Two coaches, two programs, and the pressure’s already on before Week 1. One, Hugh Freeze, who’s entering Year 3 with the heat turned up, bringing in a boatload of talent – 26 signees and 20 transfers – and hoping a new quarterback can right the ship after last season’s struggles. The other is clawing its way back from a brutal 3-9 season, adding over 40 newcomers, only to make headlines by cutting a transfer just weeks before the season opener. Adding to the drama, the first program suspended a highly touted freshman just days earlier. The takeaway? Pressure can sharpen decision-making, but mistakes cut deeper.
So, who’s the other coach? It’s Mike Gundy – whose Oklahoma State takes a sudden hit as sophomore safety Zaquan Patterson, a highly touted transfer from Miami, gets dismissed from the Cowboys program, sources told CBS Sports. Patterson arrived in Stillwater with high expectations after playing 12 games for the Hurricanes as a true freshman in 2024. He finished with 19 tackles (15 solo) and three pass breakups, even earning a start in the Pop-Tart Bowl against Iowa State.
Oklahoma State has dismissed Miami defensive back transfer Zaquan Patterson, a source tells @CBSSports.
Former top-65 overall recruit. Had 19 tackles last year at Miami. (@Brett_McMurphy 1st). pic.twitter.com/USpIKo9ens
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) August 19, 2025
Patterson originally entered the transfer portal on April 25, leaving Miami on good terms. He explained his move by saying, “It just was not the right place, right time. It has nothing to do with the program. Mario Cristobal and everyone in that facility are great people. I want to thank all the Canes fans as well. They’ve been a big part of my support. They made me feel at home. From the day I committed to now, they all showed major love.” He strongly considered Florida and Ole Miss before committing to Oklahoma State on May 8.
The dismissal also shines a spotlight on Mike Gundy’s evolving portal strategy. Oklahoma State added 49 transfers this offseason, the largest haul in program history. But he is not the only one letting go of a player with the season just around the corner.
Mike Gundy follows Hugh Freeze’s footsteps
Hugh Freeze is taking a firm stance. Auburn has suspended freshman DL Antonio Coleman indefinitely for violating team rules, marking the third Tiger disciplined this offseason. LB DJ Barber was dismissed after a felony marijuana charge, followed by TE Hollis Davidson’s weed arrest and subsequent suspension—though he’s now back practicing, not yet for games. Now, Coleman joins them before even playing a down.
This one hurts, as Coleman wasn’t just any recruit; he was a Top247 prospect who flipped between Alabama and Auburn multiple times before ultimately signing with the Tigers. At 6’1, 256 pounds, he’d already transitioned to defensive tackle in camp and appeared ready to contribute immediately. Ranked the No. 182 overall prospect and No. 19 defensive lineman in the 2025 class, Coleman established himself as a disruptive run defender, recording at least 13 tackles for loss in each of his last three high school seasons.
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