Oklahoma State’s Portal Losses Continue to Mount

Oklahoma State linebacker Darius Thomas has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, continuing a wave of roster movement in Stillwater as the Cowboys navigate a period of transition. Thomas, a multi-stop transfer who previously played at Western Kentucky and Louisville, did not see game action this season before electing to re-enter the portal, but his name still carries value for programs seeking experience and versatility at linebacker.

Listed at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds, Thomas brings with him a track record of production at the FBS level. During his time at Western Kentucky, he played in 21 games and started 13, tallying 54 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He later transferred to Louisville, but his stint there was brief, leading him to Oklahoma State earlier this year. With two years of eligibility remaining, Thomas re-enters the portal as a proven commodity with high-level snaps and a frame built for modern linebacker play.

For Oklahoma State, the timing and context of Thomas’ departure are notable. He becomes the sixth player to leave the program via the portal this cycle, adding to a season defined by the firing of long-time head coach Mike Gundy. While Thomas was not part of the Cowboys’ active rotation this fall, he was expected to compete for a spot in the linebacker two-deep heading into 2026. His exit, combined with the lack of game reps in Stillwater, will likely prompt further evaluation of roster management on defense.

The impact of his departure might not be felt in the short term, but it does speak to broader issues within the Oklahoma State program. Whoever takes over as the program’s next head coach is going to have their work cut out for them, and even that may be a bit of an understatement.