Oklahoma State Recruiting in Crisis: Kase Evans Becomes Fifth Decommit After Mike Gundy Firing

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Oklahoma State Recruiting in Crisis: Kase Evans Becomes Fifth Decommit After Mike Gundy Firing

Quarterback Kase Evans has decommitted from Oklahoma State, making him the latest recruit to back away from the Cowboys since the firing of longtime head coach Mike Gundy. His decision adds to what is quickly becoming a serious recruiting problem for OSU.

Who Is Kase Evans?

Evans, a 2026 quarterback prospect, originally committed to Oklahoma State in June. He is ranked as the No. 55 quarterback in his class and drew early offers from programs such as Texas State, Tulane, and UTSA. At 6-foot-2, he was seen as a developmental piece for the Cowboys’ future quarterback room. His decommitment leaves the program without a signal-caller in the 2026 class.

Oklahoma State’s Recruiting Losses After Gundy’s Exit

Evans is not alone. His decision follows a string of decommitments that have hit Oklahoma State hard in the days since Gundy’s dismissal. The Cowboys have now lost five commits, including:

  • KD Jones – Running back from Jenks (OK), who held offers from Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M.
  • Jabarie Thornton – Wide receiver from Waco (TX), who previously drew interest from Arkansas, Baylor, and Nebraska.
  • Aiden Martin – Offensive tackle with offers from Texas Tech, Kansas State, Arkansas, and Baylor.
  • Trey McGlothlin – Another member of the 2026 class who backed away after the firing.

Adding Evans to this list highlights the instability facing the program’s recruiting efforts.

Why the Gundy Firing Has Sparked Decommits

When a long-tenured coach leaves, recruits often reconsider. Many committed players choose a school based on coaching relationships, and the uncertainty around who will take over at Stillwater has created hesitation. For Oklahoma State, the timing is especially damaging as the 2026 cycle is still in its early stages, giving rival programs plenty of time to swoop in on former Cowboy commits.

Where Kase Evans Could Land Next

Evans now reopens his recruitment. Based on his past offers, possible landing spots include:

  • Texas State – One of his earliest offers, a program on the rise in the Sun Belt.
  • UTSA – A proven developer of quarterbacks with strong in-state recruiting ties.
  • Tulane – Consistently competitive in the AAC and attractive for skill-position development.

Group of 5 schools remain the most likely fits, though his profile could draw renewed interest from Power 5 teams needing quarterback depth.

Oklahoma State Faces Uphill Battle in Recruiting

Losing five commits in the span of days has left OSU’s 2026 class in jeopardy. The Cowboys are now tasked with hiring a new coach who can quickly stabilize recruiting relationships and prevent further attrition. Until that happens, the program’s recruiting momentum will likely continue to stall, giving rival Big 12 schools an edge in securing talent from Oklahoma and Texas.