Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy delivers stern message about players' focus as season kickoff nears

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Mike Gundy will soon begin his 20th season coaching the Oklahoma State football team.

The advent of name, image and likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal has drastically shifted the college football landscape. While the changes have introduced numerous benefits for the players, they also come with some drawbacks. 

Gundy is making it clear he is not fond of the distractions NIL can bring, particularly as it relates to athletes negotiating potential deals. Instead, he wants the players to focus on the game as the season looms.

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Head coach Mike Gundy of the Oklahoma State Cowboys reacts on the sideline in the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies during the TaxAct Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium Dec. 27, 2023, in Houston.  (Tim Warner/Getty Images)

"I told the players there’s no negotiating now," he said. "Portal's over. All negotiation's history. Now, we’re playing football. Just coaching and playing football."

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The Cowboys host South Dakota State Aug. 31 to open the regular season. Gundy said the program is not willing to pick back up conversations with players' reps until later in the year.

Head coach Mike Gundy of the Oklahoma State Cowboys coaches from the sideline in the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium Sept. 23, 2023, in Ames, Iowa. (David Purdy/Getty Images)

"The business side of what we do now is, we have to have those conversations with them," he said. "Tell your agent to quit calling us and asking for more money. It’s non-negotiable now. Start again in December."

Gundy should be excited