Oklahoma State Cowboys transfer portal: 5 athletes to watch out for the Cowboys to recruit for 2025 season
The Oklahoma State Cowboys had a tough season as they finished the regular season with a 3-9 record, including a brutal 0-9 mark in Big 12 play. Things fell apart after a 3-0 start as they lost their final nine games of the season after reaching as high as 13th in the AP Top 25 Poll.
Several players have already announced their intention to change programs, with the transfer portal now officially open. Take a look at five players Oklahoma State could look to target as they look to turn things around.
5 athletes to watch out for the Oklahoma State Cowboys to recruit for 2025 season
#1: Fernando Mendoza
The Oklahoma State Cowboys will need to replace starting quarterback Alan Bowman after he announced his intention to enter the 2025 NFL Draft. Former California Golden Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza would represent a splash pickup that could come in and start right away.
The former three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class has appeared in 20 games, making 19 starts, throwing for 4,712 yards, 30 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He has completed 66.5% of his passes while adding 197 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 135 carries.
#2: Justice Haynes
The Oklahoma State Cowboys will also lose star running back Ollie Gordon II to the 2025 NFL Draft. They could look to replace his production by targeting former Alabama Crimson Tide running back Justice Haynes. The former four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class has accounted for 616 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 104 carries while adding 17 receptions for 99 yards.
#3: Patrick Payton
The Oklahoma State Cowboys' defense was terrible in virtually every phase in 2024. Former Florida State Seminoles edge rusher Patrick Payton would help a poor defensive line. The former four-star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class has recorded 110 total tackles, 68 of which were solo tackles, 32.0 tackles for loss, 16.0 sacks, three forced fumbles and 13 passes defended.
#4: David Blay
The Oklahoma State Cowboys should also look to add former Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defensive lineman David Blay to help their struggling defense. The former unranked prospect in the 2021 recruiting class has recorded 62 total tackles, 20 of which were solo tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
#5: Tacario Davis
The Oklahoma State Cowboys will also need to improve their pass defense and former Arizona Wildcats cornerback Tacario Davis would significantly help in that department. The former three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class has recorded 76 total tackles, 47 of which were solo tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, one interception, one fumble recovery and 22 passes defended.