the staff changes will yield immediate on-field improvement.
OSU’s upcoming schedule includes a Week 3 home game vs. Tulsa, the Big 12 opener against Baylor and a road trip to Arizona—matchups that will heavily influence the trajectory of the season and any administrative decisions about coaching leadership.
Official Statements
“I apologized for my comments and understand the reaction they caused,”
Mike Gundy (apology following November remarks)
“We will evaluate the season as it unfolds and make decisions in the best interest of our program,”
Oklahoma State Athletics (statement)
Unconfirmed
- Exact internal discussions among AD, boosters and trustees about Gundy’s job status have not been publicly disclosed.
- Claims that other coaches said Oregon should only schedule teams with similar resources were reported by Gundy but have not been independently verified.
Bottom Line
The 69-3 loss to Oregon is a stark indicator that Oklahoma State is at a crossroads. The program’s recent results, a restructured contract that increases non-coaching expectations, and a challenging upcoming schedule mean the next several weeks will be pivotal for Mike Gundy and the Cowboys.