Top Oklahoma prospect Tajh Overton is now expected to flip his commitment, adding to the growing fallout from Mike Gundy’s firing at Oklahoma State. The four-star defensive lineman had been one of the Cowboys’ key pledges for the 2025 class, but his recruitment has shifted quickly since the program cut ties with its longtime head coach.
Why Tajh Overton’s Recruitment Has Changed
Overton, a defensive lineman from Owasso, Oklahoma, committed to Oklahoma State in June. At the time, he was the highest-ranked in-state pledge for the Cowboys. Gundy’s dismissal created immediate uncertainty around the program, and Overton has been exploring other options ever since. Reports this week linked him to an unofficial visit at Missouri, a school that has gained momentum with multiple recruiting insiders predicting a flip.
Oklahoma State’s Recruiting Class in Trouble
Overton isn’t the first commit to reconsider his future in Stillwater. Since Gundy’s firing, Oklahoma State has lost several pledges from the 2025 class, with more rumored to be on the way. The instability has opened the door for SEC programs, especially Missouri, to move in on talent that was previously locked down by OSU.
The Cowboys entered the summer with one of the better regional recruiting classes, but the numbers are quickly shrinking. With Overton leaning toward Missouri, OSU is now facing the possibility of losing its most prized in-state defensive recruit.
Why Missouri Could Land Overton
Missouri’s appeal comes from several factors:
- SEC exposure — a chance to play against top offensive lines and improve NFL stock.
- Staff stability — Eli Drinkwitz has created consistent recruiting momentum in Columbia.
- NIL packages — Missouri has been aggressive in offering competitive opportunities for top defensive linemen.
With Overton visiting campus and national analysts shifting their predictions, Missouri has become the clear favorite if he backs off his OSU pledge.
What’s Next for Oklahoma State
The Cowboys will need to stabilize quickly with a new head coach in place. Keeping the current class together is already proving difficult, and losing Overton would be another major blow. Recruiting battles often swing on coaching stability, and OSU has none right now. If the program doesn’t act fast, more high-profile flips could follow.
Tajh Overton flipping would be another sign of how badly Oklahoma State’s recruiting has unraveled after Mike Gundy’s departure. Missouri has surged to the front of the race, and unless OSU’s new staff can repair relationships immediately, the Cowboys risk losing one of their most important defensive commitments.
