Oklahoma State and Oregon Coaches Clash Ahead of Matchup

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy has openly criticized the recruitment strategy employed by Dan Lanning and his staff at the University of Oregon. This exchange of words comes just days before the two teams meet for their first matchup since 2008 on September 7, 2025. Gundy’s remarks made on his radio show Monday set the stage for what promises to be an intense game.

During the broadcast, Gundy pointed out the significant financial disparity in the teams’ rosters, highlighting that Oregon has reportedly spent $40 million over the past three seasons. In contrast, Oklahoma State has invested only $7 million in its team. Gundy remarked, “Oregon is paying a lot, a lot of money for their team,” suggesting that there are coaches advocating for non-conference games to be played between teams with similar financial commitments.

Lanning responded during his own press conference, defending Oregon’s financial investment in its roster. “If you want to be a top 10 team in college football, you better be invested in winning. We spend to win,” Lanning asserted. He further remarked that some teams “save to have an excuse for why they don’t,” while emphasizing that he cannot speak to Oklahoma State’s financial situation.

The rivalry between the two coaches has added an exciting layer to the upcoming game. According to ESPNBET, Oregon is favored by 28.5 points, indicating strong confidence in their roster’s capabilities. Given the heated exchange this week, Lanning may opt to keep his starters on the field longer, showcasing the depth of talent that comes with their substantial investment.

As the anticipation builds for this Saturday’s matchup, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching not only the game itself but also how the dynamic between Gundy and Lanning unfolds on the field. Both coaches have made their positions clear, setting the stage for a compelling contest in college football.