Oklahoma State Football’s Spring Roster Established with Projected Cap of 105 Players
As spring practices begin to shape the future of Oklahoma State University’s football program, the Cowboys are turning their attention to the 2025 season with a newly established spring roster, set at a projected cap of 105 players. This transition period, usually marked by intense competition and a reshaping of team dynamics, plays a pivotal role in determining the depth chart and overall strength of the squad.
With new recruits entering the fold, returning veterans hoping to make their mark, and the coaching staff working tirelessly to implement their strategic vision, the spring roster serves as the foundation for what will eventually become the 2025 season lineup. From the complexities of roster management to the critical importance of developing depth, Oklahoma State football is working on multiple fronts to solidify its identity and readiness for the upcoming season.
Roster Composition: A Closer Look at the 105-Cap Limit
The projected cap of 105 players for Oklahoma State’s spring roster is significant, offering flexibility while also requiring careful consideration of team balance and needs. The NCAA limits the total number of scholarship players on a football team to 85, but the inclusion of walk-ons and transfers can push the total number of players higher. This cap of 105 players allows Oklahoma State to cast a wide net, offering opportunities to incoming freshmen, transfers, and walk-ons, while simultaneously maintaining room for the crucial positions that will allow the Cowboys to contend at the highest level.
For Oklahoma State, this cap ensures that there is enough depth at every position to prepare for the grueling demands of the season. It also fosters an environment where talent can be cultivated from within the team rather than solely relying on star recruits. This balance of scholarship athletes and walk-ons is especially crucial for maintaining depth across all positions, which is essential for managing the physical toll of a full season.
Key Position Battles to Watch
As the Cowboys gear up for spring practice, some positions will be more fiercely contested than others. Several of these positions will play a key role in determining Oklahoma State’s prospects for the 2025 season.
Quarterback Position: Leadership Under the Spotlight
One of the most significant position battles will be at quarterback. The departure of previous starter Spencer Sanders, who played a pivotal role in the team’s offensive schemes for several years, leaves a vacancy that could prove challenging to fill.
Oklahoma State has several contenders in the mix, including freshman prospects, experienced backups, and transfer players. Players like Garrett Rangel and the newly acquired transfer from a Power Five program, who bring a variety of playing styles and experiences, will vie for the position. Rangel has shown flashes of his potential, but now is the time for him to seize the reins of the offense.
Spring practices will allow offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn to experiment with different quarterbacks, working to determine who has the best combination of decision-making, arm strength, and leadership qualities. With the success of the Oklahoma State offense often hinging on the play of the quarterback, the outcome of this competition will set the tone for the entire offensive unit.
Running Back Depth: A Position of Strength
The running back room is another area where Oklahoma State expects to be deep in talent. With a proven returner in Ollie Gordon, who has shown flashes of brilliance, the Cowboys will also look to solidify their depth chart in the spring. Gordon’s ability to break tackles and accelerate into the open field will keep defensive coordinators on their toes, but the spring practices will be crucial for determining how the rest of the running back group fits into the system.
With several players vying for playing time, including newcomers and walk-ons, this is a position that could see significant changes during the spring. Head coach Mike Gundy will likely experiment with different combinations and workloads for these running backs to determine who will complement Gordon the best and provide necessary depth for the team.
Wide Receiver: A New Era of Playmaking
The wide receiver corps will also be a position to watch, as the Cowboys look to replace some key outgoing seniors. Oklahoma State’s offense has a history of relying on strong receiving units, and 2025 will be no different. While the team boasts several talented wideouts, there’s still an element of uncertainty surrounding the lineup.
Tied into this position battle is the development of chemistry between the quarterbacks and wide receivers. The spring will allow new and returning players to develop timing and cohesiveness that will be critical for success in the fall. Players like Braydon Johnson, who has shown flashes of potential, will need to step up and take on a larger role, while freshmen will look to prove that they can contribute immediately.
Defensive Line: Stalwarts of the Front Seven
On the defensive side of the ball, the defensive line will be another focal point for Oklahoma State during spring practice. With a number of departures from last year’s squad, including key starters, the Cowboys will have to rely on new faces to step up and dominate the trenches.
This position group is particularly important in Mike Gundy’s defensive scheme, as a strong defensive line provides the foundation for stopping the run and putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The addition of several highly rated recruits and transfer players could provide a fresh influx of talent that enhances an already strong defensive philosophy.
Spring practices will feature intense competition to fill the spots on the defensive line. Players will need to showcase their pass-rush ability, run-stopping prowess, and overall physicality. The ability to rotate multiple players and keep the defensive front fresh will be key as the Cowboys look to improve on their defensive performance in the upcoming season.
Secondary: Building a Tight-Knit Unit
The secondary will be one of the more closely scrutinized areas during the spring. Oklahoma State has had solid defensive backfields in recent years, but with several players leaving, the pressure will be on for others to emerge and assert themselves as consistent playmakers.
With a handful of returning players and a few promising newcomers, the defensive backfield will undergo rigorous evaluation throughout the spring. The depth at cornerback and safety will allow for increased competition, with head coach Gundy and defensive coordinator Derek Mason seeking players who can lock down opposing wide receivers and provide critical coverage against high-powered offenses.
The competition at safety, in particular, will be one to monitor. The Cowboys will need a few players to step up and take on leadership roles, especially in terms of understanding offensive schemes and executing coverage responsibilities. A strong defensive backfield will play a key role in Oklahoma State’s overall defensive success.
Coaching Strategy: Shaping the Future
Head coach Mike Gundy and his staff have always been known for their ability to develop players and maximize the potential of their roster. In spring practice, the coaching staff will work closely with both returning players and newcomers to refine individual skills and develop team chemistry.
Gundy, a former quarterback himself, understands the importance of shaping the offense around the strengths of his players. The spring roster’s composition will allow the coaching staff to assess how the quarterbacks and skill players fit into the system and what adjustments need to be made. Offensive line play will also be crucial in determining how quickly the offense can click into gear for the 2025 season.
On the defensive side, defensive coordinator Derek Mason will be focused on crafting a game plan that maximizes the talents of his defensive players, particularly in terms of creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks and defending against the run. With the roster cap at 105, Mason will have the flexibility to experiment with different personnel combinations and rotations to solidify his unit.
The Importance of Depth and Special Teams
Another aspect of the spring roster worth highlighting is the importance of depth, especially on special teams. Oklahoma State is looking to build a unit that excels in all three phases of the game, and special teams will be a critical area of focus. The spring is the perfect time to experiment with various kickers, punters, and return specialists who can provide an advantage on special teams.
The competition for spots on special teams is fierce, and Gundy will rely on both scholarship players and walk-ons to provide stability and consistency. Building depth in all areas of the team will allow Oklahoma State to manage injuries, fatigue, and the physical demands of a long season.
Looking Toward the Fall
As the spring roster takes shape, the Oklahoma State football program is keeping its eyes firmly on the horizon, with preparations for the 2025 season in full swing. The cap of 105 players will offer the necessary depth and competition required to build a championship-contending squad.
Though the official depth chart will not be fully set until the end of spring practice, the battles taking place on the field now will determine the Cowboys’ trajectory. Whether it’s the quarterback competition, the fight for starting roles in the secondary, or the ongoing development of the defensive line, these spring practices will be crucial in determining which players step up to represent Oklahoma State football in the fall.
As Mike Gundy and his staff continue to navigate the complexities of roster management, they are focused on ensuring that every player on the roster, whether scholarship athlete or walk-on, has the opportunity to contribute. The next few months will undoubtedly reveal which players will rise to the occasion and make their mark on the 2025 season, setting the stage for a competitive campaign for Oklahoma State football.