The Recruiting Philosophy of Mike Gundy: A Blend of Wit, Charm, and Strategy

Mike Gundy, the long-time head coach of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, is known for his success on the field and his unique approach to recruiting. Since taking over the program in 2005, Gundy has guided Oklahoma State to 17 consecutive winning seasons, highlighted by a Big 12 Championship in 2011 and multiple New Year’s Six bowl appearances. Under his leadership, the Cowboys have regularly competed with powerhouse programs despite working with smaller budgets, a testament to his ability to maximize talent and resources. Over nearly two decades at the helm, Gundy has built a reputation as a coach who knows how to find talent, connect with recruits, and navigate the ever-changing landscape of college football. His recruiting philosophy is rooted in being direct, charming, and witty, while also employing a meticulous approach to evaluating players. Here's a closer look at how Gundy operates in the world of recruiting.

A Direct and Charming Approach

When it comes to interacting with recruits, Gundy is known for his straightforwardness. For example, he doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of college football or make unrealistic promises. Instead, he gives recruits a clear and honest picture of what life will be like at Oklahoma State. One recruit shared, “Coach Gundy told me straight up what he expected from me and what I could expect from the program. It wasn’t flashy, but it felt real.” Another parent remarked, “He doesn’t try to be someone he’s not. What you see is what you get, and that honesty is refreshing.” “I’m not here to sell you a dream,” he often tells potential players. “I’m here to show you what we’ve built and how you can fit into it.” His direct approach resonates with recruits who appreciate honesty in a process that can sometimes feel overly scripted.

But Gundy isn’t just direct—he’s also incredibly charming and witty. One recruit recalled how Gundy used humor to lighten the mood during a high-stakes meeting, saying, “He cracked a joke about his mullet, and it immediately made everyone feel at ease.” Another parent noted, “He has this way of making you feel like you’ve known him forever. His humor isn’t rehearsed; it’s just who he is.” Gundy’s ability to connect on a personal level, whether through a funny story or a witty remark, often leaves a lasting impression on recruits and their families. He has a knack for making recruits and their families feel at ease. “He’s funny, but not in a forced way,” one recruit’s parent said. “You can tell he genuinely enjoys what he’s doing, and that’s infectious.” Whether it’s cracking a joke about his famous mullet or sharing an anecdote about life in Stillwater, Gundy’s personality shines through, helping him forge strong connections.

Navigating NIL and the Transfer Portal

In the new era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal, Gundy has adapted his approach while staying true to his core principles. He takes a pragmatic stance on NIL, working closely with the university’s compliance team to ensure that players can maximize their opportunities while maintaining focus on their development. "We make sure our players understand the long-term value of their brand," Gundy explained. "It’s not just about short-term deals; it’s about positioning yourself for life after football."

When it comes to the transfer portal, Gundy approaches it as a complementary tool rather than a primary strategy. He focuses on finding players who not only fill immediate needs but also fit into the team’s culture. "We’re not just looking for talent; we’re looking for the right mindset," he said. Gundy’s staff evaluates transfer prospects rigorously, ensuring they align with the program’s emphasis on work ethic and accountability. This balanced approach has allowed Oklahoma State to integrate key contributors from the portal without disrupting team cohesion. “I tell recruits straight up,” Gundy said in a recent interview. “We’re going to help you take advantage of NIL opportunities, but we’re also going to focus on making you a better player and person.”

Gundy emphasizes the importance of building relationships and fostering a team-first culture, even in the face of growing individual opportunities for athletes. “The transfer portal is a tool, not a crutch,” he said. “We’re going to use it strategically, but we’re not going to build our program around it.” This balanced approach has helped Oklahoma State remain competitive while maintaining the stability that Gundy values.

Breaking Down Film and Finding Talent

One of Gundy’s greatest strengths is his ability to evaluate talent through film study. He prioritizes traits like quick decision-making, consistent effort, and football IQ. “I’m looking for players who understand the game instinctively,” he explained. “You can see it in how they read plays and adapt on the fly.” Gundy also values versatility and athleticism, often identifying players who excel in multiple positions or sports. Beyond raw talent, he watches for intangible qualities like leadership and competitiveness. “How a player reacts to adversity on the field tells me a lot about their character,” he added. “Film doesn’t lie,” he often says. “You can learn a lot about a player by watching how they move, how they react, and how they compete.” Gundy is known for spending hours poring over game tape, looking for the subtle traits that separate good players from great ones.

As for where he likes to find talent, Gundy has a few favorite spots. He’s a big believer in recruiting heavily within Oklahoma and Texas, where high school football is deeply ingrained in the culture. “There’s a toughness and work ethic that comes from this region,” he said. “It’s something we look for in every player we recruit.” However, Gundy and his staff also aren’t afraid to look beyond their traditional footprint, finding diamonds in the rough in places like Kansas, Arkansas, and even junior colleges.

The Official Visit Experience

When recruits visit Stillwater for an official visit, Gundy makes sure it’s a memorable experience. A typical itinerary includes a campus tour where recruits and their families can see the athletic facilities, dorms, and academic support centers. They also meet with professors and advisors to discuss academic opportunities tailored to their interests. Gundy ensures there is a personal touch by hosting a dinner at his home, giving recruits a chance to interact with him, his family, and other coaching staff in a relaxed setting. A highlight for many recruits is attending a Cowboy football practice or game, where they can witness the energy and passion of the program firsthand. These visits often conclude with one-on-one meetings where Gundy shares a clear vision for the recruit’s future at Oklahoma State, leaving no question unanswered. “We want them to see exactly what they’re signing up for and feel like this is a place they can call home,” he says. “We want them to feel like part of the family from the moment they step on campus,” he said. Recruits are treated to personalized tours, meetings with academic advisors, and a taste of the Cowboy culture. Gundy also makes it a point to spend one-on-one time with each recruit, discussing their goals and how Oklahoma State can help them achieve them.

Food is another big part of the experience. “We’re going to feed you well,” Gundy joked. Whether it’s barbecue, steak, or local favorites, the meals are designed to showcase the hospitality that Stillwater is known for.

Building the Future

Mike Gundy’s recruiting philosophy is a reflection of his personality: honest, engaging, and thoughtful. By combining his wit and charm with a meticulous approach to evaluation and a deep understanding of the game, he has built a program that consistently punches above its weight. Although Oklahoma State doesn’t always secure the highest-ranked recruiting classes, Gundy has successfully brought in several 4- and 5-star recruits by focusing on relationships and individualized attention. One notable example is Tylan Wallace, a 4-star wide receiver who chose Oklahoma State after being impressed by Gundy’s honesty and vision for his role in the offense. Similarly, Spencer Sanders, a highly-touted 4-star quarterback, cited Gundy’s direct communication and track record of developing quarterbacks as key factors in his decision. Gundy also leverages his program’s success in sending players to the NFL, pointing to examples like Barry Sanders, Dez Bryant, and Chris Carson to demonstrate the Cowboys’ ability to prepare athletes for the next level. By showing recruits exactly how they fit into his system and backing it up with past successes, Gundy creates a compelling case for why elite talent should come to Stillwater. He ensures these top-tier players understand how they will fit into his system and be developed for the next level. “It’s about showing them the bigger picture,” Gundy explained. “We emphasize development, both as a player and a person, and we back that up with results.” High-profile recruits have noted Gundy’s authenticity and track record of putting players in the NFL as key factors in their decisions to join the program. Under Gundy’s leadership, Oklahoma State has achieved 17 consecutive winning seasons, including a Big 12 Championship in 2011 and multiple New Year’s Six bowl appearances. The Cowboys have also maintained a top-25 presence despite competing against programs with larger recruiting budgets, showcasing Gundy’s ability to maximize talent and resources. In a rapidly evolving landscape, Gundy’s ability to adapt while staying true to his values ensures that the Cowboys will remain a force to be reckoned with for years to come.