With the dust pretty well settled on coordinators and assistant coaches hired as well as our apparent approach toward using NIL funds and the transfer portal, what are you thoughts on fall 2025? I know it's obviously still way too early as we're nowhere near having our final roster done, so I realize the most realistic prediction is "incomplete." However, I'm just curious about everyone's thoughts/expectations. Here are some spitball reactions/considerations that I'm factoring in my expectations for next year (and beyond):
- We'll basically have all new coaches except for the head guy. Has this ever happened where the end result is a fantastic (or even a "really good") subsequent season? I'm not just saying a 6 win season to go to a bowl...it's been said several times that Gundy needs to go better than 7-5 to keep his job.
- Without rehashing all of the BoR talk, Mike supposedly realizes he's now coaching for his job and is on board with changes/expectations to win now. Would this serve as the catalyst to produce the best version of Mike Gundy? Speaking of that--what would that be? Hands off/trusting the OC to run his show the way he wants it? Same for DC? What about past criticisms with engagement with players? Would this be another flash-in-the-pan change for him, or would he commit to being 100% engaged in all facets?
- Speaking of OC & DC...I know the reaction from the board has been anywhere from "these guys suck" to "meh" at best, with arguments of support that seem to be built more on hope than recent past successes that point to a probable positive result (sorry for the alliteration there). Although it may be tough to remove bias, what would an outsider say/view about these hires? Probably aligned with our own collective thoughts? Maybe a "Well, that's probably the best they could do given their $ and/or PR issue with Gundy being on the hot seat" view? I believe it was insinuated we were at one point 0-4 for our OC preferences, so that's not instilling a ton of confidence there.
- Supposedly, Gundy has changed his outlook on spending $ toward NIL, but I'm guessing that primarily means how he views getting new vs. retaining current players. Whether it's by financial limitations, lack of interest, or intentionality, we appear to once again forego going after top performers/buried in depth-chart players from blue blood P4 programs in favor of trying to find Leon Johnson or Dalton Cooper types. (I know a case can be made for the ou RB, so my insinuation isn't 100% accurate). Although I've certainly poked fun at this approach, I'm fine with it as long as have WAY more hits than misses. I know there's no guarantee with this, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed we're not seeing more named program players being targeted/scheduled for visits. The West Georgia guy seems fine, but will he or his ilk be the kind to get us to 8+ wins next year? In short, I'm dubious of this approach.
- I'm honestly not sure what to expect or even realistic hope for in QB. Several of us probably got way too high on Smith after Tech only to see him fall back to Earth against the Buffs. Of course, there wasn't much to play for in that game anyhow. Regardless, I don't think anyone can truthfully or confidently say any of our returning QBs have "it" and be given the reigns without a some additional growing pains. Extreme Campers reported not being blown away by Flores and said he and Rangel were pretty close, so again...we have more questions than answers at QB.
- Just to continue on the QB talk (cause it's so important)...I was admittedly on the fence about us signing Chandler Morris as well, but I felt WAY more confident about his potential than I did about Bowman going into either '23 or '24. It doesn't matter now, but should we continue to pursue a QB in the portal? Would that lead to one of or both of Flores & Smith leaving themselves? Is it going to be an either/or proposition when it comes to spending $ for a QB vs. quality OL dudes? As cliché as it sounds, I feel it's 100% true that our QB play will be the key driver of our season, which leads me to...
- The defense...I guess it can't get any worse, right? (I mean, technically, it can get 1 spot worse, but bah). Folks seem to be inspired by the new DC's attitude and social media presence and apparent history of having a "quick turnaround," and I hope everyone is right in their hope. Will we find enough DL in the portal to stop the run and create a pass rush? Will our LBs cover and tackle well in space? Will our secondary look back for the $!@#)^& ball as well as line up closer than 10 yards from the line of scrimmage on 3rd and 4?
- Then there's the matter of "Cowboy Culture." It's a polarizing term, and I find myself more on the skeptical side of it as it seems more of an anthem than a tangible thing that one could point to for success, but I do feel it helped turn around 2023's season. That being said, it seems to be built on loyalty to the program, love of football, "the guy playing next to you," and OSU in general. With so many new players (potentially) and coaches, does that even matter anymore? If Gundy has relied on preaching that mindset and attitude from the beginning, will that still be effective, or does he have the creativity and perspective to find a different battle cry?
- at Oregon
- at Arizona
- at KU
- Baylor
- Houston
- Kansas State
- Iowa State
- Cincinnati
- at Tech
- at UCF
