Mike Gundy claimed that he was not able to succeed at Oklahoma State because of a lack of NIL money. Transfer quarterback Drew Mestemaker and his new deal with the Cowboys proves him right.
He is making as much money over two years as the entire roster in Stillwater during the last few years of the last head coach’s tenure, combined.
Money has a direct tie to success in the current era of college football. Well, it always has, but that is more true now than ever. You aren’t winning unless you’re spending. (Or if Curt Cignetti is your coach!)
Drew Mestemaker is making how much money?!
There were very few stories in college football last season as cool as Drew Mestemaker. The zero-star recruit committed to North Texas as a walk-on in 2024. He was thrust into the starting role during the First Responder Bowl during his freshman season after the starter entered the transfer portal. It was an up-and-down debut.
Mestemaker ultimately earned the starting job outright for 2025. He proceeded to complete 68.9% of his passes for 4,379 yards and 34 touchdowns with nine interceptions. The Mean Green made the American Conference Championship for the first time in program history at 11-1 and ultimately closed out its season with a bowl win over San Diego State to finish at 12-2. It was the best record in school history.
As a result of the success, head coach Eric Morris was hired at Oklahoma State. Mestemaker entered the transfer portal and ultimately followed him to Stillwater. He is one of 85 (!!) new players on the roster.
According to Max Olson of ESPN, Drew Mestemaker inked a two-year agreement that will pay around $7 million. It is the richest deal in program history. Morris had ~$20 million or more at his disposal in total. His quarterback obviously got a good chunk of that money.
Mike Gundy blamed NIL at Oklahoma State.
The last few years of Gundy’s tenure at his alma mater were rough. The winningest and most legendary coach in school history went 3-9 in 2024. He was ultimately fired after a 1-2 start in 2025.
But here’s the thing.
Mike Gundy blamed a lack of NIL money for his struggles and he might be right. The former head coach at Oklahoma State said Oregon spent ~$40 million on its roster for last season, which was more than five times what the Cowboys spent over the past three years… combined!
Yes, you are reading that correctly. Gundy claimed Oklahoma State spent $7 million, combined, over the last three seasons. Total. That’s it.
And now that he is out, boosters raised enough money (on top of revenue share) to provide his replacement with more than $20 million. $20 million is enough to be competitive. $7 million is not.
It doesn’t sound like Mike Gundy was put in a position to succeed. Should we be surprised that he didn’t? I’d like to know what would’ve happened if he had $20 million to spend on his roster, or even $7 million to spend on his quarterback. Would he still be the coach?