Mike Gundy Leaves Door Open for Zaquan Patterson Return

STILLWATER — On Thursday, Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy confirmed reports that safety Zaquan Patterson was no longer with the team— for now.

“As of now, yes,” Gundy said. “It is not 100%. As of now, he is not practicing with us.”

Gundy’s comments leave room open for Patterson to rejoin the Cowboys this season, assuming whatever issue caused the separation gets cleared up.

Patterson, a sophomore transfer from Miami, played in 12 games last season. He finished with 19 tackles and three pass breakups and joined the Cowboys following spring practice.

Patterson was a blue-chip recruit in the 2024 recruiting class, with 247Sports listing him as the No. 63 player in the country. He chose the hometown Hurricanes over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Texas and others.

Gundy has praised the depth of the secondary this offseason and said he expects to play eight defensive backs in the first game.

While Patterson is out of the mix now, he’s the third-highest ranked high school prospect to join the Cowboys during the entire Gundy era. So perhaps he could make it nine defensive backs in games if he returns to the team.