Oklahoma State safety Landyn Cleveland is hitting the transfer portal, making it official after two seasons in Stillwater. The 6-foot, 190-pound defensive back announced he’s moving on after logging legit snaps this year, and he’ll have two years of eligibility left wherever he lands next.
Cleveland wasn’t some guy buried on the depth chart. He saw the field in 12 games this season and made his presence known. He finished with 33 tackles, three tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble. That’s not empty stat-padding in garbage time either. He contributed in key moments and was part of the rotation on a defense that needed all the help it could get down the stretch.
This isn’t a backbreaking loss for the Cowboys, but it’s not nothing either. Anytime you lose a guy with big-time snags, especially in a league like the Big 12, where defensive depth is crucial, it raises some eyebrows. It also starts to stack when you consider other portal entries, injuries, and guys heading out after the season.
From a fit standpoint, he’s the kind of guy that Group of Four programs could jump at, but don’t be shocked if he ends up back in a Big 12 room either. He’s experienced, he’s physical, and he doesn’t need a ton of ramp-up time.
As for Oklahoma State, this is part of the deal now. You build depth, you lose depth. The portal era means no rest for the coaching staff, especially on defense. They’ll have to backfill, reshuffle, and probably take a look at a few portal safeties themselves.
Cleveland gave the Pokes what he had. Now he’s looking for the next stop. And wherever that is, he’s going to be a name to watch once he gets settled.
