Nov 26, 2025
3 min read
Morris is one of the brightest minds in the game, and he's built a roster to match
The next bull: Why Eric Morris is the perfect successor to Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State
Morris is one of the smartest offensive minds in the sport and has built a roster to match
Twenty years ago, Mike Gundy took Oklahoma State and built one of the most entertaining programs in the game.For years, Gundiy's teams were defined by quarterback playmaking and big receivers.
During his career-ending slump, Gundy disappeared.The greatest coach in program history was fired on Sept. 23 in the midst of an 11-game hitting streak against FBS opponents.In the last two games, Oklahoma State has scored 15 points.
By hiring Eric Morris, the Cowboys found the perfect replacement to turn the program around.
Morris, the North Texas coach, was named Oklahoma State's next coach on Tuesday. He reportedly plans to stay with the Mean Green until a possible appearance in the College Football Playoff after leading the team to a historic 10-1 record.
Morris' offensive innovation is a better echo of the Gundy era.It has won on several levels despite resource disadvantages.This year, the Mean Green is on top of the American Conference competition.And based on his track record, Morris has a case for the best pound-for-pound quarterback developer in college football.
Early in his career, Morris worked under Texas Tech Kliff Kingsbury in Lubbock, including a five-year stint as offensive coordinator Patrick Mahames.Last year in the first year the Junior FCs coach turned to Ward, Morris led the Cardinals to a conference championship.Then, he saw Cameron Ward - the future No.1 Pick in the NFL Draft - High.As zero star from crime.
In recent years, Morris has identified John Morne as a little-known employee from DFW.He restarted the career of Chandler Morris and received an at-large offer from Virginia State.Drew Mestermaker is his latest and perhaps biggest success story.
The redshirt freshman had never been a full-time starter since his freshman year of high school, but Morris took him as his go-to player.He currently leads the nation in passing with 3,469 yards, 26 touchdowns and four interceptions at 9.7 yards per attempt.
Metermashirara is getting used to one of the most hot name in the base account.Now, after his great holiday is, get a weice of an Objective.
And of course, the masterful creator with power-four upside isn't the only player Morris can bring to Stillwater.True freshman running back Caleb Hawkins has already rushed for 1,030 yards and 19 touchdowns;he hails from Shawnee, Oklahoma.Receivers Wyatt Young and Myles Coleman have years of eligibility remaining.|On an Oklahoma State roster with so many gaps, the import offense is a big concern.
Oklahoma State hasn't had an NFL draft pick since Tylen Wallace in 2021. They haven't drafted a quarterback since Mason Rudolph in 2018. The Cowboys are dead last in the Big 12 on offense and haven't even finished in the top half of the league since 2020.
Against FBS opponents in 2025, North Texas leads the nation in points per drive (3.88) and yards per play (7.4).They rank top five in completion rate (55.1%), passing yards (9.6) and explosive play rate (16.6%).
Fireworks return to Boone Pickens Stadium.
However, there is one thing that makes Morris different - his ability to do less.Throughout his coaching career, Morris has never spent time in a useful program.North Texas ranks among the lowest of all in revenue sharing, and UIW is one of the lowest-funded programs in the FCS.However, he still won.
At Oklahoma State, he'll experience something new: an advantageCowboys are fully funded for revenue sharing and will enter the market as buyersThe facilities and stadium are strongCombining those resources with his Texas connections should immediately repair a recruitmentNorth Texas general manager Ray Murty has already emerged as a star to build a championship-level roster on a budget.
There are still complications.The Big 12 is full of offensive-minded coaches who have never understood the defensive side.First-year defensive coordinator Skyler Casity has stabilized the unit at UNT, but Morris faces tough decisions there.Additionally, the Big 12 is uniquely equipped to defend the air offense after decades of effort dating back to Mike Leach.Morris must find the next wrinkle.But across the stops, he has always found a way.
Eighteen years ago, Gandy became a national star when he slapped his chest and uttered the famous line: "I'm a man, I'm 40."Now at the same age, Morris arrives in Stillwater with a strong resume and a clear perspective on the modern sport.
No one will replace Gunty, but Morris brings many of his greatest talents with a modern sense of college football that could lead to Oklahoma State's future.
