Mike Gundy Prepares for 20th Season Amidst NIL and Transfer Portal Changes
- Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State's coach, emphasizes the importance of player focus as the football season approaches.
- Players face multiple responsibilities on and off the field amidst new considerations like the transfer portal and NIL.
- Gundy's stern message reflects the challenges athletes navigate during the season.
As Mike Gundy embarks on his 20th season as head coach of the Oklahoma State football team, he faces a transformed college football landscape influenced by name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements and the transfer portal. Gundy has expressed his concerns regarding the distractions that NIL can create, particularly in relation to athletes negotiating potential deals. He emphasized a no-nonsense approach, stating, "There’s no negotiating now," and urged players to focus solely on football. Gundy's directive to his players is clear: any discussions about financial negotiations should be put on hold until the end of the season. He advised players to instruct their agents to refrain from contacting the coaching staff for additional compensation, reinforcing that the current focus must be on the game itself. "It’s non-negotiable now. Start again in December," he asserted. The Oklahoma State Cowboys are entering the season with high expectations, currently ranked 17th in the AP Top 25. The team boasts a strong roster, including standout running back Gordon, who won the Doak Walker Award last season as the nation's best at his position. Gordon has also been named the Big 12's preseason offensive player of the year, adding to the team's optimism. With a solid group of returning players, Gundy cautioned against complacency, emphasizing the need for continued effort and focus as the season approaches. The Associated Press contributed to this report, highlighting the evolving dynamics of college football under Gundy's leadership.