Spring Practice has kicked off for college football programs across the country, but this year, things are looking a bit different. The NCAA has put the brakes on joint spring practices, a decision that has left some coaches, including Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy, feeling frustrated.
Gundy didn’t hold back when discussing the ruling, expressing his candid thoughts on the matter. “I’ll be honest with you, I’m not going to waste my time on who’s going to determine what the rules are anymore because essentially there’s not really enough of them to follow,” he said. “And I’m not sure how they have grounds to say you can’t do it. Like if somebody just goes and does it, what are they going to do to them?”
This kind of sentiment resonates with many in the college football community, especially when you consider how passionate rival schools can be. Gundy, in particular, would relish the opportunity to hold joint practices with Oklahoma, given their historic rivalry. The absence of those joint sessions makes it feel like a missed opportunity for both teams, especially considering the electricity that often fills the air whenever they meet, even if they’re no longer in the same conference.
Looking back, Oklahoma State faced some challenges last season, managing only three wins in 2024, marking their lowest tally during Gundy’s long tenure as head coach. It was a stark contrast to the previous year when the Cowboys had a standout season, racking up ten victories and securing a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game against the Texas Longhorns. Although they fell short against the Longhorns, they capped off the season by winning the Texas Bowl against Texas A&M.
Gundy, now in his 20th year at the helm, boasts an impressive 169-88 record. Under his guidance, the Cowboys have achieved ten or more wins on eight occasions, consistently showing that they have what it takes to be competitive at a high level. With spring practice behind them, all eyes will be on how Oklahoma State navigates the upcoming season amidst the evolving landscape of college football.
