# Oklahoma State football rebuild under Eric Morris

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/oklahoma-state-football-rebuild-under-eric-morris
> Updated: 2026-08-22T20:04:09.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 4.

In late July, new head coach Eric Morris framed the upcoming season‑opening game against Tulsa as a test of the program’s new direction. He highlighted a 20‑player recruiting class ranked No. 16 in the Big 12 and singled out freshman safety Braeden Presley as a potential immediate contributor.

A week later, Morris provided concrete details of the roster overhaul that underpins that vision. He noted that 88 new players—including 21 transfers from North Texas—joined a squad that retained only 25 athletes from the previous 1‑11 campaign. Morris set a deadline to solidify the offensive line by the first scrimmage and mentioned key transfers such as quarterback Drew Mestemaker, running back Caleb Hawkins and wide receiver Wyatt Young as shaping the offense ahead of the September 5 opener against Tulsa.

By mid-August, practice footage revealed the implementation of a high-tempo Air Raid offense. During an 11-on-11 drill, the offense demonstrated the ability to execute four plays within 53 seconds. This up-tempo style, which Morris previously utilized at North Texas, features several players who followed him from his former program, including Mestemaker, Hawkins, and wide receiver Wyatt Young.

As fall camp progressed into late August, the offensive line emerged as a focal point of intense internal competition. The unit currently consists of 21 players, including projected starters Jacob Sexton, Ashton Lepo, and Johnny Dickson III. However, the high level of competition presents a potential risk regarding the transfer portal, as players such as backup center Jakobe Sanders may seek starting opportunities elsewhere if they cannot secure roles this season. Meanwhile, players including Caleb Hawkins and LaDainian Fields have begun discussing team dynamics and the transition under Morris as the September 5 opener approaches.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-22: Oklahoma State football faces roster competition and portal risks

Oklahoma State football faces roster challenges under new coach Eric Morris, with the offensive line depth potentially triggering transfer portal movement.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oklahoma-state-football-faces-roster-competition-and-portal-risks

### 2026-08-11: Oklahoma State football showcases high-tempo Air Raid offense

Oklahoma State football is showcasing a high-tempo Air Raid offense in recent drills led by quarterback Drew Mestemaker under head coach Eric Morris.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oklahoma-state-football-showcases-high-tempo-air-raid-offense

### 2026-08-05: Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris outlines roster overhaul, OL timeline

New Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris overhauled the roster with 88 newcomers and set a deadline to lock in the offensive line before the season opener.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oklahoma-state-coach-eric-morris-outlines-roster-overhaul-ol-timeline

### 2026-07-25: Oklahoma State football opens season vs Tulsa under new coach Eric Morris

Oklahoma State starts its season against Tulsa under new coach Eric Morris, with freshman safety Braeden Presley touted as a likely starter.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oklahoma-state-football-opens-season-vs-tulsa-under-new-coach-eric-morris

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Cite as: Oklahoma State football rebuild under Eric Morris. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/oklahoma-state-football-rebuild-under-eric-morris