The search to replace Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State is already stirring speculation, and BetOnline has released odds on who could be next in line to lead the Cowboys.
Texas State head coach G.J. Kinne tops the board as the early favorite at 3/1. Just behind him is former Oklahoma State quarterback and current Los Angeles Rams assistant Zac Robinson at 4/1. Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle checks in at 5/1, followed by a surprising name in Jon Gruden at 6/1. Rounding out the top five is Texas A&M offensive coordinator Collin Klein at 8/1.
Kinne’s spot atop the list reflects his growing reputation as one of the fastest-rising young coaches in college football. After a breakout 2023 season at Texas State, where he took a program known for irrelevance and turned it into a dangerous Sun Belt contender, Kinne has become a hot name in coaching circles. His offensive philosophy, recruiting energy, and ability to connect with players make him an intriguing fit for a Power Five job. The question is whether Oklahoma State would entrust its program to a coach with just a few years of FBS experience.
Robinson is the sentimental pick for many inside the Oklahoma State community. A record-setting quarterback during his playing days in Stillwater, Robinson has coached under Sean McVay in Los Angeles and Raheem Morris in Atlanta. His familiarity with the program and offensive pedigree would likely excite the fan base, though he has never held a head coaching role.
Ben Arbuckle, currently on staff at Oklahoma, is a 33-year-old offensive mind with Big 12 ties and play-calling experience. He helped develop one of the most efficient passing attacks in the country during his stint at Western Kentucky and now operates under Brent Venables in Norman. If Oklahoma State is looking for youth and schematic innovation, Arbuckle makes sense.
The inclusion of Jon Gruden reflects the splash factor that often colors these betting markets. While his name generates attention, his last college coaching job was in the early 1990s, and the baggage from his NFL exit makes this feel unlikely. Collin Klein, meanwhile, is a more grounded option. The former Kansas State quarterback-turned-play-caller is well-respected across the Big 12 and would bring a physical, identity-driven approach that aligns with Oklahoma State’s traditional brand.
Whether Oklahoma State pursues a familiar face, an upstart, or a big name, this hire will define the next era of Cowboy football. The betting board offers a snapshot of the names in play, but the real action is still to come.
