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Oklahoma State quarterback Gunnar Gundy has entered the transfer portal. The reserve passer is hoping to land more playing time outside of the Big XII.
What makes the decision most interesting is the fact that his father, Mike, is the Cowboys‘ head coach. The elder Gundy has been critical in the past of the transfer landscape.
Gunnar Gundy has spent three seasons in Stillwater, appearing in eight games. As a redshirt freshman, the lefty completed 19 of his 39 attempts totaling 247 yards. He followed it up this past year with 202 yards on 21-of-34 passing.
His most impressive performance came in a ’22 matchup with Arkansas Pine-Bluff where he tossed a pair of touchdowns, threw for a career-high 128 yards, and ran for 42 yards on the ground.
He started this season out in contention for the starting role, rotating with Alan Bowman and Garret Rangel. He saw the majority of his playing time in an embarrassing loss to South Alabama in which the Cowboys paid the Jaguars $300K to come beat them on their home field.
He was relegated to reserve duty after that season opener, and now, it seems he’s looking for an opportunity.
Oklahoma State QB Gunnar Gundy (@GundyGunnar) has entered the NCAA transfer portal, @On3sports has learned.
He is the son of Head Coach Mike Gundy.https://t.co/l6HDDPGq0I pic.twitter.com/Q4YykUKIHN
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) December 6, 2023
Gundy spurned offers from MAC programs Toledo and Eastern Michigan to play for his dad. He could receive similar interest after hopping in the portal.
Mike Gundy has been critical of the transfer portal: ‘It’s a dangerous thing.’
The Oklahoma State head coach has been weary of the portal since its initial introduction.
In 2019, he had the following to say:
“I don’t think anybody knew the direction it was going when it was put in place. I think it’s a dangerous thing. I think there are a few things that are positive, but I think the majority of it is danger unless the NCAA changes the opportunity for coaches to manage roster numbers.”
His hesitance comes due to roster management concerns as players can more easily leave campus without repercussions. It adds an extra level to recruiting as coaches can’t always predict sudden departures, affecting both starting players and depth.
Gundy lost his lead signal caller Spencer Sanders to Ole Miss last season where he wound up being a backup.
Now, he’ll have another defector, and it’s his own flesh and blood.
Fans on social media were quick to comment on the Gundy transfer.
“Has Coach Gundy lost the family room?”
“He said, ‘I’m a man! I’m 20!'”
“This will make the holidays fun!”
— peanut butter and jealous (@missed_3pointer) December 6, 2023
With Gundy gone, the Cowboys will have an open spot in the QB room.