Eric Bailey
Tulsa World OSU Sports Reporter
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Mike Simons
Tulsa World Photojournalist
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OWASSO — Making life-changing decisions is tough for any adult.
Imagine being a high-school senior, thinking you have your college career figured out and then a bombshell blasts your plan.
Owasso High School stars Tajh Overton and Carter Langenderfer had committed to Oklahoma State for their football future. Then, in the past nine days, they witnessed head coach Mike Gundy and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham get abruptly fired from their positions.
They thought their recruiting days were over. Now everything has now been reset. Opposing colleges have feasted on the news and immediately reached out to the prospects.
Overton, a defensive lineman considered by some as the No. 1 recruit in the state, told the Tulsa World on Wednesday he remains committed to OSU; earlier in the week, Rivals flipped their Overton prediction to Missouri.
Langenderfer, after many discussions, stepped away from his pledge on Tuesday. The defensive back reopened his recruitment and is planning an official visit to Tulsa.
Immediately after the Gundy news, both recruits received a call from Kenyatta Wright, OSU’s director of football business. Athletic director Chad Weiberg also reached out.
Despite not having a head coach, the Cowboys are working hard to maintain relationships and, more importantly, commitments. At least seven players of OSU’s 2026 recruiting class have backed off pledges and reopened their recruitment.
Overton said defensive line coach Ryan Osborn has continued to stay in touch with him.
“We just talk about how I’m doing and stuff. We still talk football,” Overton told the Tulsa World after Wednesday’s practice.
The firing news is “super unfortunate and it’s a hard thing to watch, for sure,” Overton said.
As of Wednesday, how committed is Overton to OSU?
“I’m still committed,” said Overton before adding he’s currently not planning any recruiting trips to other schools.
Langenderfer said the uncertainties at Oklahoma State led him to reopening his recruitment. OSU will still be in the mix when the new coaches arrive, he added.
Last week’s firings did have an impact.
“It was very unfortunate,” Langenderfer said. “Especially with all that Coach Gundy has built there — during the last 21 years, he’s been the head coach — and it’s unfortunate that it happened before he got to coach me.”
Weiberg tried calling him last week, but practice was starting. The OSU AD left a voice message saying to contact him with any questions and that they still wanted him to be a Cowboy.
Making his decision to step back on his commitment wasn’t easy. He’s thankful for his support system. His mother Erin Langenderfer has been his biggest ally.
“We had long conversations with the GMs and assistant GMs and (prospect analyst) Cameron O’Neill. All of them,” Langenderfer said. “And we decided it was best for me to reopen and keep my options available and look around.”
Tulsa has been active over the past week. Langenderfer said he’s received contact from head coach Tre Lamb and defensive coordinator Josh Reardon.
“It’s been pretty impressive and for them to be 20 minutes away, it’s a good look,” he said.
Langenderfer is planning an official visit to Tulsa and could possibly travel to Washington State, which is also making a push.
“My mom and I talked about a timeline. Honestly, I have no clue,” he said. “I’m going to start taking some visits over these next few weekends and seeing how it plays out.”
He’s really thankful for his mother’s help.
“She’s an amazing woman. I couldn’t do a lot of things I do without her,” Langenderfer said. “She helps me throughout every process. She helps me keep my mind focused.”
The football field is therapeutic for both players. Practices and games are a sanctuary away from life’s big decisions.
That’s why both are focused on Friday’s home contest against Union.
“It’s a huge game. It’s homecoming,” Langenderfer said. “I’m also playing our old head coach and offensive coordinator, so it’s a special one for sure.”
eric.bailey@tulsaworld.com
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Eric Bailey
Tulsa World OSU Sports Reporter
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