What's up, Pokes!

 

It’s starting to feel like fall in Stillwater, Oklahoma, with clear skies and excitement in the air for an action-packed week. Cowboy and Cowgirl basketball are off to a star-studded start to their seasons. Cowboy and Cowgirl tennis have been working hard in ITA matches and are hopeful to continue their success this week. Unfortunately, Cowboy football fell to TCU in Fort Worth on Saturday. This week is the team’s second bye of the season, giving fans time to gear up for Senior Week next weekend against Texas Tech.

 

College has a big impact on student-athletes, but some high school students are already profiting from their NIL deals. David Sanders Jr., the top-rated offensive tackle of this year's class, is already making waves, pulling in over $1.1 million with Tennessee. Question for the readers: is it the right move for high school students to earn money based on their future college careers? Only time will tell how NIL changes the landscape.

 

In recent news, head coach Mike Gundy found himself in hot water over a statement made after the Homecoming game. Conducting his press conference over Zoom, Gundy remarked, "The people who are negative and voicing their opinions are the same ones that can’t pay their own bills." This comment upset many Cowboy fans, especially season ticket holders and donors who contribute significantly to the program. Gundy later issued an apology. Donors play a huge role in supporting NIL funding. Hopefully, the Cowboys can rally next season to avoid further controversy.

 

In other NIL news, Juju Watkins, USC Trojans women’s basketball star, is making headlines by producing and starring in her show “On the Rise: with Juju Watkins.” The show, in collaboration with Uninterrupted, 4.4 Media, and State Farm, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Watkins balances being a top scorer and a top NIL performer. It airs on NBC and Peacock leading up to a showdown with Notre Dame.

 

NIL continues to make a positive impact on athletes and communities across the country, and here at OSU, we’re excited to see how it can shape our future. If you’re a student at OSU, don’t miss out on getting involved in this movement!

 

Looking ahead, Cowboy tennis plays in the ITA Masters, and Cowboy basketball faces Southern Illinois at home on Thursday night. Cowboy cross-country heads to the NCAA Midwest Regional Championships. Cowgirl basketball tips off at 2:00 p.m. at home on Saturday against Fairfield, and Cowboy wrestling begins their season with a matchup against Oregon State. Finally, Cowgirl and Cowboy tennis will head to the NCAA Individual Championships on Monday, hoping to bring home some wins.

 

Come out and support your Cowboys and Cowgirls! As always, loyal and true.

 

Go Pokes!