Mike Gundy Sets Focused Tone for Oklahoma State's Upcoming Football Season
As the college football season rapidly approaches, Oklahoma State Cowboys’ head coach Mike Gundy is making headlines with a firm directive to his players. Entering his 20th season with the Cowboys, Gundy is taking a strong stance on how the team should navigate the changing landscape of college sports, particularly with the influence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal.
The college football environment has been dramatically altered by NIL agreements and the transfer portal, which have introduced new dynamics into recruiting and player management. While these changes have opened doors for players to capitalize on their personal brands and seek new opportunities, Gundy is clear about his concerns regarding these distractions. He believes that with the season's start, the focus should shift solely to football.
"I told the players there’s no negotiating now," Gundy stated. "The portal's over. All negotiation's history. Now, we’re playing football. Just coaching and playing football." His message to players and their agents is unequivocal: the business side of football takes a backseat during the season. Gundy has instructed players to direct their representatives to cease all contract discussions and concentrate on their on-field performance.
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This firm stance comes as Oklahoma State gears up to face South Dakota State on August 31 to kick off their season. Gundy’s approach reflects his commitment to maintaining a disciplined and focused team environment. He’s made it clear that the Cowboys’ priority is to prepare for the upcoming games without the added pressure of contract negotiations or NIL concerns.
The team’s preparation is bolstered by the presence of standout running back Ollie Gordon II, who is entering the season as a prominent player after a stellar previous year. Gordon, who won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back, has chosen to stay with Oklahoma State despite the potential allure of other offers. His decision to remain is a testament to the team’s strong nucleus and shared focus on achieving success this season.
As the Cowboys prepare for their opener, Gundy's emphasis on keeping distractions at bay underscores a broader trend in college football. The ongoing changes in the sport’s financial and administrative aspects are reshaping how teams operate, but for Gundy and his staff, the game remains the primary focus.
Gundy’s directive highlights the balancing act between the evolving business aspects of college football and the traditional focus on athletic performance. While the landscape continues to shift, Gundy’s leadership aims to ensure that his team remains concentrated on what matters most: playing football and striving for excellence on the field.
In summary, as the 2024 college football season gets underway, Mike Gundy’s message to his players is clear: set aside the business concerns and focus on the game. With a talented roster and a disciplined approach, the Oklahoma State Cowboys are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
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