The pressure around Mike Gundy and Oklahoma State football continues to intensify after a shocking 19–12 home loss to Tulsa. The Cowboys are now 1-2 on the season and have dropped 11 straight games to FBS opponents.
A Stunning Setback Against Tulsa
In the aftermath, Gundy stood firm when asked about the program’s offseason decisions, responding bluntly: “Sure, sure they were. Yes.”
Were the changes made in the offseason by Mike Gundy for the ‘Big Picture’ the right moves at this point?
Gundy: “Sure, sure they were. Yes”
https://t.co/JjHhjI2R1D pic.twitter.com/2gIn8jbUzN
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) September 20, 2025
For many Oklahoma State fans, the Tulsa loss felt like rock bottom. Facing a program in Year 1 of a rebuild under new coach Tre Lamb, the Cowboys failed to capitalize on multiple opportunities. Most notably, they came up empty on a fourth-and-1 at the Tulsa 5-yard line with the game hanging in the balance.
Gundy was asked what his opinion was on Oklahoma State’s football entirely. He honestly expressed his opinion: “Obviously, we’re trying to come around. We’re not where we were 2 to 3 years ago, We’re building back from where we were. We just have to continue to push forward.”
Mike Gundy, on status of Oklahoma State football.
“Obviously, we’re trying to come around. We’re not where we were 2 to 3 years ago, We’re building back from where we were. We just have to continue to push forward”
It’s time, our @TreyWallace_ writes: https://t.co/auFMnjZ3pw pic.twitter.com/27SvNWKfRm
— OutKick (@Outkick) September 20, 2025
The frustration builds on the heels of a 69-3 drubbing at Oregon, one of the worst losses in program history. The Cowboys’ inability to close out a game against a rebuilding in-state opponent has left boosters and fans questioning whether the program’s offseason shake-up of staff and philosophy actually addressed the deeper issues plaguing Stillwater.
Mike Gundy’s Legacy in the Balance
Gundy’s tenure is one of the most decorated in Oklahoma State history. Since taking over in 2005, the former Cowboys quarterback has guided OSU to:
- Eight double-digit win seasons since 2010
- An outright Big 12 title in 2011 and multiple top-10 finishes
- Five New Year’s Six bowl appearances, including Fiesta and Sugar Bowls
- An 18-year streak of winning seasons, unmatched by most programs nationally
Yet the last two years have shown serious cracks. Oklahoma State went 3-9 in 2024, failing to win a single Big 12 game for the first time under Gundy. Now, in his 21st season, the Cowboys look like underdogs in nearly every upcoming conference matchup.
The sustained success that once defined Gundy’s tenure appears to be slipping away, leaving many to wonder if his time is nearing its end.
Looking Ahead: Time for Change in Stillwater?
The message from Gundy after the Tulsa loss was clear: he still believes in the offseason changes made to the program. But belief may not be enough to calm a fan base watching its team fall further from contention in the new-look Big 12.
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While Gundy has been the face of Oklahoma State football for over two decades, the question is no longer about his past accomplishments. Instead, it is whether he can still guide the Cowboys back to relevance after years of regression.
With the program’s prestige, recruiting pipeline, and fan trust all on the line, Oklahoma State’s leadership faces a difficult decision. The offseason adjustments haven’t yet delivered results, and patience is wearing thin in Stillwater.
For now, Gundy remains confident. But the calls for change are only growing louder.
