Noah McKinney Reportedly One of Two More Cowboys Planning to Enter Transfer Portal

Another Oklahoma State starter plans to leave the Cowboys, sorta.

On Thursday, CBS Sports reporter Matt Zenitz reported that starting right guard Noah McKinney plans to enter the transfer portal with two years left, but he “will finish out the season at Oklahoma State before moving on.”

According to Pro Football Focus, McKinney is the offense’s second-best player to see at least 100 snaps this season behind only Rodney Fields.

He ranks second among OSU linemen as a pass blocker with a grade of 82.7. That ranks 28th among linemen with at least 100 snaps, which amounts to roughly two or three games.

McKinney’s run-blocking grade (58.7) is still enough to put him second among OSU linemen this season.

His decision to enter the transfer portal could be a popular one among OSU starters with eligibility, but nothing prevents OSU’s next coach from convincing these guys to withdraw and remain in Stillwater. Going in the portal merely helps these guys explore their options, but the longer OSU’s coaching search takes, the farther along those conversations can go.

Kicker Gabe Panikowski also announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal on social media, thanking the program for the opportunity.

“Representing the Cowboys has been an immense honor,” Panikowski said.

Panikowski was one of 30 kickers in the country on the preseason watch list for the Lou Groza Award, given to the best kicker. Despite the preseason recognition, he spent the season behind kicker Logan Ward and never took the field.

Panikowski made all of his field goals last season, though only three kicks came from farther than 39 yards out. His season-long kick came from 55-yards away.